DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY:
The Internship program is designed to give interns exposure to the work environment at the County Attorney's Office including opportunities to observe and assist in legal proceedings and contribute to the work of prosecution teams. The program integrates interns into the office and allows them to assume some of the same responsibilities as our full-time personnel. 

TYPICAL CLASSIFICATION ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Legal interns may assist in many aspects of litigation, including legal research, factual investigation, and drafting of memoranda and briefs, while also helping with policy research, client counseling, and the development of public education materials. Pinal County dockets range across the legal landscape from civil to criminal cases.

Under the direct supervision of a Bureau Chief and/or supervising Deputy County Attorney:

• Represent the County Attorney’s Office in the prosecution and resolution of criminal cases; resolve assigned cases in accordance with office policies, guidelines, and standards; and perform duties within the scope of delegated authority.
• Assist in the prosecution of criminal cases, review legal documents, and compile and analyze case facts.
• Evaluate lower-level felony cases and all classes of misdemeanor cases to determine appropriate charging and disposition.
• Review evidence, interview victims and witnesses, prepare pretrial motions and legal memoranda, select juries, present opening and closing statements, conduct direct and cross-examinations, make and respond to legal objections, and propose jury instructions.
• Conduct legal research and provide consultation regarding complex or difficult legal issues. Apply relevant statutes, rules, and legal principles to individual cases and other assigned matters.
• Appear in court and conduct hearings and trials; identify and subpoena witnesses, records, and other evidence; evaluate cases based on the facts, applicable law, and legal precedent; and examine and cross-examine witnesses.
• Manage assigned cases; confer with law enforcement officers, victims, witnesses, defense counsel, and other participants; negotiate appropriate resolutions; and litigate cases through disposition.
• Evaluate case files and reports; locate, review, and analyze evidence and other information; research files and electronic databases; and maintain accurate and current case records.
• Review case status with the Bureau Chief and/or supervising Deputy County Attorney and prepare, process, and file motions, memoranda, pleadings, and other legal documents.
• Protect victims’ rights and communicate with victims as required by Arizona law and office policy.
• Maintain the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the County Attorney’s Office by complying with all applicable laws, ethical rules, policies, and procedures and by promoting accountability and public trust.
• Maintain the confidentiality of work-related matters, criminal justice information, and restricted County information.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

• Actively pursuing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Arizona residents must have a valid Arizona Driver’s License upon hire; newly established Arizona Residents must have one within 30 days of hire.

Law students of all levels are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to 2nd and 3rd year law students. Applicants should have excellent research and writing skills and the initiative and energy to see projects to completion in a fast-moving environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Customer service standards and protocols.
• Skill in providing effective customer service, and dealing tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Skilled in following verbal and written instructions and procedures.
• Skilled in communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Independent body mobility to stand, walk, bend, and sit for prolonged periods of time and/or drive a vehicle. Manual dexterity to reach, and grasp; manual dexterity to hand write or use computer keyboard; vision sufficient to see/read; hear and speak to communicate with customers in person and over the phone.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Position is located in an indoor office environment.

This announcement may be closed as soon as a sufficient number of qualified applicants have applied.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

 We appreciate your interest in our employment opportunities. At Pinal County, we value

professionalism and respect for others. If these values are not demonstrated throughout the application and interview process, we reserve the right to remove your candidacy from consideration, 

which may impact your future Pinal County applications.  

Offers of employment are valid only if provided in writing and approved by Pinal County Human Resources. 
 

All qualified candidates eligible to work in the United States are welcome to apply. 

However, visa sponsorship is not available.  

Pinal County does not participate in STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT).

Pinal County requires pre-employment screening, which includes a Motor Vehicle Record check, a comprehensive background check (encompassing employment, education, and criminal history), and drug testing for safety-sensitive roles. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify candidates from employment. Employment offers are contingent on successful pre-employment screening.  If driving is a requirement of the position, you must have a valid Arizona State Driver's License in accordance with Arizona State Law.  

Work in this classification requires an individual to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties, just as though they were actually written out in this description.