Employment with the Office of the Public Defender


The information contained on this web page is for the convenience of the general public. "Official" statements of minimum qualifications and job descriptions are available from the Human Resources department, whose information will supercede any and all information stated on this web page.

Select a link below:

General Information/Benefits

Application Information

Summer Internship Program 

Law Clerk Program 

Maricopa County Human Resources Department (for a complete listing of open positions)


General Information and Benefits

Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities with the Office of the Public Defender.

The advantages of working in the Office of the Public Defender include:

Benefit Package

* Employees who work less than 40 hours per week, accrue Personal and F/M Leave on a pro-rata basis.

For Attorneys:  Please monitor the Maricopa County Human Resources jobs page. Applications are accepted only when a recruitment is active.

For Law Clerks: Please see the section below regarding Law Clerk opportunities.

Applications may be obtained from the Maricopa County Human Resources Department, 301 West Jefferson Avenue, Suite 200, Phoenix, Az. 85003-2113 (602) 506-3755 TT (602)506-1908

 


Application Information

Maricopa County job advertisements listed on this site are Open Competitive unless otherwise noted.

FILING PROCESS: Required application forms and supplement may be obtained from:

Maricopa County Human Resources Department
County Administration Building
301 West Jefferson, Suite 200
Phoenix, Arizona 85003-2113.
Phone: (602)506-3755  Teletypewriter (TT): (602)506-1908  Recorded Job Message: 506-3329

Maricopa County Human Resources comprehensive job listing and online forms

SELECTION PROCEDURE: All applications/supplements reflecting membership in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona will be referred to the hiring authority when vacancies are to be filled.

IT IS THE POLICY OF MARICOPA COUNTY NOT TO DISCRIMINATE IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


The Summer Internship Program

The Summer Internship Program is designed to give interns exposure to the work environment of a Public Defender’s Office, including opportunities to observe and assist in legal proceedings and contribute to the work of the criminal defense team.  The Program integrates interns into our office and allows them to assume some of the same responsibilities as our full time personnel.

All interns will be supervised by the program coordinator and assigned to work with trial attorney teams consisting of: attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and secretaries. Internships are available in the trial, appellate and juvenile divisions of our office.

The Internship Program offers interns the opportunity to work with several lawyers on a range of cases, providing an overview of the types of work performed by attorneys in either trial or appellate practice.  Interns will work on a variety of projects; including researching legal issues, writing legal memoranda, drafting and editing pleadings, reviewing case files, assisting in trial preparation, meeting with clients both in and out of jail, attending and participating in witness interviews, assisting in jury selection, observing court proceedings and attending private conferences with judges in chambers.

The Public Defender’s Office does not hire law students for paid internships.  However, we are able to accommodate a select number of students who can obtain their own funding.  Although this is an unpaid internship, students and recent graduates are offered an excellent opportunity to explore career options, build resumes, network with professionals in their fields of interest and gain hands-on experience.

Please follow the link below to obtain a copy of the Application for the Internship Program.  This form must be completed and returned along with a letter of interest and resume to:

Rebecca Kirchler - Assistant Training Director
Maricopa County
Public Defender's Office
620 W. Jackson St. Suite 4015
Phoenix , AZ   85003
 
Ph.(602) 506-7711
Email:  kirchlerr@mail.maricopa.gov

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS for the Summer Internship Program: March 1st

Click here for Internship Application


The Law Clerk Program

The Maricopa County Public Defender Law Clerk Program gives third year law students and recent law graduates an opportunity to assist attorneys in many aspects of a criminal case.  Law clerk positions are available in the trial, appeals, capital, and mental health divisions of our office.  Each law clerk is assigned to a particular unit and will work directly with the attorneys within that group.  Law clerks perform legal research, draft memoranda or motions, assist attorneys at legal proceedings including arraignments, evidentiary hearings and trials, and attend legal seminars and training workshops.  The law clerk position is paid and benefits are available.   

The Law Clerk Program includes monthly law clerk training sessions.  Each session focuses on a different criminal law topic.  The goal of these sessions is to provide continued learning for law clerks that will help in their daily research and writing tasks.  As employees of the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office, law clerks become members of the Arizona Public Defender’s Association (APDA).  The APDA holds an annual conference in June to which all staff and attorneys are invited.  The conference is just one of the great training opportunities afforded to the law clerks in the office.  

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis upon availability.   

To apply for a law clerk position, submit a cover letter and resume to:  

James J. Haas
Maricopa
County Public Defender
620 West Jackson, Suite 4015

Phoenix
, AZ   85003  

For further information about the Law Clerk Program, contact:  

Rebecca Kirchler - Law Clerk Program Coordinator
Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office
Ph. (602) 506-7711
Email:  kirchlerr@mail.maricopa.gov