Attorney

Posting Date: 08/24/26 • Application Deadline: 09/27/26

About the role

As an Attorney, you will represent clients when appointed by the court. You will make a positive impact on the lives of our clients by appearing in court and serving as the advocate for the client’s interest throughout the pendency of the case. This recruitment is to fill Attorney tier I - III positions. The level and compensation offered will be based on the education and experience provided on the application.

This position will be assigned to our high-volume courts, which include the Early Disposition Courts located in downtown Phoenix, Probation Violation Courts located in downtown Phoenix, and our Justice Courts located throughout Maricopa County. We also have a position in our Vehicular Trial Group located in downtown Phoenix.

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.

Pay

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.

• Attorneys hired at a tier I will be compensated at a range of $82,250 – $135,250
• Attorneys hired at a tier II will be compensated at a range of $102,000 – $148,500
• Attorneys hired at a tier III will be compensated at a range of $114,500 – $171,750

Benefits

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for attorneys
• 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
• 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 an 11.98% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

Requirements

• Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school
• Must be admitted to practice law and be in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona at the time of application. Applications will be accepted from candidates who have passed the Arizona bar examination, or are transferring UBE scores, and are awaiting admission to the bar, but such candidates cannot be hired until admitted

Qualifications

We also value experience in criminal law (defense, prosecution, judicial).

Responsibilities

• 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, reviewing evidence on and off site
• Discuss and present analysis of legal issues to clients and individuals within the criminal justice community
• Communicate 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
• Work effectively with a team of professionals, including other attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and paralegals
• Contribute to the improvement of the office and indigent representation by teaching, mentoring, submitting articles and training materials, and serving on committees and workgroups
• Other duties as assigned including, but not limited to, assisting in other areas of the office as needed

Working Conditions

• Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire
• 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 routine exposure to outdoor heat and sunlight
• 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
• 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