Cecilia Vaca

• Provide direct representation of indigent persons charged with federal crimes. Handle wide range of cases from initial appearance through trial and sentencing. Research, write, and argue substantive pretrial motions including motions to suppress.
• Assigned as mentor to new attorneys. Along with trial unit supervisor, teach attorneys new to federal practice about federal sentencing guidelines, motion practice and trial skills.
• Teach several CLE's in Montgomery and have served nationally as faculty for the Andrea Taylor Sentencing Workshop. Serve as resource to CJA counsel.

The Defense Services Office serves as the public defender's office for the Gila River Indian Community. As Director, I was responsible for creating and managing budget and defining mission of a relatively new office. Supervised seven attorneys in the representation of indigent individuals in adult criminal court and juvenile court. Also handled a caseload of approximately 50 cases.

• Served on committee that drafted revisions to Gila River Criminal Code and Rules of Criminal Procedure. Served on supervisory board for Juvenile Drug Court and Mental Health Court. Responsible for presenting to legislative body to advocate for adequate funding to support robust defense for indigent defendants.
• Established culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication and empowering employees to voice their ideas. Recruited attorneys and helped shape a culture of retention and passion for public defense at DSO.
• Regular presenter at Arizona Public Defenders Association annual CLE in criminal defense and tribal law. Also presented and taught nationally on implementation of the Tribal Law and Order Act and VAWA.

• Supervisor. Handled primarily adult criminal cases and some juvenile offender cases from initial appearance through sentencing and appeal. Heavy motion and trial practice, plea negotiations and holistic client representation. Mentored and supervised new defense attorneys.
• Core member of group that researched, planned and implemented a Mental Health Court in the Gila River Indian Community.

• Entry level public defender position. Handled adult criminal, juvenile offender and child dependency cases. Represented clients in arraignments, detention hearings and graduated to litigating attempted murder case as second chair. Promoted after six months.

• Supervised paralegals, support staff and assisted with large personal injury caseload.
• Helped restructure intake process and case management procedures while Mr. Gibbons ran for public office.
• Mr. Gibbons recruited me from my previous employer. Left after receiving Arizona Bar license to pursue a career in criminal defense.

• General practice law firm dealing primarily in personal injury and criminal cases. Handled cases under the supervision of Michael Cordova from the point of client intake to resolution. Engages in countless negotiations, arbitrations and assisted with trial preparation.

• Served as counsel to 40 national non-profits and labor unions. I practiced primarily in employment law, handling countless EEOC hearings and unpaid wage claim hearings. Maintained daily consultation with clients all over United States regarding employment issues. Used proactive approach to handling employment conflicts to avoid litigation.
• Drafted and revised staff policy manuals.
• Traveled to various offices to provide in-house management training on sexual harassment.
• Assisted client in incorporating in Mexico and Guatemala.

Reviewed contracts for compliance with public bid laws and city requirements. Drafted contracts for City Council and Mayor's office. Assisted in litigation of cases arising from breach of contract, including depositions, hearings, researching and drafting pleadings and internal memorandum.

• Responsible for implementing pilot service and fundraising programs for this fledgling non-profit. Organized and taught after school mock law school program from low-income students of color interested in pursuing legal careers.
• Organized and sold out large holiday jazz fundraiser at Ritz-Carlton.