Deputy Director, Legal Defense
New Today
Posting Date
10/02/25 Application Deadline
10/17/25 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 Defense Services About the Position
Are you an enthusiastic leader who believes in serving the underprivileged population and making a positive impact 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 Legal Defender consists of attorneys and support staff who help provide quality legal representation to underprivileged individuals assigned to us by the court, thereby safeguarding the fundamental legal rights of each member of the community. If you are motivated to seek just and equitable treatment for our clients, we invite you to apply today to join our team!
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 programs, 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 a member 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
Our preferred candidate has management experience in a law office, as well as experience in policy-making functions for a law office.
Job Contributions
Assists the Director with the coordination and supervision of legal services provided by the attorneys 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 encounter traumatic subject matters (such as crime scenes and accidents). They may experience frequent interruptions and time pressures; high volumes of work; and manage multiple, complicated, unscheduled, and frequently changing tasks. This position requires accuracy, decision-making abilities, concentration/vigilance, teamwork, and working in close physical proximity with others. Public contact may be a common occurrence. The position requires the ability to lift 15-25 pounds from floor to waist and 15 pounds from waist to shoulder or shoulder to overhead. You must be able to carry 25 pounds 100 feet or push/pull 100 pounds up to 1,000 feet. This work requires travel to and from job-related locations during a scheduled workweek, and is 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!
- Location:
- Phoenix
- Job Type:
- FullTime