Conditional Hire – Prosecutor I

Maricopa; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRH

Tuition reimbursement

Hybrid work schedule

Career growth opportunities

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Maricopa County is seeking a third-year law student for a Conditional Hire – Prosecutor I position with future placement as a Prosecutor I. Applicants must take the February 2027 Arizona Bar exam, pass a background check, and meet MPRE requirements.

The role offers a full-time attorney track with a starting salary around $82,250 and a range to $108,750. The program includes law clerks initially, with advancement to Prosecutor I upon bar number, and supports a hybrid work schedule and

Qualifications

• Third-year law student eligible to sit for the February 2027 Arizona Bar examination.
• Interest in criminal prosecution with internships or clinical experience preferred.
• Qualified candidates will meet character and fitness requirements for the State Bar.

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 computerized and hard-copy resources.
• Prepare memoranda and pleadings on relevant legal concerns.
• Maintain professional relationships with victims, law enforcement, and the community.
• Negotiate just resolutions and uphold victims' rights.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Criminal law

Interview witnesses

Communication skills

Education

Third-year law student

Job description

Posting Date 08/17/26 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 February2027 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 ProsecutorI 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.

Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy?

• 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 Day1

Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require Current 3rd-year law student, expected to receive a Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school and must take the February2027 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 December31,2026, 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.

About Maricopa County

We are Maricopa County. Who is that, you may ask? Forbes has rated Maricopa County one of Arizona’s Best Employers in 2024. We are over 13,000 employees strong, providing vital services for one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, with over four million residents who call Maricopa County home.

You may wonder what we do, and it may be easier to answer that by asking what are you interested in! Join us and you will become part of a dynamic group of diverse and talented professionals who are passionate about making a difference and giving back to their communities. We offer career paths and opportunities in just about every job category and job level imaginable, so your journey with us is what you make of it! Along with offering purposeful careers, you can expect a rich selection of economical and comprehensive healthcare options, robust retirement plans, tuition and loan payment programs, and multiple paid leave options, as part of an overall generous compensation and benefits package.

Thinking about career options, then please think about us! We are Maricopa County, and we are looking forward to working with you!