Attorney - II

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

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!

• 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) approved law school
• One year of experience as a practicing attorney for the Attorney II level

• 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 license upon hire

• 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

• 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

• 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…