Description:

About the Position:
Are you committed to serving your community and making a difference in the lives of parents in Juvenile Dependency/Severance cases? If you are someone we can count on to advocate professionally, aggressively, and ethically on behalf of parents, look no further than the A Government Entity Office of the Legal Defender! We are looking for a candidate to represent indigent clients when appointed by the court, prepare cases for defense, and present cases in all phases of court proceedings.

This recruitment may be used to fill current vacancies in the Juvenile Dependency/Severance. This position may be assigned to the Old Court House (downtown Phoenix) or one of the JD/JS satellite offices at Mesa or Durango court buildings.

This recruitment is utilized to fill Attorney tier I – III positions. The level and compensation offered will be based on the education and experience provided on the application.
  • Attorneys hired at a tier I will be compensated at a range of $77,500 -- $114,000
  • Attorneys hired at a tier II will be compensated at a range of $90,500 – $130,500
  • Attorneys hired at a tier III will be compensated at a range of $100,500 -- $148,500

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 team!

Proud to Offer
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
  • Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRHP) for attorney's
  • Opportunities for growth and development within A Government Entity
  • Exceptional work-life balance with teleworking options
  • Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
  • Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System
  • Paid vacation, sick, and parental (birth/adoption) leaves
  • Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts
  • Employee discounts for goods and services
  • Learn more at?maricopa.gov/5284/Why-Work-Here

We Require
Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree 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

Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire

We Also Value

One year of practicing Juvenile Dependency/Severance cases

Intermediate bilingual (English/Spanish) skills

Job Contributions
  • Appear in court; representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials
  • Present oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients' legal interest
  • Research facts and analyze legal issues using both computerized and printed legal research tools
  • Compose motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents
  • Prepare cases for trial by interviewing witnesses, traveling to various locations, and reviewing evidence on and off-site
  • Discuss and present analyses of legal issues to clients, court personnel, and related individuals
  • Communicate in person and by phone with clients, opposing counsel, co-workers, supervisors, and others
  • Attend Continuing Legal Education seminars

Working Conditions:
  • Office environment or courtroom
  • This position requires viewing traumatic subject matter, including possible child abuse
  • Ability to meet deadlines with a high volume of work
  • This position involves contact with the public and close working relationships with other staff members
  • Ability to lift, carry, or push up to 35 pounds for 200-300 feet