Conditional Hire – Prosecutor I

Maricopa County•Madison, AZ

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is seeking third-year law students who will take the Arizona bar exam in February 2027 for a Conditional Hire – Prosecutor I position. Applicants hired into this position will be offered a full-time Prosecutor I position, conditioned on successfully passing the February 2027 bar exam, clearing MCAO’s attorney background process (including drug screening), submitting character and fitness materials to the State Bar of Arizona by December 31, 2026, achieving an 85 or higher on the MPRE by the time bar results are received, and MCAO having an available Prosecutor I vacancy when the applicant receives their Arizona bar number. Conditional Hires will start as law clerks shortly after the February 2027 bar exam, compensated at $22.00 per hour through a 3rd party employer, working a 40-hour week. Upon receiving their Arizona State Bar number and being formally placed in a Prosecutor I vacancy, they will be compensated as a Prosecutor I, with a starting salary of $82,250 annually and a full salary range of $82,250 - $108,750 annually. This role involves prosecuting criminal cases for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and providing competent legal advice and services.

Requirements

Current 3rd-year law student, expected to receive a Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school
Must take the February 2027 Arizona Bar exam
Applicant must submit a complete application (including all materials needed for their Character and Fitness review) to the Arizona Bar Association by December 31, 2026, to continue the application process
Demonstrated interest in criminal prosecution during law school, through internships, externships, employment, volunteering, or clinical experiences with a criminal prosecution agency
Must achieve an 85 or higher on the MPRE by the time bar results are received
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

Responsibilities

Discuss and present analyses of legal issues
Conduct trials, present oral arguments, and cover court
Interview witnesses regarding facts in the prosecution of cases
Research and analyze legal issues using both computerized legal research and hard copy tools
Compose memoranda and pleadings regarding legal issues of concern
Maintain professional relationships with victims, witnesses, law enforcement agencies, and members of the community
Negotiate the just resolution of assigned cases and comply with victims' rights

Benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRHP) for attorneys
Work with a greater purpose
Tuition reimbursement
Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options
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
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 a 11.98% monthly contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1