Conditional – Prosecutor

Position: Conditional Hire – Prosecutor I
** Posting Date
** 01/20/26
** Final date to receive applications
** 03/31/26
** Pay Range**$82,250 - $106,375 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
** Classified
* * Department
* * County Attorney
** About the Position
** The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is accepting applications from third-year law students who will take the Arizona bar exam in July 2026 for our Conditional Hire – Prosecutor I position.  Applicants hired into this position will be offered a full-time Prosecutor I position conditioned on the following:
* The applicant is successful on the July 2026 bar exam;
* The applicant is cleared through MCAO’s attorney background process, including drug screen;
* The applicant submits all character and fitness materials to the State Bar of Arizona no later than May 31, 2026;
* The applicant completes all requirements for admission to the State Bar (including, but not limited to: passing the MPRE, completing the Arizona Law Course (if applicable), etc) prior to October 9, 2026;
* MCAO has an available Prosecutor I vacancy at the time the applicant receives an Arizona bar number.

Conditional Hires will start working at MCAO as law clerks shortly after the July 2026 bar exam.  Law clerks will be compensated at $22.00 per hour, paid through a third-party employer, and are expected to work a 40-hour workweek.

After Conditional Hires receive their Arizona State Bar number and are formally placed in a Prosecutor I vacancy, they will be compensated as a Prosecutor I. The starting salary for a new attorney in the Prosecutor I position is $82,250 annually. The full salary range is $82,250 - $106,375 annually.
** About the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
** We believe in integrity. We believe in justice for all. And we are proud to deliver high-quality prosecution, comprehensive victims' services, crime prevention programs, and more to the residents of Maricopa County. If you would like to utilize your talents and skills to stand up for Maricopa County, 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, 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 on-site center , dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
* Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center
* 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 12% monthly contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
** We Require
*** Current 3rd-year law student, expected to receive a Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school and sit for the Arizona Bar exam within the next six months
* Applicant must submit a complete application (including all materials needed for their Character and Fitness review) to the Arizona Bar Association by May 31, 2026, to continue the application process
* Applicant must take the Arizona bar exam within 6 months of this application, pass, and be issued an Arizona bar number to continue the application process
* Successful applicants must have demonstrated an interest in criminal prosecution during law school through internships, externships, employment, volunteering, or clinical experiences with a criminal prosecution agency
** Job Contributions
*** Discuss and present analyses of legal issues
* Conduct trials, present oral arguments, and cover court
* Interview witnesses regarding facts in the prosecution of cases
* Research and analyze legal issues using both computerized legal research and hard copy tools
* Compose memoranda and pleadings regarding legal issues of concern
* Maintain…