Deputy Criminal County Attorney II/III/IV - County Attorney (0925)

The Coconino County Attorney's Office is seeking applications for a Deputy Criminal County Attorney position in Flagstaff. Salary is commensurate with experience. Advancement in classification is within the discretion of the County Attorney upon attorney performance and experience.

The Coconino County Attorney's Office is a public law office in Northern Arizona located in the heart of Flagstaff. We are a team of approximately 20 attorneys and 30 legal staff who are dedicated to the vigorous and fair prosecution of crime throughout Coconino County, protection of the rights of crime victims, and effective legal representation of the County and County special districts. The CCAO is one of largest law offices in Northern Arizona and sets the example at the State and National levels in vision and design for rural attorney offices.
 
Attorneys perform prosecution functions and civil representation for the County and County Departments, legal representation for clients needing publicly assisted representation in criminal, juvenile, mental health, dependency and severance of parental rights cases following appointment by the courts of Coconino County; and perform related duties as required. Advancement in classification is within the discretion of the Department Director based upon attorney performance.

Our Mission: 
 “We serve the public by advocating for justice and empowering our community to thrive.” 
 
Our Values: 
 Justice: We advocate for fair and equitable outcomes. 
 Service: We value working for something bigger than ourselves. 
 Trust: We inspire confidence with truth, reliability, and respect. 
 Integrity: We honor our commitments, with courage. 
 Connection: We invest in each other and our community. 
 Excellence: We strive to be our best every day.

The ideal candidate for this position will have knowledge of Arizona criminal statutory and case law; Superior and Justice Court Criminal Procedures and their application; Rules of evidence; and principles and techniques of legal research. The ideal candidate will have the skills and abilities to analyze and apply legal principles and practices under the supervision and guidance of a lead attorney; prepare, organize, and try misdemeanor cases alone under the guidance of a lead attorney; interview witnesses and complainants; prepare motions, orders, pleadings, and other legal documents; present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically, orally, and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with County staff and representatives from outside agencies. Opportunity may be given to this attorney to second- chair criminal cases depending on the attorney’s experience, performance, and desire to do so.

(Illustrative only)
The level and complexity of assignments vary with the level of the position; however, all classes perform the following:
• Manages caseloads, which include interviewing and advising clients on their legal rights and obligations
• Analyzes case material after investigations; conducts legal research as required
• Prepares cases for presentation in court; appears in court and represents clients or the State at court hearings
• Prepares and submits legal documents to the courts on behalf of clients or the State
• Writes, or word-processes correspondence and reports
• Maintains accurate records and files

Essential functions of this position include but are not limited to: driving; sitting; working with and around others; dealing with interruptions; repetitive motion (hand/wrist) for computer work; vision acuity (near) for routine office and customer service duties; hearing and speech for ordinary conversation; finger dexterity for typing and paperwork.
 

Attorney II is distinguished from Attorney I by the greater difficulty of cases assigned and the lesser degree of supervision received. Incumbents perform legal work of increasing difficulty. (Minimum of one and one-half years of experience required)

Attorney III is distinguished from Attorney II by working under general direction on more complex and serious cases. The Attorney III level is the full working level and is reserved for attorneys with skill and experience in all areas of their assigned cases. (Minimum of three years of experience required)

Attorney IV has responsibility leading and directing a team of attorneys in addition to being a very experienced professional level attorney capable of being assigned extremely difficult cases involving the most complex factual and legal issues, including capital cases. Legal Defender's Office: May serve as acting director in the absence of the director. (Minimum of five years of experience required)

Attorney V is the most experienced professional level attorney. Incumbents are expected to handle the most serious, complex and high profile cases, including capital cases, and may be assigned responsibility for supervising and leading other attorneys. They may also assist in development and implementation of department policies and procedures. (Minimum of seven years of experience required) No more than 20 per cent of authorized attorney positions for a Department (rounded off to the next whole number) shall be Attorney V positions.

These positions are exempt from overtime.
Note: Individuals in exempt classifications as part time employees may be classified as non-exempt per FLSA law regarding minimum weekly salary requirements.

These positions are safety sensitive.

These positions are At-Will.

Public Defender, Legal Defender & Chief Deputy County Attorney positions are the administrative leaders of their respective offices. (Minimum of five years legal experience and two years supervisory experience required.)

These positions are exempt from overtime.
Note: Individuals in exempt classifications as part time employees may be classified as non-exempt per FLSA law regarding minimum weekly salary requirements.

These positions are safety sensitive.

These positions are At-Will.

LICENSE
Current active membership in the State Bar of Arizona. Possession of, or ability to attain, a valid Arizona driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
 
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited and American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school (required). Must have current active membership with the State Bar of Arizona and must be in good standing, OR in the process of receiving an active membership with the State Bar of Arizona through reciprocity (required). 
Availability to respond to after- hour inquiries during on-call shifts (including weekends and holidays), which may require driving to remote areas of the county, as needed.
Must possess or obtain a valid Arizona Driver's License at time of hire.

Considerable knowledge of:
- Substantive law, rules of evidence, trial and court procedures, legal principles and research methods commensurate with the level of experience of the class
- Computer applications related to the work
- Standard legal office practices and procedures
- Techniques for dealing with individuals of varying races, genders, ethnicity and ages, some of whom may have physical or emotional problems and who appear to be difficult, confused or hostile

Ability and Skill in:
- Interviewing a variety of individuals and soliciting needed information to determine facts/circumstances
- Developing effective strategies for client representation
- Analyzing cases and applying legal principles
- Presenting statements of law clearly and logically in written and verbal form
- Presenting an effective case in court
- Managing an assigned caseload
- Preparing clear, concise, accurate and effective legal documents, reports, correspondence and other written materials
-Maintaining accurate records and files
- Using sound independent judgment within established legal, policy and procedural guidelines
- Communicating logically and effectively with a diverse group of clients, witnesses, judges, law enforcement officials, other attorneys and employees of various agencies and departments
- Demonstrating patience, tact, courtesy and compassion
- Work safely and support the culture of workplace safety
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work
- Working cooperatively with colleagues to accomplish the policies and goals of the office

Coconino County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.