Attorney II - III

Posting Date

04/22/26

Application Deadline

04/29/26

Pay Range

$102,000 - $165,000 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

Public Advocate

About the 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!

As an Appeals Attorney you will be responsible for handling the dependency, severance, and guardianship appeals from the Juvenile Dependency Group within the Office of the Public Advocate. Your primary responsibilities include directing staff and attorneys in filing and creating appellate cases, drafting and filing briefs and motions with the Court of Appeals, oral arguments before the Court of Appeals, and providing guidance to trial attorneys on legal, appellate, and strategy issues. The Appeals Attorney will also handle petitions for review with the Arizona Supreme Court, as appropriate, draft and/or collaborate on amicus briefs, develop and present trainings, internally and externally (including statewide), and participate in workgroups and committees pertinent to appellate practice.

NOTE:   This recruitment will be used to fill a current vacancy in the Juvenile Dependency Group.

• Attorneys hired at a tier II will be compensated at a range of $102,000.00 – $144,500.00

• Attorneys hired at a tier III will be compensated at a range of $114,500.00 -- $165,000.00

About the Office of the Public Advocate

Join one of the most unique public defense agencies in the country. We provide innovative, client-centered legal representation in delinquency, dependency/severance and civil mental health matters to clients unable to afford representation. 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. We are a hard-working department that allows you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. Come make a difference!  Apply today!

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

• Three years of experience as a practicing attorney

• 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 hire

• Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire

We Also Value

• Significant experience with dependency practice and appeals

Job Contributions

• Internal appellate expert to guide attorneys and staff

• Appear in court representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials

• Present oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients' legal interest in both trial and appellate courts

• Research facts and analyze legal issues using both computerized and printed legal research tools

• Compose motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents

• Discuss and present 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

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

• 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 MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov to initiate the interactive process.

 

Apply Now!