Attorney II

Posting Date12/16/25Application DeadlineOpen Until FilledPay Range$102,000 - $165,000 annuallySalary 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 TypeUnclassifiedDepartmentLegal DefenderAbout the PositionAre you passionate about helping others? Are you someone who we can count on to advocate professionally, aggressively, and ethically on behalf of indigent clients charged with criminal offenses in Maricopa County?If so, look no further as the Maricopa County Office of the Legal Defender is looking for candidates to represent indigent clients when appointed by the court, prepare cases for defense, and present cases in all phases of court proceedings.This recruitment is utilized to fill an Attorney tier II vacancy in the non-capital adult criminal trial group.The level and compensation offered will be based on the education and experience provided on the application.Attorneys hired at a tier II will be compensated at a range of $102,000 - $144,500.About the Office of the Legal Defender The Office of the Legal Defender consists of attorneys and support staff helping to provide quality legal representation to indigent individuals assigned to us by the court, thus safeguarding the fundamental legal rights of each member of the community.If you would like to seek just and equitable treatment for our clients, apply today and join our teamProud to OfferPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employerLoan Repayment Assistance Program (LRHP) for attorneysWork with a greater purposeTuition reimbursementExceptional work-life balanceOpportunities for growth and development within Maricopa CountyLow-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependentsChild care benefits including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families exclusivelyPaid vacation, sick time, and parental leaveExtensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discountsMaricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1Learn more at Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZWe RequireJuris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law schoolOne year of relevant experience as a practicing attorneyLicensed to practice law and a member in good standing with the State Bar of ArizonaApplications will be accepted from candidates who have passed the Arizona state bar examination, or those transferring UBE scores, and are awaiting admission to the bar, but such candidates cannot be hired until admittedValid Arizona driver's license upon hireWe Also ValueCurrent admittance to the Arizona State BarThree years of experience as a practicing attorney in the area of criminal lawExperience practicing as an criminal trial attorneyExperience with adult criminal mattersJob ContributionsAppear in court, represent clients at scheduled hearings and trials, and present oral arguments in support of clients' legal interestsResearch facts and analyze legal issues using both computerized and printed legal research toolsCompose motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documentsPrepare cases for trial by interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes and other case-related locations, and reviewing evidence on and off-siteDiscuss and present analyses of legal issues to clients, court personnel and related individualsCommunicate effectively in person and by phone with clients, opposing counsel, co-workers, supervisors, and othersTravel to courts, jails, detention centers, and correctional facilities to effectively represent clientsProvide leadership for professionals, including other attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and paralegals, consistent with current assignmentAttends Continuing Legal Education seminarsOther duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, assisting in other areas of the office as neededWorking ConditionsMost work is performed in an indoor office or courtroom environmentThis position requires viewing traumatic subject matter including crime scenes, accidents, etc.Ability to meet deadlines with a high volume of work, interruptions, time pressures, handling multiple or complicated tasks, unscheduled tasks, frequently changing tasks, accuracy, decision making, concentration/vigilance, and/or teamworkThis position requires contact with the public and close working relationships with other staff membersAbility to lift, carry, or push up to 35 pounds for 200-300 feetWork 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 businessSelection ProcedureOnly the most qualified candidates will be consideredConsideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applicationsCandidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profileMust 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.Apply Now