Maricopa County
Posting Date
09/03/25
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled
Pay Range
$80,000 - $144,500 annually
Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. The 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 a current vacancy in the non-capital adult criminal trial group.
This recruitment is utilized to fill Attorney tier I - II 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 $80,000 - $130,500
Attorneys hired at a tier II will be compensated at a range of $99,000 - $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 upcoming 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 experience as a practicing attorney for the Attorney II level
Other Requirements License 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 licenseupon hire
We Also Value Current admittance to the Arizona State Bar
One year of experience as a practicing attorney
Experience practicing as an attorney in the area of criminal law
Experience with adult criminal matters
Job Contributions Appear in court, representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials
Present oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients' legal interest
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
Review evidence on- and off-site
Discuss and present analyses of legal issues to clients, court personnel and related individuals
Communicate 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
Attend Continuing Legal Education seminars
Working Conditions Office environment or court room
This position requires viewing traumatic subject matter including crime scenes, accidents, possible child abuse, 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.
Apply Now!
Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. The 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 a current vacancy in the non-capital adult criminal trial group.
This recruitment is utilized to fill Attorney tier I - II 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 $80,000 - $130,500
Attorneys hired at a tier II will be compensated at a range of $99,000 - $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 upcoming 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 experience as a practicing attorney for the Attorney II level
Other Requirements License 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 licenseupon hire
We Also Value Current admittance to the Arizona State Bar
One year of experience as a practicing attorney
Experience practicing as an attorney in the area of criminal law
Experience with adult criminal matters
Job Contributions Appear in court, representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials
Present oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients' legal interest
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
Review evidence on- and off-site
Discuss and present analyses of legal issues to clients, court personnel and related individuals
Communicate 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
Attend Continuing Legal Education seminars
Working Conditions Office environment or court room
This position requires viewing traumatic subject matter including crime scenes, accidents, possible child abuse, 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.
Apply Now!