Attorney I

About the Position Are 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? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment? If so, look no further, as the Maricopa County Office of the Legal Defender is looking for candidates to represent indigent clients appointed by the court who are charged with criminal felony offenses. As an Attorney I in the Early Disposition Court, you provide representation in all stages up and through probable cause determination or to the conclusion of a case via sentencing, diversion, or dismissal; including but not limited to, initial appearance, status conferences, witness preliminary hearings, sentencings, mitigation hearings, restitution hearings, and all of the negotiations in between. This recruitment is utilized to fill two Attorney tier I vacancies in the Early Disposition Court. 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 $82,250 – $135,250 About Us 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. Proud to Offer Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRHP) for attorneys Work with a greater purpose Tuition reimbursement Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave Extensive wellness program, including an incentive Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 11.98% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1 We Require Juris Doctor (JD) or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school License to practice law and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona Please Note: Applications 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 admitted We Also Value One year of experience as a practicing attorney Experience practicing as an attorney in the area of criminal law Experience with adult criminal matters Job Contributions Appears in court, representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials Presents oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients’ legal interests Negotiates deals and resolutions with State attorneys on behalf of our clients Researches facts and analyzes legal issues using both computerized and printed legal research tools Composes motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents Prepares cases for court Reviews evidence on- and off-site Discusses and presents analyses of legal issues to clients, court personnel, and related individuals Communicates in person and by phone with clients, opposing counsel, co-workers, supervisors, and others Travels to courts, jails, detention centers, and correctional facilities to effectively represent clients Attends Continuing Legal Education seminars Working Conditions Most work is performed in an indoor office or courtroom environment with exposure to viewing traumatic subject matter, including crime scenes, accidents, etc Must have the 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 teamwork This position requires contact with the public and close working with other staff members Must be able to lift, carry, or push up to 35 pounds for 200-300 feet Work 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 business Valid Arizona driver's license is required upon hire 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. JR24819 #J-18808-Ljbffr