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Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Attorney (Various Levels)

Yuma, AZ ยท On-site

$33 - $88.89/hr

... Public Defender or Legal Defender in prosecuting or defending persons charged with criminal ... to assist in the development and review of office/department policies and procedures; may be ...

Attorney Senior Counsel

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$131K - $195K/yr

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer * Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRHP) for ... defending clients at oral argument when scheduled, and helping other attorneys in the office by ...

Attorney Senior Counsel

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$131K - $195K/yr

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer * Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRHP) for ... defending clients at oral argument when scheduled, and helping other attorneys in the office by ...

Attorney Senior Counsel

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$131K - $195K/yr

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer * Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRHP) for ... defending clients at oral argument when scheduled, and helping other attorneys in the office by ...

Attorney Senior Counsel

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$131K - $195K/yr

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer * Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRHP) for ... defending clients at oral argument when scheduled, and helping other attorneys in the office by ...

Paralegal

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$23.40 - $40.25/hr

The position also involves redacting public records consistent with Arizona law. If you're ready to ... Our work involves defending legal actions, lawsuits, and claims brought against County entities. We ...

Paralegal

Phoenix, AZ ยท Hybrid

$23.40 - $40.25/hr

The position also involves redacting public records consistent with Arizona law. If you're ready to ... Our work involves defending legal actions, lawsuits, and claims brought against County entities. We ...

Paralegal

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$23.40 - $40.25/hr

The position also involves redacting public records consistent with Arizona law. If you're ready to ... Our work involves defending legal actions, lawsuits, and claims brought against County entities. We ...

Paralegal

Phoenix, AZ ยท Hybrid

$23.40 - $40.25/hr

The position also involves redacting public records consistent with Arizona law. If you're ready to ... Our work involves defending legal actions, lawsuits, and claims brought against County entities. We ...

Paralegal

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$23.40 - $40.25/hr

... public records law, among many other legal issues. There are also opportunities to assist other ... Our work involves defending legal actions, lawsuits, and claims brought against County entities ...

Paralegal

Phoenix, AZ ยท Hybrid

$23.40 - $40.25/hr

... public records law, among many other legal issues. There are also opportunities to assist other ... Our work involves defending legal actions, lawsuits, and claims brought against County entities ...

Paralegal

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$23.40 - $40.25/hr

... public records law, among many other legal issues. There are also opportunities to assist other ... Our work involves defending legal actions, lawsuits, and claims brought against County entities ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Public Defender information

See Arizona salary details

$43.8K

$73.2K

$123K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant public defender in Arizona is $73,234.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,600.00 and $80,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Public Defender vs Public Defender?

AspectAssistant Public DefenderPublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentSupports public defenders, handles cases under supervisionLeads defense teams, manages caseloads, makes legal decisions
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, public defense officesGovernment agencies, public defense offices
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Assistant Public Defenders assist in defending clients in criminal cases under supervision, while Public Defenders lead the defense team, handle complex cases, and make strategic legal decisions. Both roles require a JD and state bar licensure, and they work within government public defense offices. The main difference lies in responsibility level and case management scope.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant public defenders, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Assistant Public Defenders often manage high caseloads and work with clients from diverse backgrounds who may have complex legal and personal needs. New hires should be prepared for fast-paced environments, tight deadlines, and emotionally charged situations. Developing strong organizational skills, practicing empathy, and seeking mentorship from senior defenders can help new attorneys navigate these challenges effectively. Additionally, collaborating closely with investigators, social workers, and other team members is key to building a strong defense and supporting clients holistically.

What does an assistant public defender do?

An Assistant Public Defender is a licensed attorney who represents individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer. They provide legal counsel, defend clients in court, negotiate plea deals, and ensure their clients' constitutional rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process. Assistant Public Defenders often handle a high caseload and work on a wide variety of criminal cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant public defender?

To thrive as an Assistant Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and a strong understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management software, and e-filing systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills, along with resilience and empathy, help you connect with clients and navigate high-pressure situations. These skills ensure effective representation of clients, uphold legal rights, and maintain integrity within the justice system.
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Public Defender jobs in Arizona? For Assistant Public Defender jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Public Defender jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Public Defender jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Assistant Public Defender jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Assistant Public Defender job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Public Defender jobs in AZ? For Assistant Public Defender jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Assistant Public Defender job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,234 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Attorney (Various Levels)

Yuma County

Yuma, AZ โ€ข On-site

$33 - $88.89/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Summary This position is advertised from the minimum to the maximum hourly rate. Salary will be determined based on education and experience at the time of offer. **NOTE: Yuma County reserves the right to underfill the Senior Attorney (Grade 29) as an Attorney IV (Grade 28 Min: $59.26./hr

- Max: $88.89/hr.) Attorney III (Grade 27 Min: $53.75/hr. - Max: $80.63/hr.) Attorney II (Grade 26 Min: $51.19/hr. - Max: $76.79/hr.) or as an Attorney I (Grade 23 Min: $44.22/hr

