Paralegal

Posting Date

01/15/26

Application Deadline

01/22/26

Pay Range

$23.40 - $38.75 hourly

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours worked over 40 in the designated workweek.

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

Public Defender

About the Position

Tired of work monotony? Do you thrive in an environment where no day is the same? Do you enjoy working on a team with a common goal? If this describes you, apply now to become a Paralegal with the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office! Paralegals play a crucial role in maintaining a top-notch representation of our clients by working on all aspects of the defense case, from indictment to sentencing!

About The Office of the Public Defender

With over 400 employees, the Office of the Public Defender is the largest of the five indigent defense offices in Maricopa County. We are also one of the largest public defender offices in the country. Our office provides innovative, client-centered legal representation in the full range of criminal matters to clients unable to afford legal counsel. Our attorneys and staff are dedicated to treating our clients with respect and dignity as we defend their constitutional rights in a court of law. This is a fast-paced department with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Proud to Offer

• 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

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

We Require

• An associate's degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, or legal assistance AND

• Two years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or related work

OR

• Associates in an unrelated field + Certificate in Paralegal Studies – 2 years of experience needed OR

• Bachelor’s or higher in paralegal studies, legal assistance, or legal studies  – no experience needed OR

• Bachelor’s or higher in an unrelated field + an Associate's or Certificate of completion from an accredited legal assisting or paralegal studies program – no experience needed

Other Requirements

• Valid Arizona driver’s license

We Also Value

• Experience working in the criminal justice office

Job Contributions

• Collect, analyze, organize, investigate, and summarize discovery or other materials

• Assist attorneys with preparation for various types of legal proceedings, including but not limited to creating trial notebooks, witness files, trial exhibits, and charts/indices

• Develop and secure discovery, evidence, and other documentation

• Perform specifically delegated substantive legal work for which an attorney is responsible

• Assist attorneys in the development of defense strategies and case theories

• Assist attorneys in jury selection and trial proceedings

• Maintain contact with clients (in and out of custody), clients’ families, or other pertinent individuals regarding legal process, case status, and/or other related information

• Gather, review, and verify case documentation, including making recommendations for further analysis

• Research and retain expert witnesses; provide recommendations on experts based on case facts

• Interview witnesses regarding facts as needed in defense of cases

• Interact with attorneys, management, co-workers, other agencies, and interested parties

• Prepa