Description

Executive management position which requires considerable initiative and judgment in carrying out assignments, and reports directly to the Director of Public Defense Services. Oversees an office dedicated to providing legal defense for indigent adults and juveniles, legal representation for patients in Title 36 proceedings, and/or legal representation for parents and children in dependency proceedings, in accordance with A.R.S. 11-584 or as authorized by the Pinal County Board of Supervisors. Manage the office’s budget, oversee finances, allocate resources, and prepare administrative and statistical reports. Provide direction and supervision for attorneys and support staff, and oversee training and professional development for the office. Exercise sound legal judgment, and interact professionally with the public, county and state stakeholders.

Requirements

Direct the establishment, implementation, and continuous improvement of public defense policies, procedures, and programs. 
Allocate resources for services, equipment, facilities, and finance planning. Advocate for the office's future services and budgetary needs. 
Ensure the office provides quality client-centered representation that complies with federal and state constitutions, state statutes, ethical rules, and state and national best practices. 
Oversee the review and analysis of state and federal laws, court cases, and legislation. 
Direct through subordinate managers the day-to-day operations of the department. 
Ensure that all attorneys and staff receive required, necessary, and continual training to promote high-level representation and client care in accordance with ethical rules, best practices, and constitutional requirements. 
Confer with relevant County departments and outside agencies. 
Conduct research and provide consultation involving complex and difficult legal and/or policy issues. 
Represent the office in public and professional meetings and conferences, in interactions with state and county officials, county and state bar associations, including the Arizona Public Defenders Association, and citizen groups. 
Maintain accurate records and files. 
Complete performance evaluations, make hiring decisions, and oversee disciplinary actions and dismissals, approve vacations and time off, and approve work schedules and assignments.
Participate on a variety of boards, commissions, task forces, and committees.
Keep informed of current issues, best practices, and trends to ensure efficient and effective County operations.
Promote and adhere to the workplace values of accountability, commitment, and teamwork to help enrich lives beyond expectation.
Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, customer records, and restricted County information.
Perform other related duties as required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: 

Juris Doctorate degree.
Ten (10) years of licensed legal experience 
Must be licensed by the State Bar of Arizona to practice law in the State of Arizona, remain active with all annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record.
Arizona residents must have a valid Arizona Driver’s License upon hire; newly established Arizona Residents must have within 30 days.
Preferred Qualifications: 
Supervisory experience
Substantial legal experience in public defense practice area as defined in ARS 11-584