Attorney IV -Deputy Legal Advocate

Salary : $95,804.80 - $153,732.80 Annually

Location : Kingman, AZ

Job Type: Full Time-Unclassified

Job Number: 04986

Department: Legal Advocate

Opening Date: 02/20/2024

Job Summary

Mohave County Legal Advocate's Office is currently recruiting for an Attorney IV-Juvenile Court in Kingman, AZ

Depending on qualifications, may underfill position. This posting will be used to fill current and future vacancies.

Attorney I Range 23, Steps 1-17: $34.37 - $55.17
Attorney II Range 25, Steps 1-17: $37.89 - $60.81
Attorney III Range 27, Steps 1-17: $41.78 - $67.04
Attorney IV Range 29, Steps 1-17: $46.06 - $73.91

This is one classification in a progressive series of Attorney positions which performs complex professional seasoned (practiced or skilled) or advanced level legal work through either representing the assigned department in conducting complex research, litigation, and/or defense work. As a Senior/Supervising Attorney, incumbent is involved in planning and directing the work of a major unit responsible for providing complex professional legal services in a specialized area.

REPORTS TO

Work is performed under general direction of a higher authority with wide latitude for independent judgment and work is reviewed and evaluated through results obtained.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises technical, functional and/or direct supervision of assigned professionals, clerical support, investigative and paralegal personnel.

Essential Job Functions

• Represents the assigned department in courts of law.
• Communicates and acts in a professional manner with the public, co-workers, and work contacts.
• Prosecutes and/or Defends all classes of felony and gross misdemeanor preliminary hearings including murder cases, and murder cases in which the death penalty is sought to be imposed (if death penalty certified).
• Prosecutes and/or Defends complex criminal cases; reviews evidence; interviews witnesses; prepares pre-trial legal memoranda; selects juries; prepares and presents opening and closing statements; examines and cross examines witnesses; makes and meets legal objections; and requests legal instructions.
• Evaluates criminal charges as filed and instructs investigators as to additional information needed to defend cases; evaluates the information and determines the appropriate disposition of the case.
• Evaluates criminal cases of newer attorneys; suggests lines of investigation, appropriate trial tactics and legal motions to use; gives advice as to appropriate dispositions.
• Administers programs in a specific field of criminal law; evaluates effectiveness of particular section in which assigned.
• Assists in coordinating court dockets including jury trials, preliminary hearings, bench trials, sentencing, and probation violation hearings and motions.
• As assigned, supervises and trains assigned attorneys or others in matters relating to the assigned department.
• As assigned, completes performance evaluations; may make hiring recommendations; recommends disciplinary actions; approves vacations and time off; prepares work schedules and assignments; supervises the activities of assigned personnel; monitors reports and recordkeeping activities filed by assigned personnel for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to policy and procedure guidelines; instructs personnel in departmental policies, procedures and techniques; and provides technical assistance and training.
• Makes presentations to consumer, civic, church groups and others concerning the assigned department's office and the law.
• Serves on specific task groups as requested.
• Participates in policy-making discussions as requested.
• Possesses authority to make office-wide decisions if necessary, in the absence or unavailability of the Department Director, as specifically delegated by the Department Director in strict accordance with the policies of the department.
• Obtains additional knowledge of legal, judicial and other job-related fields through reading of related information and materials and attending training and educational classes.
• Maintains files, compiles reports, and statistics as needed.

AS ASSIGNED TO LEGAL ADVOCATE

• As a Legal Advocate represents children in dependency (child welfare - abuse and neglect) cases.
• Parents in dependency cases who are facing removal of their children following filing by the State of a court petition alleging parental abuse or neglect. May be assigned to represent children in unrelated juvenile delinquency cases.
• Prepares appropriate defense which addresses the legal principles involved.
• Prepares and oversees the preparation of legal briefs and memoranda.
• Negotiates with opposing counsel on appropriate disposition of cases.
• Writes appellate briefs and argues appeals before the Supreme Court on behalf of indigent clients.
• Negotiates pleas in criminal cases on behalf of indigent clients.
• Interviews victims, witnesses, clients, or prospective clients in the office, in custody and in other environments as necessary.
• Performs legal research in connection with legal writing and legal arguments. Receives and evaluates reports and discovery materials from various entities which may include Department of Child Safety and mental health providers.
• Orders investigations, subpoenas and retained expert evaluations.
• Communicates with civic and governmental agencies regarding rehabilitation programs for clients.
• Provides advocacy at sentencing proceedings.
• Works with the Probation Department on probation with clients.
• Handles probation revocation hearings.
• Works with Attorney General, case managers, mental health providers, foster parents and others involved in the lives of dependent clients.
• Attends and participates in Child Family Team Meetings and case plan staffing for dependent clients.
• Conducts in-person visits with dependent clients, including but not limited to foster parents, schools, and kinship placements.

SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs related work as required.
• Performs special assignments as requested.

• Exercise regular and predictable attendance and punctuality in accordance with Mohave County Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona (please list on application), or eligible for admission by Rule 38(g).
• Seven (7) years' experience as a licensed attorney, performing responsible, complex professional legal work.
  
• Some experience performing administrative and supervisory responsibilities.

• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications.

SPECIAL JOB REQUIREMENT

• Must possess a valid driver's license for operation of motor vehicles on Arizona roads at the start of employment and maintain said license while employed in this position.
• Provide acceptable driving history at no cost to the County.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, materials, practices, and references utilized in legal research and presentation in civil/criminal law.

• Methods and practices of defending criminal/civil cases and of effective techniques in the preparation and presentation of cases in court.
• Court rules and procedures, rules of evidence, and Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Interviewing and investigative techniques.
• Principles and practices of leadership, supervision and training.
• Common law, State and Federal statutory, constitutional and case law.
• Mohave County Personnel Policies and Procedures, and Department policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.

Ability to:

• Set priorities, plan, assign, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate professionals, investigatory and clerical personnel.
• Train subordinate and/or less experienced professional personnel in legal research and presentation methods and procedures.
• Obtain additional knowledge of legal, judicial and other job-related fields through reading of related information and materials and attending training and educational classes.
• Analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents concerned with difficult and complex cases and to effectively present such materials in clear and logical form and in an oral or written presentation.
• Understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations and precedents.
• Understand, interpret and apply pertinent federal, state and local rules, regulations, procedures and policies regarding legal work and services to include departmental procedures and requirements.
• Read, interpret and apply technical materials encountered as a result of work assignments.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and communicate tactfully and effectively with administrative officials, County governmental officials, employees, court officials, and the public both orally and in writing.
• Investigate and elicit information from people to include those who may be under emotional strain and/or angry and hostile.
• Prepare, present and conduct trial defenses and appeals effectively.
• Determine alternative courses of action.
• Present and argue cases in court and handle unanticipated problems smoothly.
• Maintain confidentiality, objectivity and freedom from prejudice.
• Manage problems which may be controversial or sensitive in nature.
• Understand and grasp ideas quickly and follow instructions with initiative and exercise good judgment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and documentation.
• Comply with Mohave County Personnel Policies and Procedures, and Department Regulations.
• Perform the essential functions and fulfill the working conditions/physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.