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Dependency Attorney Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Attorney I-III

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$82K - $171K/yr

As an Attorney, you'll represent indigent clients when appointed by the court and prepare cases for ... Our clients include juveniles charged with criminal offenses, parents, and children in dependency ...

Attorney I-III

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$82K - $171K/yr

As an Attorney, you'll represent indigent clients when appointed by the court and prepare cases for ... Our clients include juveniles charged with criminal offenses, parents, and children in dependency ...

Attorney I-III

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$82K - $171K/yr

As an Attorney, you'll represent indigent clients when appointed by the court and prepare cases for ... Our clients include juveniles charged with criminal offenses, parents, and children in dependency ...

Attorney I-III

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$82 - $172/hr

Our clients include juveniles charged with criminal offenses, parents, and children in dependency ... attorneys * Work with a greater purpose * Tuition reimbursement * Exceptional work-life balance ...

Showing results 21-40

Dependency Attorney information

What is a dependency attorney?

A Dependency Attorney is a lawyer who represents parties involved in dependency court cases, which address issues of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. They may represent parents, children, or other interested parties in proceedings where the state intervenes to protect a child's welfare. Their primary role is to advocate for their client's interests, ensure due process is followed, and help navigate the complexities of child welfare law. Dependency Attorneys work closely with social workers, judges, and other legal professionals to secure safe and appropriate outcomes for children.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dependency attorney?

To thrive as a Dependency Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor degree, bar admission, and strong knowledge of child welfare law and court procedures. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), and relevant state-specific regulations is essential. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and empathy are key soft skills for effectively representing clients—often children or parents—in emotionally charged cases. These skills are crucial for ensuring fair legal representation, supporting vulnerable clients, and navigating complex family court proceedings.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by dependency attorneys, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Dependency attorneys often manage high caseloads involving sensitive family situations, including child abuse or neglect cases. The role requires balancing advocacy for clients with the best interests of the child, which can be emotionally demanding. New hires should be prepared for frequent court appearances, collaboration with social workers, and rapidly evolving case details. Building strong organizational skills, maintaining emotional resilience, and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can help navigate these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Dependency Attorney vs Family Law Attorney?

AspectDependency AttorneyFamily Law Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, specialized training in dependency lawLaw degree, bar license, specialization in family law often including dependency cases
Work EnvironmentCourts, child welfare agencies, legal clinicsCourts, law firms, private practice, legal clinics
Employer & IndustryChild welfare agencies, government legal departmentsPrivate law firms, government agencies, courts
Search & Comparison IntentDependency Attorney vs Family Law Attorney

Dependency Attorneys specialize in representing children and families involved in child welfare cases, focusing on dependency law. Family Law Attorneys handle a broader range of family-related legal issues, including divorce, custody, and adoption. While both roles require similar legal credentials and often work in related environments, Dependency Attorneys focus specifically on child welfare cases within the legal system.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Dependency Attorney jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Dependency Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various Dependency Attorney job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution.

Attorney I-III

Maricopa

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$82K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Posting Date

09/03/26

Application Deadline

09/09/26

Pay Range

$82,250 - $171,750 annually
Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. The position is not eligible for overtime compensation for all hours worked over 40 in the designated workweek.

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

Public Advocate

About the Position

If you want to help others, be intellectually challenged, and live up to your potential, then apply to be an Attorney with Public Advocate!
We're looking for someone who is a great oral communicator, team player, and an expert in conducting legal research.As an Attorney, you'll represent indigent clients when appointed by the court and prepare cases for defense including, but not limited to, presenting such cases in all phases of court proceedings.

NOTE: Recruitments are used to fill attorney vacancies in various assignments throughout the Office. This recruitment will be used to fill a current vacancy in the Juvenile Delinquency

This recruitment is utilized to fill Attorney tier I - III positions. The level and compensation offered will be based on the education and experience provided on the application.

  • Attorneys hired at a tier I will be compensated at a range of $82,250 -- $135,250

  • Attorneys hired at a tier II will be compensated at a range of $102,000- $148,500

  • Attorneys hired at a tier III will be compensated at a range of $114,500 -- $171,750

About the Office of the Public Advocate

The Office of the Public Advocate seeks professionals, both attorneys, and legal staff members, to join our legal defense team!
We're committed to the mission of protecting the fundamental rights of our clients. We're dedicated to providing effective legal representation to all indigent persons, those individuals who are not able to afford the services of private lawyers, when appointed by the Maricopa County Superior Court. Our clients include juveniles charged with criminal offenses, parents, and children in dependency and severance matters (loss of parental rights), and people facing court-ordered mental health evaluation and treatment.

Proud to Offer

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer

  • Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRHP) for attorneys

  • Work with a greater purpose

  • Tuition reimbursement

  • Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options

  • 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

  • Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

  • Extensive wellness program, including an incentive

  • Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 11.98% per paycheck 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

  • Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school

  • License to practice law and member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona

  • Applications will be accepted from candidates who have passed the Arizona bar examination, or those transferring UBE scores, and are awaiting admission to the bar, but such candidates cannot be hired until admitted

  • Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire

We Also Value

  • Experience with juvenile delinquency matters

Job Contributions

  • Appear in court, represent clients at scheduled hearings and trials

  • Present oral arguments as appropriate in support of clients' legal interests

  • Research facts and analyze legal issues using both computerized and printed legal research tools

  • Compose motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents

  • Prepare cases for trial by interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes, and other case-related locations. Review evidence on- and off-site

  • Discuss and present an analysis of legal issues to clients, court personnel, and related individuals.

  • Communicate in person and by phone with clients, opposing counsel, co-workers, supervisors, and others

  • Travel to courts, jails, detention centers, and correctional facilities to effectively represent clients

  • Attend Continuing Legal Education seminars

Working Conditions

  • Ability to work with traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.), interruptions, time pressure, high volumes of work, handling multiple or complicated tasks, unscheduled tasks, frequently changing tasks, accuracy, decision making, concentration/vigilance, teamwork, working in close physical proximity with others, public contact, and overtime/rotating shifts may be a common occurrence

  • Ability to lift 15-25 pounds from floor to waist; 15 pounds waist to shoulder or shoulder to overhead; carry 15-25 pounds a distance of 100 feet or push/pull 100 pounds a distance of 100 feet

  • Ability to travel to and from job-related locations on a scheduled workday, subject to County policies regarding the use of County vehicles and/or private vehicles used on County business

Selection Procedure

  • 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 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.

Apply Now!