Intern

Posting Date

Application Deadline

Pay Range

Job Type

Department

About the Position

Are 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!

In this position, 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.

NOTE: This will be a temporary part-time position at $17/hour, and working up to 220 hours per semester. This position is a 12 week internship starting on May 18th, 2026 through August 7th, 2026, 30 hours/week.

About Us

We provide high-quality legal representation to our clients while protecting the fundamental rights of every member of the community.

The Office of the Legal Advocate is make up of hard-working and dedicated people who believe in safeguarding the constitutional rights of the indigent clients we serve.  We strive to build a stronger team with every team member we add because every one of our colleagues plays an integral part in delivering excellent representation.

If your goal is to be part of a dynamic, supporting, and pivotal office, please consider applying to the Office of the Legal Advocate!

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose

• Exceptional work-life balance

• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County

• 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

• Completion of at least one year of a Juris Doctor (JD) program at an accredited Law School

Job Contributions

• Attends and assists with various aspects of trial work, including jury selection

• Assists in trial preparation

• Attends and participates in witness interviews

• Attends various hearing types, including status conferences, settlement conferences, and evidentiary hearings

• Drafts and edits pleadings

• Meets with clients both in and out of jail

• Researches legal issues

• Writes legal memoranda 

• Reviews case files and assists assigned attorneys with additional needs

• Participates in trainings related to criminal defense and development of trial skills

Rule Certified Limited Practice Student

• Represents indigent clients in criminal cases in Maricopa County Superior Court and Justice Courts

• Handles preliminary hearings, plea proceedings, settlement conferences, sentencings, evidentiary hearings, and jury trials

• Interviews clients and witnesses

• Drafts motions

• Receives specific training in all aspects of trial including opening statements, closing arguments, direct and cross examination, and voir dire

• Participates in a clinical course to learn effective public speaking techniques

• Receives regular feedback regarding verbal and written work from professors, experienced criminal defense attorneys, and other stakeholders

• Other tasks as directed by a supervising attorney to ensure effective representation is provided

Working Conditions

• Most work is performed in an office environment or court room.  Requires the ability to work with traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.)

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!