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? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment?

If so, look no further, as the Maricopa County Office of the Legal Defender is looking for candidates to represent indigent clients appointed by the court who are charged with criminal felony offenses. As an Attorney II in the Early Disposition Court, you provide representation in all stages up and through probable cause determination or to the conclusion of a case via sentencing, diversion, or dismissal;

including but not limited to, initial appearance, status conferences, witness preliminary hearings, sentencings, mitigation hearings, restitution hearings, and all of the negotiation in between.

This recruitment is utilized to fill an Attorney tier II vacancy in the Early Disposition Court.

The level and compensation offered will be based on the education and experience provided on the application. Attorneys hired at a tier II will be compensated at a range of $102,000 – $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 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

• Juris Doctor (JD) or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school
• One year of experience as a practicing attorney
• 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
• Three years 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
• Negotiate deals and resolutions with State attorneys on behalf of our clients
• 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 court
• 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
• Attend Continuing Legal Education seminars

• Most work is performed in an indoor office or courtroom environment
• This position requires viewing traumatic subject matter, including crime scenes, accidents, etc.
• Ability to meet deadlines with a high volume of work, interruptions, time pressures, handling…