Appeals Attorney II

Posting Date

01/16/26

Application Deadline

01/21/26

Pay Range

$102,000 - $144,500 annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. The position is not eligible for overtime compensation for all hours worked over 40 in the designated workweek.

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

Legal Defender

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 who have been civilly committed for mental health treatment or who have been charged with criminal offenses in Maricopa County? Join our team at the Office of the Legal Defender and make a difference in people’s lives!

As an Appeals Attorney, you will have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of indigent clients appointed to our office by the court. You will put your legal skills to work by preparing cases and representing clients through all phases of the court proceedings, all while having a positive impact on those in our community who are impoverished.

This recruitment will be used to fill a current Appeals Attorney vacancy in the appellate unit.

This recruitment is utilized to fill Attorney tier II positions.  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 the office 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 attorneys

• Work with a greater purpose

• Tuition reimbursement

• Exceptional work-life balance

• 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 exclusively

• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

• Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts

• Maricopa 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 1

• Learn more at Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• One year of relevant criminal defense or appellate experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) or Doctor of Jurisprudence from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school

• Must be currently 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

• Three or more years of relevant criminal defense experience

Job Contributions

• Represent clients in appellate proceedings, including researching facts and analyzing legal issues using both computerized and printed legal research tools

• Present oral arguments as appropriate 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

• Discuss 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

• Travel to courts, jails, detention centers and correctional facilities to effectively represent clients

• Provide leadership for professionals, including other attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and paralegals consistent with the current assignment

• Attend Continuing Legal Education seminars

Working Conditions

• Work occurs primarily in an indoor office or court environment

• 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

• May require both national and international travel outside of a scheduled workday for case-related investigation

• Traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.), interruptions, time pressures, high volumes of work, and handling multiple complicated, unscheduled, and frequently changing tasks

• Accuracy, decision-making, concentration/vigilance, teamwork, working in close physical proximity with others, public contact, and overtime/rotating shifts may be a common occurrence

• May be required to lift 15-25 pounds from floor to waist; 15 pounds waist to shoulder or shoulder to overhead, carry 15-25 pounds a distance of 100 feet, or push/pull 100 pounds a distance of 100 feet

Selection Procedure

• Only the most qualified candidates will be considered

• 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.

Apply Now!