OPDS Attorney

Posting Date

Application Deadline

Pay Range

Job Type

Department

About the Position

Are you someone who believes in serving Maricopa County’s indigent population and ensuring they receive the legal representation and resources they deserve? Are you passionate about helping others and someone we can count on to use your legal experience to assist in providing support and oversight for indigent representation? If so, apply to join the Office of Public Defense Services (OPDS) as an Attorney.

In this role, you will work closely with the Director, the Deputy Director, and other staff to support the operational side of the office. You will assist in reviewing and evaluating requests for funding submitted by or on behalf of indigent clients. In addition, you will collaborate with Maricopa County’s Indigent Representation (IR) offices to ensure the mission and vision of the IR constellation are met, while promoting the delivery of appropriate and cost-effective legal representation.

About the Office of Public Defense Services

The Maricopa County Office of Public Defense Services assigns, oversees, and funds private attorneys contracted to represent indigent individuals in criminal, delinquency, dependency, mental health, and probate matters.  We also provide administrative and financial oversight, integrated technology solutions, and HR support to all five of Maricopa County’s Indigent Representation offices (the Public Defender, Legal Defender, Legal Advocate, Public Advocate, and Contract Counsel) in an effort to ensure indigent individuals have their fundamental rights protected and receive quality legal representation.

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 upcoming 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 12.27% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

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

We Require 

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

• Three years of experience as a practicing attorney

• Must be admitted to practice law and a current 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 

• Five years as a practicing attorney

• Robust experience practicing in one or more of the areas in which IR attorneys provide representation (Criminal, including criminal appeals and postconviction proceedings, Delinquency, Dependency, Mental Health, and Probate)

• Attorney experience in a public defense agency or comparable governmental agency

Job Contributions 

• Review and approve Request of Fund submittals received from attorneys and experts

• Assist in monitoring and evaluating the performance of contract attorneys, including recommending and assisting with action needed to address performance concerns or other breaches of contract

• Review, modify, and approve communications with Pro Per clients

• Assist with the development, implementation, and application of policies, procedures, and practices for OPDS and the larger IR constellation

• Ensure compliance with applicable ethical and court rules and state and federal statutory and constitutional mandates

• Assist in efforts to monitor contracts with private attorneys; provide analysis and advice regarding the creation or modification of contracts

• Perform research and advise the Director and Deputy Director regarding legal and procedural matters

• Assist in monitoring and responding to legislation affecting public defense, the administration of justice, or related services in Arizona

• As directed, meet, confer, and work cooperatively with public officials, agency heads, justice professionals, private citizens, service providers, and other partners regarding applicable civil, criminal, and juvenile justice matters

Working Conditions 

• Traumatic subject matter, interruptions, time pressure, 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 the floor to waist; 15 pounds from 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!