Posting Date

04/17/26

Application Deadline

04/27/26

Pay Range

$153,000 - $224,000 annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

Public Defender

About the Position

Are you a passionate leader who is driven to serve the indigent population and make a difference in the community?  We are seeking a dedicated, motivated, and solution-driven Deputy Director. As Deputy Director, you will play a vital role in providing significant input, support, and guidance to the Director. You will also work in conjunction with the Director to utilize your extensive legal background to provide leadership, management, and direction across all units of our team.

About Us

With over 470 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
• 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 12% monthly contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
• Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more!  Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• Eight years of experience practicing as an attorney, of which four must be in government indigent representation
• Four years of supervisory or management experience
• Licensed to practice law and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona at the time of application
• Doctor of Jurisprudence or Doctor of Law degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school

Other Requirements

Successful candidates must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Arizona driver's license by the time of hire.

We Also Value

Preferred candidates will have experience in the management process and policy-making functions of a law office.

Job Contributions

• Assists the Director with the coordination and supervision of legal services and support provided by the attorneys and staff at the office
• Works with the Director and department managers/supervisors in planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing programs affecting assigned areas of responsibility
• Acts as Director in the absence of the Director and exercises discretion in authorizing designated documents and/or legal pleadings
• Meets and confers with the public, Public Defense Services, other County departments, the Courts, and Federal, State, local, and intergovernmental agencies regarding plans and priorities for existing and planned programs
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality, seamless customer service

Working Conditions

The employee in this position may face the following circumstances:

• Traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.)
• Interruptions, time pressures, high volumes of work, handling multiple or complicated tasks, unscheduled tasks, and frequently changing tasks

This work requires:

• A high level of accuracy
• Competent decision-making
• Concentration/vigilance
• Teamwork
• Working in close physical proximity with others
• Public contact
• Overtime/rotating shifts may be common
• Lifting 15-25 pounds from floor to waist, lifting 15 pounds from waist to shoulder or shoulder to overhead, carrying 15-25 pounds a distance of 100 feet, and/or pushing/pulling 100 pounds a distance of 100 feet
• Work in an office environment with bright lighting
• Prolonged periods in a stationary position
• Constant viewing of a computer monitor or screen
• Frequent computer use involving repetitive hand and wrist movements
• Routine exposure to outdoor heat and sunlight
• Travel to and from job-related locations during a scheduled workweek, subject to County policies regarding the use of County vehicles and/or private vehicles used on County business

Selection Procedure

• 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 and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact [email protected] to initiate the interactive process.

 

Apply Now!