Attorney II - III

Posting Date 12/16/25

Final date to receive applications Open Until Filled

Pay Range $102,000 - $165,000 annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Job Type Unclassified

Department Legal Defender

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 is utilized to fill an Attorney tier II vacancy in the non‑capital adult criminal trial group.

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 or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school
• One year of relevant experience as a practicing attorney
• Licensed 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 in the area of criminal law
• Experience practicing as an criminal trial attorney
• Experience with adult criminal matters

• Appear in court, represent clients at scheduled hearings and trials, and present oral arguments in support of clients' legal interests
• 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, and reviewing evidence on and off‑site
• Discuss and present analyses of legal issues to clients, court personnel and related individuals
• Communicate effectively 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
• Attends Continuing Legal Education seminars
• Other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, assisting in other areas of the office as needed

• Mos…