Posting Date
08/11/26Application Deadline
Open Until FilledPay Range
$82,250 - $135,250 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
Legal DefenderAbout 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 I 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 negotiations in between.
This recruitment is utilized to fill two Attorney tier I vacancies 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 I will be compensated at a range of $82,250 – $135,250
About Us
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!
Proud to Offer
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRHP) for attorneys
Work with a greater purpose
Tuition reimbursement
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
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 11.98% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ
We Require
Juris Doctor (JD) or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school
License to practice law and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona
Please Note: 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
We Also Value
One year of experience as a practicing attorney
Experience practicing as an attorney in the area of criminal law
Experience with adult criminal matters
Job Contributions
Appears in court, representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials
Presents oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients’ legal interests
Negotiates deals and resolutions with State attorneys on behalf of our clients
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 court
Reviews evidence on- and off-site
Discusses and presents analyses 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
Most work is performed in an indoor office or courtroom environment with exposure to viewing traumatic subject matter, including crime scenes, accidents, etc
Must have the ability to meet deadlines with a high volume of work, interruptions, time pressures, handling multiple or complicated tasks, unscheduled tasks, frequently changing tasks, accuracy, decision making, concentration, vigilance, and/or teamwork
This position requires contact with the public and close working with other staff members
Must be able to lift, carry, or push up to 35 pounds for 200-300 feet
Work requires travel to and from job-related locations during a scheduled workday, subject to County policies regarding the use of County vehicles and/or private vehicles used on County business
Valid Arizona driver's license is required upon hire
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 (JD) from an ABA-approved law school
- License to practice law and member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona
- Admission to the Arizona Bar prior to hire (candidates awaiting admission cannot be hired)
- Pass pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation, including drug and alcohol testing
- Valid Arizona driver’s license upon hire
- Ability to lift, carry, or push up to 35 pounds for 200-300 feet
- One year of experience as a practicing attorney
- Experience practicing criminal law or with adult criminal matters
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.
