About Tamara Nicole
Tamara Nicole Mulembo is an attorney based in Tucson, Arizona, specializing in criminal defense, family law, and mental health cases. With over 18 years of legal experience, she has adeptly represented clients in both state and federal courts. Her practice encompasses a wide variety of cases, ranging from high-profile criminal defense to intricate family law matters. This diverse background allows her to navigate complex legal fields with skill and confidence. A proud alumna of the University of Arizona, Tamara earned her Juris Doctor from the James E. Rogers College of Law in 2005. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Spanish in 2002, also at the University of Arizona.
Her educational foundation gave her strong communication skills, essential for effective advocacy in the courtroom. Early in her career, she served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Philip G. Espinosa of the Arizona Court of Appeals, where she gained invaluable insights into the judicial process. Following her clerkship, Tamara joined the Pima County Public Defender’s Office, where she defended clients in the Spanish Felony Trial Unit. This role allowed her to serve a diverse population and hone her litigation skills. Later, she transitioned to the federal level as an Assistant Federal Public Defender, where she led trial teams in federal felony cases. Her experience in both public defense and federal litigation has provided her with a knowledge of the legal system.
In addition to her criminal defense work, Tamara gained civil litigation experience as Claims Litigation Counsel for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. This role further broadened her legal expertise. This lets the attorney understand the nuances of civil law. In 2021, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to serve as Chief Deputy Pima County Attorney. In this capacity, she oversaw multiple departments and managed over 320 employees, demonstrating her leadership abilities and commitment to public service. Tamara has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the legal community. In 2018, she was honored with the Community Service Award from the Arizona Black Bar Association, recognizing her dedication to service and advocacy.
Additionally, she received the Joseph M. Livermore Service Award from the University of Arizona in 2005 — Fluent in both English and Spanish, she effectively serves many clients. As the founder and managing attorney of Mulembo Law PLLC, Tamara continues to provide dedicated legal representation in criminal defense, family law, and mental health cases throughout Tucson and Southern Arizona. Her commitment to her clients and her community remains unwavering.
