Attorney I

Maricopa County; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 82,250 - 135,250; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRH

Tuition reimbursement

Growth opportunities

Healthcare for you and dependents

Child care benefits

Paid vacation & sick time

Wellness program

Arizona State Retirement System

Job summary

Maricopa County Office of the Legal Defender is seeking an Attorney I to represent indigent clients charged with criminal offenses in the Early Disposition Court. You will provide representation through all stages from initial appearance to sentencing or dismissal, including negotiations and hearings.

Two Tier I vacancies are being filled with compensation based on education and experience. The role requires a Juris Doctor and Arizona bar admission, with eligibility based on Arizona bar status

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) or Doctor of Jurisprudence from an ABA‑approved law school.
• License to practice law and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.

Responsibilities

• Appears in court, representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials.
• Presents oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients' legal interests.
• Negotiates deals and resolutions with State attorneys on behalf of our clients.
• Researches facts and analyzes legal issues using both computerized and printed legal research tools.
• Composes motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Prepares cases for court.
• Reviews evidence on- and off-site.
• Communicates in person and by phone with clients, opposing counsel, co-workers, supervisors, and others.
• Travels to courts, jails, detention centers and correctional facilities to effectively represent clients.
• Attends Continuing Legal Education seminars

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school

Job description

Posting Date

07/28/26

Application Deadline

08/11/26

Pay Range

$82,250 - $135,250 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 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? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment?

If so, look no further, as the Maricopa County Office of the Legal Defender is looking for candidates to represent indigent clients appointed by the court who are charged with criminal felony offenses. As an Attorney I in the Early Disposition Court, you provide representation in all stages up and through probable cause determination or to the conclusion of a case via sentencing, diversion, or dismissal; including but not limited to, initial appearance, status conferences, witness preliminary hearings, sentencings, mitigation hearings, restitution hearings, and all of the negotiations in between.

This recruitment is utilized to fill two Attorney tier I vacancies in the Early Disposition Court.

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

About Us

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, 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
• 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 centerMaricopa 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 11.98% 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

• Juris Doctor (JD) 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

Please Note: 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

We Also Value

• One year of experience as a practicing attorney
• Experience practicing as an attorney in the area of criminal law
• Experience with adult criminal matters

Job Contributions

• Appears in court, representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials
• Presents oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients' legal interests
• Negotiates deals and resolutions with State attorneys on behalf of our clients
• Researches facts and analyzes legal issues using both computerized and printed legal research tools
• Composes motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents
• Prepares cases for court
• Reviews evidence on- and off-site
• Discusses and presents analyses of legal issues to clients, court personnel, and related individuals
• Communicates in person and by phone with clients, opposing counsel, co-workers, supervisors, and others
• Travels to courts, jails, detention centers and correctional facilities to effectively represent clients
• Attends Continuing Legal Education seminars

Working Conditions

• Most work is performed in an indoor office or courtroom environment with exposure to viewing traumatic subject matter, including crime scenes, accidents, etc
• Must have the ability to meet deadlines with a high volume of work, interruptions, time pressures, handling multiple or complicated tasks, unscheduled tasks, frequently changing tasks, accuracy, decision making, concentration, vigilance, and/or teamwork
• This position requires contact with the public and close working with other staff members
• Must be able to lift, carry, or push up to 35 pounds for 200-300 feet
• Work requires travel to and from job-related locations during a scheduled workday, subject to County policies regarding the use of County vehicles and/or private vehicles used on County business
• Valid Arizona driver's license is required upon hire

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 [e-mail] to initiate the interactive process.