New

Deputy Director, Legal Defense

Maricopa County
parental leave, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, Arizona, Mesa
106 East Baseline Road (Show on map)
Jan 26, 2026
Posting Date 01/26/26 Application Deadline 02/09/26 Pay Range $136,552 - $199,576 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 Advocate About the Position Are you an enthusiastic leader who believes in serving the indigent population and making a difference in the community? We are seeking a dedicated, motivated, and solution-driven Deputy Director. As a Deputy Director, you will play a vital role in providing significant input and guidance to the Director. In this function, you will have an opportunity to utilize your extensive legal background to provide leadership, management, and direction to the team. About Us The Office of the Public Advocate is committed to the mission of protecting the fundamental rights of our clients. We're dedicated to providing effective legal representation to all indigent persons, those individuals who are not able to afford the services of private lawyers, when appointed by the Maricopa County Superior Court. Our clients include juveniles charged with criminal offenses, parents, and children in dependency and severance matters (loss of parental rights), and people facing court-ordered mental health evaluation and treatment. 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 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 Eight years of experience practicing as an attorney, of which four must be in government indigent representation Four years of supervisory or management experience Doctor of Jurisprudence or Doctor of Law degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school Other Requirements Licensed to practice law and membership in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona at the time of application Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Arizona driver's license by the time of hire We Also Value Experience in the management process and policy-making function of a law office Prior experience practicing in the areas of delinquency law, dependency law and Mental Health / Civil Commitment (Title 36) Job Contributions Assists the Public Advocate in the coordination and supervision of legal services provided by the attorneys at the office Works with the Public Advocate and department managers/supervisors in planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing programs affecting assigned areas of responsibility Acts as Public Advocate 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 experience traumatic subject matter, interruptions, time pressure, high volumes of work, handling multiple or complicated tasks, unscheduled tasks, frequently changing tasks, accuracy, decision making, concentration/vigilance, teamwork, working in close physical proximity to others, and public contact may be a common occurrence. This position requires the ability to lift 15-25 pounds from floor to waist; 15 pounds waist to shoulder or shoulder to overhead; carry 25 pounds 100 feet or push/pull 100 pounds 1000 feet. The work requires 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 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!