Posting Date
06/17/26Application Deadline
06/26/26Pay Range
$82,250 - $165,000 annuallySalary 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
UnclassifiedDepartment
Public AdvocateAbout 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 the defense, including but not limited to presenting such cases in all phases of court proceedings.
Please Note: This position will be Title 36 Civil commitment proceedings (Title 36) and will be located at 1201 S. 7th Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85007.
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 and available levels within the office.
Attorneys hired at a tier I will be compensated at a range of $82,250 – $130,500
Attorneys hired at a tier II will be compensated at a range of $102,000 – 144,500
Attorneys hired at a tier III will be compensated at a range of $114,500 – $165,000
About Us
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.
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
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% per paycheck contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
Learn more at Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ
We Require
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 at the time of hire
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
We Also Value
Experience working with civil commitment proceedings (Title 36)
Job Contributions
Appears in court, represents clients at scheduled hearings and trials
Presents oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients' legal interests
Researches facts and analyzes legal issues using both computerized and printed legal research tools
Composes motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents
Prepares cases for trial by interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes, and other case-related locations. Reviews evidence on- and off-site
Discusses and presents an analysis of legal issues to clients, court personnel, and related individuals
Communicates in person and by phone with clients, opposing counsel, co-workers, supervisors, and others
Travels to courts, jails, detention centers, and correctional facilities to effectively represent clients
Attends Continuing Legal Education seminars
Working Conditions
Position requires the ability to work with traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.), interruptions, time pressure, high volumes of work, handling multiple or complicated tasks, unscheduled tasks, frequently changing tasks, accuracy, decision making, concentration, vigilance, teamwork, working in close physical proximity with others, public contact, and overtime/rotating shifts may be a common occurrence
May be required to lift 15-25 pounds from floor to waist; 15 pounds waist to shoulder or shoulder to overhead; carry 15-25 pounds a distance of 100 feet or push/pull 100 pounds a distance of 100 feet
Valid Arizona driver's license is required upon hire
Work requires traveling to and from job-related locations on a scheduled workday, subject to County policies regarding the use of a County and/or private vehicle used on County business
Selection Procedure
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 and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact [email protected] to initiate the interactive process.
Apply Now!
Skills Required
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Doctor of Jurisprudence from an ABA-accredited law school
- License to practice law and member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona at time of hire
- Candidates who have passed the Arizona bar or transferring UBE scores may apply but must be admitted before hire
- Valid Arizona driver’s license upon hire
- Must pass pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation, including drug and alcohol testing where required
- Experience with civil commitment proceedings (Title 36)
What We Do
Maricopa County is the nation's fourth most populous county, with a government dedicated to improving residents' lives through various public services.
