Capital Lead Attorney

About Us

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 made 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, supportive, and pivotal office, please consider applying to the Office of the Legal Advocate!

Proud to Offer

• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County

• Exceptional work-life balance

• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents

• Extensive wellness program with $60 monthly medical premium discounts

• Employee discounts for goods and services

• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

• Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12.27% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

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

We Require

• Eight years of experience as a practicing attorney

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

• Must be admitted to practice law and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona at the time of application

We Also Value

• Ten or more years of relevant criminal defense experience

• Experience in capital trial matters

Job Contributions

• Appears in court representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials

• Presents oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients' legal interest

• 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 trial by interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes and other case-related locations

• 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. Travel out of state/country as needed  

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

• Attends Continuing Legal Education seminars

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an environment with frequent 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, overtime as a common occurrence and exposure to traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.)

• 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

• Ability to lift 15-25 pounds from floor to waist; 15 pounds waist to shoulder or shoulder to overhead; carry 15-25 pounds 100 feet; and push/pull 100 pounds 1000 feet