Intern

maricopa; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enrollment in Retirement System

Excellent work-life balance

Growth opportunities within Maricopa

Purpose-driven work

Job summary

Maricopa County is offering a Spring 2027 legal internship/externship or Rule Certified Limited Practice Student opportunity in the Public Advocate Department. You will gain hands-on experience alongside experienced attorneys and legal professionals while working on trial preparation and client interactions.

The position is temporary and involves exposure to delinquency, dependency and civil mental health proceedings.

Qualifications

• Completion of one year of Law School.

Responsibilities

• Assists in trial preparation.
• Attends and participates in witness interviews.
• Attends private conferences with judges in chambers.
• Drafts and edits pleadings.
• Meets with clients both in and out of jail.
• Observes court proceedings.
• Researches legal issues.
• Reviews case files.
• Writes legal memoranda.
• Represents children in delinquency cases in Maricopa County Superior Court.
• Handles advisory hearings, plea proceedings, settlement conferences, disposition hearings, competency hearings, review hearings, adjudication hearings (bench trials) and various other evidentiary hearings.
• Interviews clients and witnesses.
• Drafts motions and memoranda for active cases.

Education

Completion of one year of Law School

Job description

Posting Date

10/07/26

Application Deadline

10/13/26

Pay Range

$17.00 hourly

This position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours over 40 in the designated workweek.

Job Type

Temporary

Department

Public Advocate

About the Position

Spring 20207 opportunity! Are you passionate about helping those in our community who are underserved? Join our team and make a difference doing something that you are passionate about!

In this position, you will have an opportunity to work as either a Legal Intern / Extern or as a Rule Certified Limited Practice Student in our office. In both roles you will gain practical, hands on experience working side by side with experienced attorneys and legal professionals.

About Us

We provide innovative, client-centered legal representation in delinquency, dependency and civil mental health proceedings to clients unable to afford representation. Our attorneys and staff are dedicated to treating our clients with respect and dignity as we defend their constitutional rights in a court of law. This is a fast-paced department with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. Come make a difference! Apply today!

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% 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

• Completion of one year of Law School

Job Contributions

Legal Intern / Extern

• Assists in trial preparation
• Attends and participates in witness interviews
• Attends private conferences with judges in chambers
• Drafts and edits pleadings
• Meets with clients both in and out of jail
• Observes court proceedings
• Researches legal issues
• Reviews case files
• Writes legal memoranda

Rule Certified Limited Practice Student

• Represents children in delinquency cases in Maricopa County Superior Court
• Handles advisory hearings, plea proceedings, settlement conferences, disposition hearings, competency hearings, review hearings, adjudication hearings (bench trials) and various other evidentiary hearings
• Interviews clients and witnesses
• Drafts motions and memoranda for active cases
• Receives specific training in all aspects of contested delinquency hearings
• Receives regular feedback regarding verbal and written work from professors, experienced defense attorneys, and sitting Superior Court judges

Working Conditions

• Most work is performed in an office environment or court room. Requires the ability to work with traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.).

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.