Attorney III

Maricopa County; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 114,500 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer

Tuition reimbursement

Child care benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Maricopa County seeks an Attorney for the Office of the Legal Advocate in Phoenix, Arizona. The role involves powerful legal representation for low-income clients in juvenile dependency cases, requiring a Juris Doctor from an ABA approved law school and a minimum of three years of legal experience.

This position offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, along with exceptional benefits including loan forgiveness programs and extensive wellness options.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Must be admitted to practice law in Arizona and maintain good standing.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in court at scheduled hearings.
• Prepare legal documents including motions and briefs.
• Communicate effectively with clients and court personnel.

Skills

Experience in dependency and severance matters

Strong legal research skills

Court representation

Education

Juris Doctor from an ABA approved law school

Job description

Posting Date 06/29/26

Application Deadline 07/06/26

Pay Range $114,500 - $165,000 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 Legal Advocate

About the Position

Come be a part of a dynamic legal team as an Attorney at the Office of the Legal Advocate!

As an Attorney, you will have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of indigent clients appointed to our office by the court. You will put your legal skills to work by preparing cases and representing clients through all phases of the court proceedings, all while having a positive impact on those in our community who are impoverished.

NOTE: This recruitment will be used to fill a current vacancy in the Juvenile Dependency/Severance group.

About Us

We provide high-quality legal representation to our clients while protecting the fundamental rights of every member of the community.

The Office of the Legal Advocate is made up of hard-working and dedicated people who believe in safeguarding the constitutional rights of the indigent clients we serve.

We strive to build a stronger team with every team member we add, because every one of our colleagues plays an integral part in delivering excellent representation.

If your goal is to be part of a dynamic, supportive, and pivotal office, please consider applying to the Office of the Legal Advocate!

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 the 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 12% 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

• Three years of experience as a practicing attorney
• Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school

Other Requirements

• Must be admitted to practice law and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona at the time of application
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Arizona driver's license by the time of hire
• Have a Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card eligibility

We Also Value

• Seven or more years of experience in dependency and severance matters
• Experience with Arizona dependency and severance proceedings

Job Contributions

• Appears in court representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials
• Presents oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients' legal interest
• 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 trial by interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes, and other case-related locations
• 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 represent clients effectively
• Provides leadership for professionals, including other attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and paralegals consistent with the current assignment
• Attends Continuing Legal Education seminars

Working Conditions

• The job requires the ability to work with traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.)
• You will work in an environment with frequent interruptions, time pressures, 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
• You 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 100 feet or push/pull 100 pounds 1000 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

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.