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 SummaryMohave County Legal Advocate's Office is currently recruiting for an Attorney IV-Juvenile Court in Kingman, AZDepending 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. 17Attorney II Range 25, Steps 1-17: $37. 89 - $60. 81Attorney III Range 27, Steps 1-17: $41. 78 - $67. 04Attorney 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 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.

• 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.

• 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 abilitie.