Attorney

About the Position

If you want to help others, be intellectually challenged, and live up to your potential, then apply to be an Attorney with Public Advocate! We’re looking for someone who is a great oral communicator, team player, and an expert in conducting legal research. As an Attorney, you’ll represent indigent clients when appointed by the court and prepare cases for defense including, but not limited to, presenting such cases in all phases of court proceedings.

Recruitments are used to fill attorney vacancies in various assignments throughout the Office. This recruitment will be used to fill a current vacancy in the juvenile dependency 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 $80,000.00 – $
• Attorneys hired at a tier II will be compensated at a range of $98,000.00 – $
• Attorneys hired at a tier III will be compensated at a range of $ – $

The Office of the Public Advocate seeks professionals, both attorneys, and legal staff members, to join our legal defense team! We’re committed to the mission of protecting the fundamental rights of our clients. We’re dedicated to providing effective legal representation to all indigent persons, those individuals who are not able to afford the services of private lawyers, when appointed by the Maricopa County Superior Court.

Our clients include juveniles charged with criminal offenses, parents, and children in dependency and severance matters (loss of parental rights), and people facing court‑ordered mental health evaluation and treatment.

• 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 12.27% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
• Learn more at Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

• Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school
• License to practice law and member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona
• Applications will be accepted from candidates who have passed the Arizona 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

• Two years of experience working with juvenile dependency matters as an attorney

• Appear in court, represent clients at scheduled hearings and trials
• Present oral arguments as appropriate 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, reviewing disclosures, and filing appropriate motions and objections
• Reviews evidence on‑ and off‑site
• Discuss and present analysis 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
  
  Attend CFTs, TDMs, staffings and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars

• Ability to work with traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.), interruptions, time pressure, high volumes of work, handling multiple or complicated tasks, unscheduled…