Attorney - III

Position: Attorney I - III
Posting Date

01/06/26

Final date to receive applications

Open Until Filled

Pay Range

$82,250 - $165,000 annually

Salary 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

Unclassified

Department

Legal Defender

About the Position

Are you committed to serving your community and making a difference in the lives of parents in Juvenile Dependency/Severance cases? If you are someone we can count on to advocate professionally, aggressively, and ethically on behalf of parents, look no further than the Maricopa County Office of the Legal Defender! We are looking for a candidate to represent indigent clients when appointed by the court, prepare cases for defense, and present cases in all phases of court proceedings.

This recruitment may be used to fill current vacancies in the Juvenile Dependency/Severance. This position may be assigned to the Old Court House (downtown Phoenix) or one of the JD/JS satellite offices at Mesa or Durango court buildings.

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.

* 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 the Office of the Legal Defender

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

* 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

We Require

* Juris Doctor 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

* 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

We Also Value

* One or more years practicing Juvenile Dependency/Severance cases

* Intermediate bilingual (English/Spanish) skills

Job Contributions

* Appear in court, representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials

* Present oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients' legal interest

* 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, traveling to various locations, and reviewing 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

* Attend Continuing Legal Education seminars

Working Conditions

* Most work is performed in an office environment, fieldwork, or courtroom

* Ability to work with traumatic subject matter, including possible child abuse, 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 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 1000 feet

Selection Procedure

* Only the most qualified candidates will be considered

* 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…