Paralegal

Posting Date

07/09/26

Application Deadline

07/14/26

Pay Range

Anticipated Hiring Range: $23.40 - $27.61 hourly
Full Pay Range: $23.40 - $40.25 hourly
Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours worked over 40 in the designated workweek.

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

Public Defender

About the Position

Tired of work monotony? Do you thrive in an environment where no day is the same? Do you enjoy working on a team with a common goal? If this describes you, apply now to become a Paralegal with the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office! Paralegals play a crucial role in maintaining a top-notch representation of our clients by working on all aspects of the defense case, from indictment to sentencing! 

About Us

With over 470 employees, the Office of the Public Defender is the largest of the five indigent defense offices in Maricopa County. We are also one of the largest public defender offices in the country. Our office provides innovative, client-centered legal representation in the full range of criminal matters to clients unable to afford legal counsel. Our attorneys and staff are dedicated to treating our clients with respect and dignity as we defend their constitutional rights in a court of law. This is a fast-paced department with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. 

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose

• Tuition reimbursement

• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid or 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 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 12% 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

• Associate’s degree in paralegal studies or legal assistance

• Two years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or work involving legal procedures, terminology, or administration OR

• Associate's in an unrelated field + Certificate in Paralegal Studies – 2 years of experience needed

• Bachelor’s or higher in paralegal studies, legal assistance, or legal studies – no experience needed

• Bachelor’s or higher in an unrelated field + an Associate or Certification in paralegal studies – no experience needed

We Also Value

Experience working in the criminal justice office

Job Contributions

• Collect, analyze, organize, investigate, and summarize discovery or other materials 

• Assist attorneys with preparation for various types of legal proceedings, including but not limited to creating trial notebooks, witness files, trial exhibits, and charts/indices 

• Develop and secure discovery, evidence, and other documentation 

• Perform specifically delegated substantive legal work for which an attorney is responsible 

• Assist attorneys in the development of defense strategies and case theories 

• Assist attorneys in jury selection and trial proceedings 

• Maintain contact with clients (in and out of custody), clients’ families, or other pertinent individuals regarding legal process, case status, and/or other related information 

• Gather, review, and verify case documentation, including making recommendations for further analysis 

• Research and retain expert witnesses; provide recommendations on experts based on case facts 

• Interview witnesses regarding facts as needed in defense of cases 

• Interact with attorneys, management, co-workers, other agencies, and interested parties 

• Prepare routine to moderately complex legal or other documents 

• Utilize technological software to aid in file management, case synopsis, and presentations in courtroom proceedings 

• Perform work in a high-volume, fast-paced, stressful environment 

• Maintain current knowledge of statutes, case law, and legal procedures to ensure compliance with court procedures 

• Research legal or factual issues and provide findings to attorneys 

• Maintain case files and case logs 

• Attend legal seminars, training classes, and position-oriented meetings on- and off-site 

• Travel to and from court locations, government facilities, and other job-related locations as necessary, which may include periodic travel outside of Maricopa County, subject to County policies regarding vehicle use 

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with bright lighting and requires prolonged periods in a stationary position, constant viewing of a computer monitor or screen, frequent computer use involving repetitive hand and wrist movements, and occasional exposure to outdoor heat and sunlight

• Frequent use of stairs or ladders and working at a computer workstation 

• Ability to constantly sit, stand, walk, and/or drive a vehicle to perform corresponding tasks 

• Ability to lift 25 pounds from the floor to waist or waist to shoulder; carry 25-30 pounds a distance of 100 feet; or push/pull 100 pounds a distance of 1000 feet 

• Time pressures, high volumes of work, handling multiple or complicated tasks, accuracy, and concentration/vigilance are constant requirements 

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!