Attorney III

Maricopa County•Mesa, AZ

13h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Attorney III will work in the Office of the Legal Advocate, providing legal representation to indigent clients appointed to the office by the court. This recruitment is for a current vacancy in the Juvenile Dependency/Severance group. The attorney prepares cases and represents clients through all phases of court proceedings, helping protect clients’ legal and constitutional rights. The role involves court appearances, case preparation, legal research and writing, client communication, and travel to courts and other job-related locations.

Requirements

Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association-approved law school.
Three years of experience as a practicing attorney.
Must be admitted to practice law and be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona at the time of application.
Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire.
Eligibility for a Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Must pass 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.

Nice To Haves

Seven or more years of experience in dependency and severance matters.
Experience with Arizona dependency and severance proceedings.

Responsibilities

Appear in court representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials.
Present oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients’ legal interests.
Research facts and analyze legal issues using computerized and printed legal research tools.
Compose motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents.
Prepare cases for trial by interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes and other case-related locations, and reviewing evidence on and off site.
Discuss and present analyses of legal issues to clients, court personnel, and related individuals.
Communicate in person and by phone with clients, opposing counsel, co-workers, supervisors, and others.
Travel to courts, jails, detention centers, and correctional facilities to represent clients effectively.
Provide leadership for professionals, including other attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and paralegals, consistent with the current assignment.
Attend Continuing Legal Education seminars.

Benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.
Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRHP) for attorneys.
Tuition reimbursement.
Hybrid and alternative work schedule options.
Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County.
Low-cost, high-value healthcare for the employee and qualifying dependents.
Child care benefits, including access to an on-site child care center.
Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave.
Extensive wellness program, including an incentive.
Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring an 11.98% per-paycheck contribution, with a 100% employer match on Day 1.