Attorney III

Maricopa County • Phoenix, AZ

15d

About The Position

Come be a part of a dynamic legal team as an Attorney at the Office of the Legal Advocate! As an Attorney, you will have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of indigent clients appointed to our office by the court. You will put your legal skills to work preparing cases and representing clients through all phases of the court proceedings, all while having a positive impact on those in our community who are impoverished. NOTE: This recruitment will be used to fill a current vacancy in the Appellate/Rule 33 Plea Post-Conviction Relief group. The group also occasionally handles special actions. About Maricopa County's Office of the Legal Advocate 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!

Requirements

• 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
• Seven years or more of experience as a practicing attorney
• Significant experience with adult criminal trial, appeals, and post-conviction relief
• Work in state criminal litigation within the last three years, preferably Arizona, and is very familiar with Arizona’s statutes and rules
• Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire

Nice To Haves

• Provide high-quality representation in any case except capital murder without supervision
• Strong writing skills, and, if experience has been primarily trial practice, a robust motion writing practice, including special actions
• Experience with oral argument before state or federal courts
• Participated on committees addressing criminal, juvenile or mental health justice issues and/or is willing to participate in such committees
• Shared knowledge, skills, and experiences through case staffing, articles, presentations, and formal trainings for peers
• Experience working in an office environment and ability to work well with others, including as co-counsel
• Has great organizational skills and diligently abides deadlines

Responsibilities

• Appear in court representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials
• Present oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients' legal interest
• Research facts and analyze legal issues using both computerized and printed legal research tools
• Compose motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents
• Review 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 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

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree