Paralegal

Posting Date

Application Deadline

Pay Range

Job Type

Department

About the Position

Tired of work monotony? Do you thrive in an environment where no day is the same? Do you enjoy working on a team with a common goal? If this describes you, apply now to become a Paralegal with the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office! Paralegals play a crucial role in maintaining a top-notch representation of our clients by working on all aspects of the defense case from indictment to sentencing!

About The Office of the Public Defender

With over 400 employees the Office of the Public Defender is the largest of the five indigent defense offices in Maricopa County. We are also one of the largest public defender offices in the country. Our office provides innovative, client-centered legal representation in the full range of criminal matters to clients unable to afford legal counsel. 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. This is a fast-paced department with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Proud to Offer

• Perform work with a greater purpose
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Growth and stability since 1871
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System
• Paid vacation, sick, and parental (birth/adoption) leaves
• 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
• Extensive wellness program with $60 monthly medical premium discounts
• Employee discounts for goods and services
• Learn more at Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• Associate degree in legal assisting, legal studies, or paralegal studies 
• Two years of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant

OR

• Associates in an unrelated field + certificate in Paralegal Studies + two years of experience needed
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in legal assisting, legal studies, or paralegal studies - no experience needed
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in any field + certificate of completion from an accredited legal assisting or paralegal studies program - no experience needed
• Valid Arizona driver’s license upon hire

We Also Value

• Experience working in the criminal justice office

Job Contributions

• Collect, analyze, organize, investigate, and summarize discovery or other materials
• Assist attorneys with preparation for various types of legal proceedings, including but not limited to creating trial notebooks, witness files, trial exhibits, and charts/indices
• Develop and secure discovery, evidence, and other documentation
• Perform specifically delegated substantive legal work for which an attorney is responsible
• Assist attorneys in the development of defense strategies and case theories
• Assist attorneys in jury selection and trial proceedings
• Maintain contact with clients (in and out of custody), clients’ families, or other pertinent individuals regarding legal process, case status, and/or other related information
• Gather, review, and verify case documentation, including making recommendations for further analysis
• Research and retain expert witnesses; provide recommendations on experts based on case facts
• Interview witnesses regarding facts as needed in defense of cases
• Interact with attorneys, management, co-workers, other agencies, and interested parties
• Prepare routine to moderately complex legal or other documents
• Utilize technological software to aid in file management, case synopsis, and presentations in courtroom proceedings
• Perform work in a high-volume, fast-paced, stressful environment
• Maintain current knowledge of statutes, case law, and legal procedures to ensure compliance with court procedures
• Research legal or factual issues and provide findings to attorneys
• Maintain case files and case logs
• Attend legal seminars, training classes, and position-oriented meetings on- and off-site
• Travel to and from court locations, government facilities, and other job-related locations as necessary, which may include periodic travel outside of Maricopa County, subject to County policies regarding vehicle use

Working Conditions

• Work is frequently performed indoors, under constant bright lighting
• Frequent use of stairs or ladders and working at a computer workstation
• Ability to constantly sit, stand, walk, and/or drive a vehicle to perform corresponding tasks
• Ability to lift 25 pounds from the floor to waist or waist to shoulder; carry 25-30 pounds a distance of 100 feet; or push/pull 100 pounds a distance of 1000 feet
• Time pressures, high volumes of work, handling multiple or complicated tasks, accuracy, and concentration/vigilance are constant requirements

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!