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Attorney II - III

Maricopa County, AZ, Phoenix, AZ, United States


About the Position
Are you passionate about helping others? Are you someone who we can count on to advocate professionally, aggressively, and ethically on behalf of indigent clients charged with criminal offenses in Maricopa County?

If so, look no further as the Maricopa County Office of the Legal Defender is looking for candidates to represent indigent clients when appointed by the court, prepare cases for defense, and present cases in all phases of court proceedings.

This recruitment is utilized to fill an Attorney tier II vacancy in the non‑capital adult criminal trial group.

The level and compensation offered will be based on the education and experience provided on the application.

Attorneys hired at a tier II will be compensated at a range of $102,000 – $144,500.

About the Office of the Legal Defender
The Office of the Legal Defender consists of attorneys and support staff helping to provide quality legal representation to indigent individuals assigned to us by the court, thus safeguarding the fundamental legal rights of each member of the community.

If you would like to seek just and equitable treatment for our clients, apply today and join our team!

Proud to Offer

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer

Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRHP) for attorneys

Work with a greater purpose

Tuition reimbursement

Exceptional work-life balance

Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County

Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents

Child care benefits including access to our on‑site center Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families exclusively

Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts

Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

Learn more at Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school

One year of relevant experience as a practicing attorney

Licensed to practice law and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona

Applications will be accepted from candidates who have passed the Arizona state bar examination, or those transferring UBE scores, and are awaiting admission to the bar, but such candidates cannot be hired until admitted

Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire

We Also Value

Current admittance to the Arizona State Bar

Three years of experience as a practicing attorney in the area of criminal law

Experience practicing as an criminal trial attorney

Experience with adult criminal matters

Job Contributions

Appear in court, represent clients at scheduled hearings and trials, and present oral arguments in support of clients' legal interests

Research facts and analyze legal issues using both computerized and printed legal research tools

Compose motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents

Prepare cases for trial by interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes and other case-related locations, and reviewing evidence on and off‑site

Discuss and present analyses of legal issues to clients, court personnel and related individuals

Communicate effectively in person and by phone with clients, opposing counsel, co‑workers, supervisors, and others

Travel to courts, jails, detention centers, and correctional facilities to effectively represent clients

Provide leadership for professionals, including other attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and paralegals, consistent with current assignment

Attends Continuing Legal Education seminars

Other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, assisting in other areas of the office as needed

Working Conditions

Most work is performed in an indoor office or courtroom environment

This position requires viewing traumatic subject matter including crime scenes, accidents, etc.

Ability to meet deadlines with a high volume of work, interruptions, time pressures, handling multiple or complicated tasks, unscheduled tasks, frequently changing tasks, accuracy, decision making, concentration/vigilance, and/or teamwork

This position requires contact with the public and close working relationships with other staff members

Ability to lift, carry, or push up to 35 pounds for 200‑300 feet

Work requires travel to and from job-related locations during a scheduled workday, subject to County policies regarding the use of County vehicles and/or private vehicles used on County business

Selection Procedure

Only the most qualified candidates will be considered

Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications

Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile

Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.

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