Mental Health Appeals Attorney

ABOUT THE ROLE Full-time, hybrid position with the Office of the Legal Defender in Maricopa County, Phoenix, AZ. The role involves advocating professionally, aggressively, and ethically on behalf of indigent clients appointed by the court. The attorney will prepare cases and represent clients through all phases of court proceedings, specifically filling a current vacancy in the appellate unit. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Appear in court representing clients at scheduled hearings and trials - Present oral arguments in support of clients' legal interests - Research facts and analyze legal issues using computerized and printed legal research tools - Compose motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents - Review evidence on- and off-site - Discuss and present analyses of legal issues to clients, court personnel, and related individuals - Communicate in person and by phone with clients, opposing counsel, co-workers, and supervisors - Travel to courts, mental health institutions, jails, detention centers, and correctional facilities - Provide leadership for professionals, including other attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and paralegals - Attend Continuing Legal Education seminars MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Three years of appellate experience - Juris Doctor (JD) or Doctor of Jurisprudence from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school - Currently admitted to practice law and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona at the time of application SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Valid Arizona driver's license required upon hire - Travel to and from job-related locations during a scheduled workday using a County or private vehicle - May require national and international travel outside of a scheduled workday for case-related investigation - Physical demands: lift 15-25 pounds from floor to waist; 15 pounds waist to shoulder or shoulder to overhead; carry 15-25 pounds for 100 feet; push/pull 100 pounds for 100 feet - Work environment includes exposure to traumatic subject matter, interruptions, time pressures, high volumes of work, and handling multiple complicated tasks - Preferred qualifications: experience with adult criminal appeals and post-conviction relief, and work in state criminal litigation within the last three years SELECTION PROCESS 1. Consideration is only given to candidates who submit online applications 2. Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile 3. Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive positions HOW TO APPLY Submit an online application through the Maricopa County Workday portal. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Type: Unclassified - Department: Legal Defender - Location: 222 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (Hybrid) - Posting Date: 07/23/26 - Application Deadline: Open Until Filled - Job Requisition ID: JR24713 - Benefits: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer, Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for attorneys, tuition reimbursement, exceptional work-life balance, growth opportunities, low-cost high-value healthcare, child care benefits (Maricopa County Kids Club), paid vacation, sick time, parental leave, extensive wellness program, and Arizona State Retirement System (11.98% contribution with 100% employer match on Day 1).