- Max: $66.33/hr.) Bar Candidate-Temporary (Grade 17 Min $33.00/hr.- Max $49.50/hr.) Until such time as the successful candidate completes all education and training requirements. NATURE OF WORK Under administrative direction with wide latitude for independent judgment, develops policies and procedures in assigned areas of work; performs professional legal work in the prosecution or defense of the most complex and difficult criminal or civil cases; incumbents in this position serve at the pleasure of their respective appointing attorney. Nature of Work (Illustrative Only) Acts under the authority of and as provided by the Yuma County Attorney, Public Defender or Legal Defender in prosecuting or defending persons charged with criminal offenses or in resolving civil legal issues; manages and prioritizes assigned caseload; provides guidance to management on procedural issues; assures that cases are resolved within office policy guidelines; in addition to any duties required of the position of Attorney IV, works to resolve criminal and civil legal issues, and assures that cases are resolved within office policy guidelines; directs major criminal and civil investigations; advises law enforcement agencies on legal issues of duties, functions and obligations; reviews criminal and civil cases and assignments; identifies policy and compliance issues, and proposes solutions; conducts officer/witness/victim/defendant interviews; formulates and offers pleas when appropriate; prepares and conducts probable cause determinations; reviews changes and updates in criminal law; develops trial strategy Conducts legal research; drafts complaints, briefs, motions and other legal documents; prepares and presents memoranda of law, briefs and other filings and legal documents, as required; develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of case; monitors and reviews trends in law enforcement and criminal justice, and recommends operational, procedural and policy improvements; screens and assigns cases; prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects; counsels, trains and coaches attorneys and support personnel; develops staff skills and conducts performance evaluations; provides direction and guidance in legal analysis, strategies and negotiations; establishes trial strategy; participates in meetings with County Officials, local and national law enforcement, judicial, professional and community groups; may be required to supervise other attorneys and/or units within the office of department on a routine and/or interim basis; may be required to assist in the development and review of office/department policies and procedures; may be required to review assigned unit's performance and operations, and review and evaluate performance of professional staff and support staff; regular and reliable attendance is required; performs other duties as assigned

Experience and Education Senior Attorney (Grade 29) Minimum Qualifications: Hourly rate: Min $59.26 - Max $88.89 Juris Doctorate (JD) degree; seven years of experience as a practicing attorney AND extensive trial experience in a leading role in complex criminal or civil cases; two years of supervisory experience; must be licensed by the State Bar of Arizona to practice law in the State of Arizona, remain active with all Arizona Bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record; requires successful completion of a background check; it is expected that a minimum of 70% of workload must be at the Senior Attorney level to maintain classification. Special Requirements: Must submit a Certificate in Good Standing issued by the Disciplinary Clerk of the Supreme Court of Arizona .Attorney IV (Grade28) Minimum Qualifications: Hourly rate: Min $59.75 - Max $88.89/hr. Juris Doctorate (JD) degree; AND six years of experience as a practicing attorney and extensive trial experience in a leading role in complex criminal or civil cases; must be licensed by the Bar to practice law in the State of Arizona, remain active with all Arizona Bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record; AND one year of supervisory experience

Requires successful completion of a background check.Special Requirements: Must submit a Certificate in Good Standing issued by the Disciplinary Clerk of the Supreme Court of Arizona. Attorney III (Grade 27) Minimum Qualifications: Hourly rate: Min $53.75 - Max $80.63/hr. Juris Doctorate (JD) degree; AND five years of experience as a practicing attorney and significant experience in complex civil or criminal trial practice; must be licensed by the State Bar of Arizona to practice law in the State of Arizona, remain active with all Arizona Bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record

Requires successful completion of a background check. Special Requirements:Must submit a Certificate in Good Standing issued by the Disciplinary Clerk of the Supreme Court of Arizona. Attorney II (Grade 26)Minimum Qualifications: Hourly rate: Min $ 51.19 - Max $76.79/hr

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree; two years of experience as a practicing attorney AND experience in civil or criminal legal practice; must be licensed by the State Bar of Arizona to practice law in the State of Arizona, remain active with all Arizona Bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record. Requires successful completion of a background check.Special Requirements:Must submit a Certificate in Good Standing issued by the Disciplinary Clerk of the Supreme Court of Arizona. Attorney I (Grade 23)Minimum Qualifications: Hourly rate: Min $44.22 - Max $66.33/hr

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree; Must be licensed by the State Bar of Arizona to practice law in the State of Arizona, remain active with all Arizona bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record. Requires successful completion of a background check.Special Requirements: Must submit a Certificate in Good Standing issued by the Disciplinary Clerk of the Supreme Court of Arizona. Bar Candidate (Grade 17) - Temporary Hourly rate: Min $33.00 - Max $49.50/hr

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree; must have taken the most recent bar examination to practice law in the State of Arizona and maintain a clear criminal record. Requires successful completion of a background check. Special Requirements: Within six months of appointment, must be admitted to practice law in Arizona.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of: County and Department policies and procedures; civil and criminal statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures, applicable Federal rules and regulations; trial and appellate court processes, protocols and strategies; legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases and other research tools; legal case management procedures, ethics and techniques; the principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court; the principles and practices of supervision and management. Skill in: Reviewing and assessing legal issues and documents; setting priorities, planning, assigning, training and supervising the work of others; effectively assessing, interpreting and applying laws to information, evidence and other data compiled; trial procedures, negotiation, developing legal strategy, and presenting legal arguments; planning and managing the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date records and documentation; verbal and written communication, and exercising judgment and discretion in decision making; establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with attorneys, law enforcement agencies, judges, community members, victims and other participants in the justice process; operating a personal computer, standard office software and specialized legal software programs. Ability to: Effectively respond to phone calls, emails and complaints in a timely manner; analyzes, understand, interprets and represent cases effectively in court; plan, prioritizes, manages and assign caseload; responds to multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment; read, write, research and synthesizes data; use modern office equipment and computers; assigning and leading the work of others; communicate effectively; lift up to 5 - 10 lbs.

Working Environment: The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity; generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking and 20% standing; the job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment. EOE/AA/ADAAA/M/F/V/D DRUG FREE WORKPLACE