Intern

Posting Date

09/10/25

Application Deadline

Open Until Filled

Pay Range

$17.00 hourly

This position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours over 40 in the designated workweek.

Job Type

Temporary

Department

Legal Defender

About the Position

Are you passionate about helping those in our community who are underserved?  Join our team and make a difference doing something that you are passionate about!

You will have an opportunity to work as either a Legal Intern/Extern or as a Rule Certified Limited Practice Student in our office.  In both roles you will gain practical, hands on experience working side by side with experienced attorneys and legal professionals.  Positions are available in Juvenile Dependency/Severance, Criminal Trial Group, and Early Disposition Court.

This is a temporary position and will term at the end of the semester.

About Us

The Office of the Legal Defender consists of attorneys and support staff helping to provide quality legal representation to indigent individuals assigned to us by the court, thus safeguarding the fundamental legal rights of each member of the community.

Start your career adventure with us and seek just and equitable treatment for our clients!

Proud to Offer

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

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

We Require

• In order to qualify for this position, you must have completed at least one year of a Juris Doctor (JD) program at an accredited Law School

Job Contributions

Legal Intern / Extern

• Attends and assists with various aspects of trial work, including jury selection

• Assists in trial preparation

• Attends and participates in witness interviews

• Attends various hearing types, including status conferences, settlement conferences, and evidentiary hearings

• Drafts and edits pleadings

• Meets with clients both in and out of jail

• Researches legal issues

• Writes legal memoranda

• Reviews case files and assists assigned attorneys with additional needs

• Participates in trainings related to criminal defense and development of trial skills

Rule Certified Limited Practice Student

• Represents indigent clients in criminal cases in Maricopa County Superior Court and Justice Courts

• Handles preliminary hearings, plea proceedings, settlement conferences, sentencings, evidentiary hearings, and jury trials

• Interviews clients and witnesses

• Drafts motions

• Receives specific training in all aspects of trial including opening statements, closing arguments, direct and cross examination, and voir dire

• Participates in a clinical course to learn effective public speaking techniques

• Receives regular feedback regarding verbal and written work from professors, experienced criminal defense attorneys, and other stakeholders

• Other tasks as directed by a supervising attorney to ensure effective representation is provided

Working Conditions

• Most work is performed in an office environment or court room.

• Requires the ability to work with traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.)

• This position requires contact with the public and close working relationships with other staff members

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!