Conditional Hire - Prosecutor I

Maricopa County; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 82,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

LRHP for attorneys

Hybrid work schedule

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Arizona State Retirement System

Job summary

Maricopa County is seeking third-year law students (or recent graduates) to join as Conditional Hire Prosecutor I. Candidates must pass the February 2027 Arizona Bar exam and complete background checks before transitioning to a Prosecutor I with an annual salary range of $82,250–$108,750.

The role involves prosecuting criminal cases, providing legal advice, and participating in trials and court appearances.

Qualifications

• Current 3rd-year law student, or graduate within 6 months with JD from ABA-accredited law school.
• Must take the February 2027 Arizona Bar exam.
• Demonstrated interest in criminal prosecution during law school.

Responsibilities

• Discuss and present analyses of legal issues.
• Conduct trials, present oral arguments, and cover court.
• Interview witnesses regarding facts in the prosecution of cases.
• Research and analyze legal issues using legal research tools.
• Compose memoranda and pleadings regarding legal issues of concern.
• Maintain professional relationships with victims, witnesses, law enforcement agencies, and community members.
• Negotiate the just resolution of assigned cases and comply with victims' rights.

Skills

Criminal law interest

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Job description

Posting Date

08/26/26

Application Deadline

02/28/27

Pay Range

$82,250 - $108,750 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

Classified

Department

County Attorney

About the Position

Ready to begin your legal career? Join us! As a Prosecutor, you will prosecute criminal cases for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and provide competent legal advice and services.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is accepting applications from third-year law students who will take the Arizona bar exam in February 2027 for our Conditional Hire - Prosecutor I position. Applicants hired into this position will be offered a full-time Prosecutor I position, conditioned on the following:

• The applicant is successful on the February 2027 bar exam

• The applicant is cleared through MCAO's attorney background process, including a drug screening

• The applicant submits all character and fitness materials to the State Bar of Arizona no later than December 31, 2026

• The applicant must achieve an 85 or higher on the MPRE by the time bar results are received

• MCAO has an available Prosecutor I vacancy at the time the applicant receives an Arizona bar number

Conditional Hires will start working at MCAO as law clerks shortly after the February 2027 bar exam. Law clerks will be compensated at $22.00 per hour, paid through a 3rd party employer, and are expected to work a 40-hour work week.

After Conditional Hires receive their Arizona State Bar number and are formally placed in a Prosecutor I vacancy, they will be compensated as a Prosecutor I. The starting salary for a new attorney in the Prosecutor I position is $82,250 annually. The full salary range is $82,250 - $108,750 annually.

About Us

We believe in integrity. We believe in justice for all. And we are proud to deliver high-quality prosecution, comprehensive victims' services, crime prevention programs, and more to the residents of Maricopa County. If you would like to utilize your talents and skills to stand up for Maricopa County.

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% monthly 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

• Current 3rd-year law student, expected to receive a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school, or have graduated within the last 6 months with a JD degree from an ABA accredited law school, and must take the February 2027 Arizona Bar exam

• Applicant must submit a complete application (including all materials needed for their Character and Fitness review) to the Arizona Bar Association by December 31, 2026, to continue the application process

• Demonstrated interest in criminal prosecution during law school, through internships, externships, employment, volunteering, or clinical experiences with a criminal prosecution agency

Job Contributions

• Discuss and present analyses of legal issues

• Conduct trials, present oral arguments, and cover court

• Interview witnesses regarding facts in the prosecution of cases

• Research and analyze legal issues using both computerized legal research and hard copy tools

• Compose memoranda and pleadings regarding legal issues of concern

• Maintain professional relationships with victims, witnesses, law enforcement agencies, and members of the community

• Negotiate the just resolution of assigned cases and comply with victims' rights

Working Conditions

• Office and courtroom setting

• Ability to move up to 20 pounds and sit/stand for extended periods

• Ability to travel to and from various County locations using personal or County-owned vehicles

• 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

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.