Attorney I-III

Maricopa; Phoenix, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Loan Repayment Assistance Program

Tuition reimbursement

Paid vacation and sick leave

Arizona State Retirement System

Job summary

The Office of the Public Advocate in Maricopa County seeks an Attorney to handle Title 36 civil commitment cases, represent indigent clients, and prepare defense strategies across all court phases. The role emphasizes strong oral advocacy, legal research, and collaboration with a defense team.

Ideal candidates hold a JD from an ABA-accredited school, be in good standing with the Arizona Bar, and have license to practice in Arizona plus driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence from ABA-accredited law school.
• License to practice law and member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona at hire.
• Valid Arizona driver’s license upon hire.
• Two years of experience with civil commitment proceedings (Title 36) is valued.

Responsibilities

• Appear in court and represent clients at hearings and trials.
• Present oral arguments to support clients’ legal interests.
• Research facts and analyze legal issues using legal resources.
• Draft motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Prepare cases for trial by interviewing witnesses and visiting locations.
• Review evidence and communicate analyses to clients and court personnel.
• Travel to courts, jails, detention centers, and facilities when needed.
• Attend Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars.

Skills

Oral communication

Team player

Legal research

Education

Juris Doctor or JD

Tools

Legal research databases

Job description

**About the Position**If you want to help others, be intellectually challenged, and live up to your potential, then apply to be an Attorney with Public Advocate! We're looking for someone who is a great oral communicator, team player, and an expert in conducting legal research. As an Attorney, you’ll represent indigent clients when appointed by the court and prepare cases for defense including, but not limited to, presenting such cases in all phases of court proceedings.**This position will be Title 36 Civil commitment proceedings (Title 36)**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 82,250.00 - $135,250.00* Attorneys hired at a tier II will be compensated at a range of $102,000.00 - $148,500.00* Attorneys hired at a tier III will be compensated at a range of $114,500.00 - $171,750.00This position will be located at: **5102 W. Campbell Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85031****About the Office of the Public Advocate**The Office of the Public Advocate seeks professionals, both attorneys, and legal staff members, to join our legal defense team! We're committed to the mission of protecting the fundamental rights of our clients. We're dedicated to providing effective legal representation to all indigent persons, those individuals who are not able to afford the services of private lawyers, when appointed by the Maricopa County Superior Court. Our clients include juveniles charged with criminal offenses, parents, and children in dependency and severance matters (loss of parental rights), and people facing court-ordered mental health evaluation and treatment. **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, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options* 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 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 or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school* License to practice law and member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona at the time of hire* Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire**We Also Value*** Two years of experience working with civil commitment proceedings (Title 36)**Job Contributions*** Appear in court, represent 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, visiting crime scenes, and other case-related locations* Review evidence on- and off-site* Discuss and present analysis 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* Travel to courts, jails, detention centers and correctional facilities to effectively represent clients* Attend Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars**Working Conditions*** Ability to work with 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* Ability 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* Ability to travel to and from job-related locations on a scheduled workday, subject to County policies regarding the use of County vehicles and/or private vehicles used on County business**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-sensitiveMaricopa 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.