Intern at Maricopa County

Posting Date09/10/25Application DeadlineOpen Until FilledPay Range$17.00 hourlyThis position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours over 40 in the designated workweek.Job TypeTemporaryDepartmentLegal DefenderAbout the PositionAre 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 UsThe 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 OfferWork with a greater purposeTuition reimbursementExceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule optionsOpportunities for growth and development within Maricopa CountyLow-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependentsChild care benefits including access to our upcoming on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families exclusivelyPaid vacation, sick time, and parental leaveExtensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discountsMaricopa 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 1Learn more at Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZWe RequireIn order to qualify for this position, you must have completed at least one year of a Juris Doctor (JD) program at an accredited Law SchoolJob ContributionsLegal Intern / ExternAttends and assists with various aspects of trial work, including jury selectionAssists in trial preparationAttends and participates in witness interviewsAttends various hearing types, including status conferences, settlement conferences, and evidentiary hearingsDrafts and edits pleadingsMeets with clients both in and out of jailResearches legal issuesWrites legal memorandaReviews case files and assists assigned attorneys with additional needsParticipates in trainings related to criminal defense and development of trial skillsRule Certified Limited Practice StudentRepresents indigent clients in criminal cases in Maricopa County Superior Court and Justice CourtsHandles preliminary hearings, plea proceedings, settlement conferences, sentencings, evidentiary hearings, and jury trialsInterviews clients and witnessesDrafts motionsReceives specific training in all aspects of trial including opening statements, closing arguments, direct and cross examination, and voir direParticipates in a clinical course to learn effective public speaking techniquesReceives regular feedback regarding verbal and written work from professors, experienced criminal defense attorneys, and other stakeholdersOther tasks as directed by a supervising attorney to ensure effective representation is providedWorking ConditionsMost 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 membersSelection ProcedureOnly the most qualified candidates will be consideredConsideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applicationsCandidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profileMust 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-sensitiveMaricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.Apply Now!