Description:
About the Position:Are you passionate about helping those in our community who are underserved? Join our team and make a difference doing something you are passionate about!
As an Attorney, you will represent clients when appointed by the court. You will be making a positive impact on the client's lives by appearing in court and serving as the advocate for the client's interest throughout the pendency of the case.
This position will initially be assigned to our high-volume courts, which include the Early Disposition Courts located in downtown Phoenix, Probation Violation Courts located in downtown Phoenix, and our Justice Courts located throughout Maricopa County.
About the Office of the Public Defender
With over 400 employees, the Office of the Public Defender is the largest of the five indigent defense offices in Maricopa County. We are also one of the largest public defender offices in the country. Our office provides innovative, client-centered legal representation in the full range of criminal matters to clients unable to afford legal counsel. 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.
Proud to Offer
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer
- Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for Attorneys
- Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
- Exceptional work-life balance
- Paid parental leave
- Strong training program and ongoing mentoring
- Collaborative work environment
- Immediate courtroom experience
- Direct representation of our clients
- Incredible support team (Paralegals, Investigators, Legal Support Staff, etc.)
- Learn more about our employee benefits 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
- Must be admitted to practice law and be in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona at the time of application. Applications will be accepted from candidates who have passed the Arizona bar examination, or are transferring UBE scores, and are awaiting admission to the bar, but such candidates cannot be hired until admitted
- Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire
We Also Value
Experience in criminal law (defense, prosecution, judicial)
Job Contributions
- Appear in court, represent clients at scheduled hearings and trials, and present oral arguments in support of clients' legal interests
- 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, visiting crime scenes and other case-related locations, reviewing evidence on and off site
- Discuss and present analysis of legal issues to clients and individuals within the criminal justice community
- Communicate in person and by phone with clients, opposing counsel, co-workers, supervisors, and others
- Travel to courts, jails, detention centers, and correctional facilities to effectively represent clients
- Work effectively with a team of professionals, including other attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and paralegals
- Contribute to the improvement of the office and indigent representation by teaching, mentoring, submitting articles and training materials, and serving on committees and workgroups
- Other duties as assigned including, but not limited to, assisting in other areas of the office as needed
