Pay RangeAnticipated Hiring Range: $23.40 - $27.61 hourlyFull Pay Range: $23.40 - $40.25 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.Posting Date07/09/26Application Deadline07/14/26Job TypeUnclassifiedDepartmentPublic DefenderAbout The PositionWe are looking for a Paralegal to work for the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office. Paralegals play a crucial role in maintaining top‑notch representation of our clients by working on all aspects of the defense case, from indictment to sentencing.About UsWith over 470 employees, the Office of the Public Defender is the largest of the five indigent defense offices in Maricopa County and one of the largest public defender offices in the country. Our office provides innovative, client‑centered legal representation in criminal matters to clients unable to afford counsel. Attorneys and staff are dedicated to treating our clients with respect and dignity and defending their constitutional rights in court. This fast‑paced department offers opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.Proud to OfferWork with a greater purposeTuition reimbursementExceptional work‑life balance, with hybrid or 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 on‑site center Maricopa County Kids Club dedicated to serving Maricopa County familiesPaid vacation, sick time, and parental leaveExtensive wellness program, including an incentiveEnrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day1We RequireAssociate's degree in paralegal studies or legal assistanceTwo years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or work involving legal procedures, terminology, or administration ORAssociate's in an unrelated field + Certificate in Paralegal Studies – 2 years of experience neededBachelor's or higher in paralegal studies, legal assistance, or legal studies – no experience neededBachelor's or higher in an unrelated field + an Associate or Certification in paralegal studies – no experience neededWe Also ValueExperience working in the criminal justice officeJob ContributionsCollect, analyze, organize, investigate, and summarize discovery or other materialsAssist attorneys with preparation for various types of legal proceedings, including but not limited to creating trial notebooks, witness files, trial exhibits, and charts/indicesDevelop and secure discovery, evidence, and other documentationPerform specifically delegated substantive legal work for which an attorney is responsibleAssist attorneys in the development of defense strategies and case theoriesAssist attorneys in jury selection and trial proceedingsMaintain contact with clients (in and out of custody), clients' families, or other pertinent individuals regarding legal process, case status, and/or other related informationGather, review, and verify case documentation, including making recommendations for further analysisResearch and retain expert witnesses; provide recommendations on experts based on case factsInterview witnesses regarding facts as needed in defense of casesInteract with attorneys, management, co‑workers, other agencies, and interested partiesPrepare routine to moderately complex legal or other documentsUtilize technological software to aid in file management, case synopsis, and presentations in courtroom proceedingsPerform work in a high‑volume, fast‑paced, stressful environmentMaintain current knowledge of statutes, case law, and legal procedures to ensure compliance with court proceduresResearch legal or factual issues and provide findings to attorneysMaintain case files and case logsAttend legal seminars, training classes, and position‑oriented meetings on‑and‑off‑siteTravel to and from court locations, government facilities, and other job‑related locations as necessary, which may include periodic travel outside Maricopa County, subject to County policies regarding vehicle useWorking ConditionsWork is primarily performed in an office environment with bright lighting and requires prolonged periods in a stationary position, constant viewing of a computer monitor or screen, frequent computer use involving repetitive hand and wrist movements, and occasional exposure to outdoor heat and sunlightFrequent use of stairs or ladders and working at a computer workstationAbility to constantly sit, stand, walk, and/or drive a vehicle to perform corresponding tasksAbility to lift 25 pounds from the floor to waist or waist to shoulder; carry 25‑30 pounds a distance of 100 feet; or push/pull 100 pounds a distance of 1000 feetTime pressures, high volumes of work, handling multiple or complicated tasks, accuracy, and concentration/vigilance are constant requirementsSelection ProcedureConsideration 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 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 MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov to initiate the interactive process.#J-18808-Ljbffr