Maricopa County
Posting Date
09/10/25
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled
Pay Range
$17.00 hourly
This position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours over 40 in the designated workweek. Job Type Temporary Department Legal Defender About the Position Are you passionate about helping those in our community who are underserved? Join our team and make a difference doing something that you are passionate about!
You will have an opportunity to work as either a Legal Intern/Extern or as a Rule Certified Limited Practice Student in our office. In both roles you will gain practical, hands on experience working side by side with experienced attorneys and legal professionals. Positions are available in Juvenile Dependency/Severance, Criminal Trial Group, and Early Disposition Court.
This is a temporary position and will term at the end of the semester.
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.
Start your career adventure with us and seek just and equitable treatment for our clients!
Proud to Offer Work with a greater purpose
Tuition reimbursement
Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options
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 In order to qualify for this position, you must have completed at least one year of a Juris Doctor (JD) program at an accredited Law School
Job Contributions Legal Intern / Extern Attends and assists with various aspects of trial work, including jury selection
Assists in trial preparation
Attends and participates in witness interviews
Attends various hearing types, including status conferences, settlement conferences, and evidentiary hearings
Drafts and edits pleadings
Meets with clients both in and out of jail
Researches legal issues
Writes legal memoranda
Reviews case files and assists assigned attorneys with additional needs
Participates in trainings related to criminal defense and development of trial skills
Rule Certified Limited Practice Student Represents indigent clients in criminal cases in Maricopa County Superior Court and Justice Courts
Handles preliminary hearings, plea proceedings, settlement conferences, sentencings, evidentiary hearings, and jury trials
Interviews clients and witnesses
Drafts motions
Receives specific training in all aspects of trial including opening statements, closing arguments, direct and cross examination, and voir dire
Participates in a clinical course to learn effective public speaking techniques
Receives regular feedback regarding verbal and written work from professors, experienced criminal defense attorneys, and other stakeholders
Other tasks as directed by a supervising attorney to ensure effective representation is provided
Working Conditions Most work is performed in an office environment or court room.
Requires the ability to work with traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.)
This position requires contact with the public and close working relationships with other staff members
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!
This position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours over 40 in the designated workweek. Job Type Temporary Department Legal Defender About the Position Are you passionate about helping those in our community who are underserved? Join our team and make a difference doing something that you are passionate about!
You will have an opportunity to work as either a Legal Intern/Extern or as a Rule Certified Limited Practice Student in our office. In both roles you will gain practical, hands on experience working side by side with experienced attorneys and legal professionals. Positions are available in Juvenile Dependency/Severance, Criminal Trial Group, and Early Disposition Court.
This is a temporary position and will term at the end of the semester.
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.
Start your career adventure with us and seek just and equitable treatment for our clients!
Proud to Offer Work with a greater purpose
Tuition reimbursement
Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options
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 In order to qualify for this position, you must have completed at least one year of a Juris Doctor (JD) program at an accredited Law School
Job Contributions Legal Intern / Extern Attends and assists with various aspects of trial work, including jury selection
Assists in trial preparation
Attends and participates in witness interviews
Attends various hearing types, including status conferences, settlement conferences, and evidentiary hearings
Drafts and edits pleadings
Meets with clients both in and out of jail
Researches legal issues
Writes legal memoranda
Reviews case files and assists assigned attorneys with additional needs
Participates in trainings related to criminal defense and development of trial skills
Rule Certified Limited Practice Student Represents indigent clients in criminal cases in Maricopa County Superior Court and Justice Courts
Handles preliminary hearings, plea proceedings, settlement conferences, sentencings, evidentiary hearings, and jury trials
Interviews clients and witnesses
Drafts motions
Receives specific training in all aspects of trial including opening statements, closing arguments, direct and cross examination, and voir dire
Participates in a clinical course to learn effective public speaking techniques
Receives regular feedback regarding verbal and written work from professors, experienced criminal defense attorneys, and other stakeholders
Other tasks as directed by a supervising attorney to ensure effective representation is provided
Working Conditions Most work is performed in an office environment or court room.
Requires the ability to work with traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.)
This position requires contact with the public and close working relationships with other staff members
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!