Job Description

Posting Date

07/06/26

Application Deadline

Open Until Filled

Pay Range

$82,250 - $171,750 annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

Legal Defender

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 may be used to fill current vacancies in the non-capital adult criminal trial group.

This recruitment is utilized to fill Attorney tier I – III positions. The level and compensation offered will be based on the education and experience provided on the application.

• Attorneys hired at a tier I will be compensated at a range of $82,250 – $135,250

• Attorneys hired at a tier II will be compensated at a range of $102,000 – $148,500

• Attorneys hired at a tier III will be compensated at a range of $114,500 – $171,750

About Us

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

• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive

• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 11.98% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

• Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• One year of experience as a practicing attorney

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

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

We Also Value

• Experience practicing as an attorney in the area of criminal law

• Experience with adult criminal matters

Job Contributions

• Appears in court, representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials

• Presents oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients’ legal interests

• Researches facts and analyzes legal issues using both computerized and printed legal research tools

• Composes motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents

• Prepares cases for trial by interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes, and other case-related locations

• Reviews evidence on- and off-site

• Discusses and presents analyses of legal issues to clients, court personnel, and related individuals

• Communicates in person and by phone with clients, opposing counsel, co-workers, supervisors, and others

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

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

• Attends Continuing Legal Education seminars

Working Conditions

• Most work is performed in an indoor office or courtroom environment and requires viewing traumatic subject matter, including crime scenes, accidents, etc.

• Must have the 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 teamwork

• 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

• Valid Arizona driver's license is required upon hire

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

Selection Procedure

• 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 and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov to initiate the interactive process.

Apply Now!