Attorney

maricopa; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 82,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRP

Tuition reimbursement

Work-life balance

On-site wellness programs

Job summary

Office of the Public Defender in Maricopa County seeks attorneys to join tiers I–III, representing clients appointed by the court and advocating for their interests. This is a high-volume setting with diverse criminal matters and opportunities for courtroom advocacy, research, and collaboration with a professional team.

Compensation is tiered, with ranges from $82,250 to $171,750 annually. Education and experience determine tier placement.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an 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 from candidates awaiting admission are accepted but cannot be hired until admitted.
• Experience in criminal law is valued.

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 computerized and printed research tools.
• Compose motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Prepare cases for trial by interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes and reviewing evidence.
• Discuss and present analysis of legal issues to clients and the criminal justice community.
• Communicate in person and by phone with clients, opposing counsel, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Travel to courts, jails, detention centers, and correctional facilities to effectively represent clients.
• Work with a team of professionals including other attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and paralegals.

Education

Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an ABA approved law school

Job description

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

Pay Range: $82,250 - $171,750 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: Public Defender

About the Position

Are you passionate about helping those in our community who are underserved? Join our team and make a difference doing something you are passionate about!

As an Attorney, you will represent clients when appointed by the court. You will be making a positive impact on the lives our 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.

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

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.

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
• 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

We Require

• 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

We Also Value

• Experience in criminal law (defense, prosecution, judicial)

Job Contributions

• 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, f