Intern

Legal Advocate Temporary Position

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.

NOTE: This will be a temporary part-time position at $17/hour, and working up to 220 hours per semester. This position is a 12 week internship starting Spring 2027.

We provide high-quality legal representation to our clients while protecting the fundamental rights of every member of the community.

The Office of the Legal Advocate is make up of hard-working and dedicated people who believe in safeguarding the constitutional rights of the indigent clients we serve. We strive to build a stronger team with every team member we add because every one of our colleagues plays an integral part in delivering excellent representation.

If your goal is to be part of a dynamic, supporting, and pivotal office, please consider applying to the Office of the Legal Advocate!

Proud to Offer:

• Work with a greater purpose
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• 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 at least one year of a Juris Doctor (JD) program at an accredited Law School

Job Contributions:

• Attends and assists with various aspects of trial work, including jury selection
• Assists in trial preparation
• Attends and participates in witness interviews
• Attends various hearing types, including status conferences, settlement conferences, and evidentiary hearings
• Drafts and edits pleadings
• Meets with clients both in and out of jail
• Researches legal issues
• Writes legal memoranda
• Reviews case files and assists assigned attorneys with additional needs
• Participates in trainings related to criminal defense and development of trial skills

Rule Certified Limited Practice Student:

• Represents indigent clients in criminal cases in Maricopa County Superior Court and Justice Courts
• Handles preliminary hearings, plea proceedings, settlement conferences, sentencings, evidentiary hearings, and jury trials
• Interviews clients and witnesses
• Drafts motions
• Receives specific training in all aspects of trial including opening statements, closing arguments, direct and cross examination, and voir dire
• Participates in a clinical course to learn effective public speaking techniques
• Receives regular feedback regarding verbal and written work from professors, experienced criminal defense attorneys, and other stakeholders
• Other tasks as directed by a supervising attorney to ensure effective representation is provided

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 View email address on click.appcast.io to initiate the interactive process.