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Entry Level Government Attorney Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Government Attorney information

See Arizona salary details

$42.9K

$100.8K

$160.8K

How much do entry level government attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level government attorney in Arizona is $100,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,600.00 and $121,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of cases and responsibilities can an entry level government attorney expect to handle in their first year?

As an entry level government attorney, you can expect to work on a variety of cases that may include legal research, drafting memoranda, assisting with litigation, and helping senior attorneys with document review. You might also represent the government in administrative hearings or help prepare legal opinions for agency staff. Collaboration with colleagues from different departments is common, providing valuable experience in teamwork and public service. The workload is often fast-paced, but offers excellent opportunities to develop foundational legal skills and gain exposure to a broad range of public sector legal issues.

What is the difference between Entry Level Government Attorney vs Entry Level Public Defender?

AspectEntry Level Government AttorneyEntry Level Public Defender
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionJuris Doctor (JD), Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, legal departmentsPublic defense offices, courts
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, or local governmentPublic defender offices, criminal justice
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level government legal rolesRelated to criminal defense in government

Entry Level Government Attorneys and Entry Level Public Defenders both require a JD and bar admission, working within government legal settings. While government attorneys may work in various agencies handling diverse legal matters, public defenders focus specifically on criminal defense for indigent clients. Both roles serve public interests but differ in their specific responsibilities and work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level government attorney?

To thrive as an Entry Level Government Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a valid state bar license, and a solid understanding of legal research, writing, and litigation procedures. Familiarity with legal databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management software, and government compliance systems is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in interpreting laws, drafting documents, and advising government agencies. These skills ensure accurate legal guidance, uphold public policy, and support the effective operation of governmental legal functions.

What does an entry level government attorney do?

An entry level government attorney typically provides legal advice, drafts legal documents, and represents government agencies in court or administrative hearings. Their duties may include conducting legal research, reviewing regulations, interpreting laws, and ensuring compliance with government policies. These attorneys often work on cases involving public interest, regulatory enforcement, or administrative law, and they may assist more senior attorneys on complex legal matters. Entry level roles are ideal for recent law graduates seeking experience in public service.
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Attorney jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Government Attorney jobs in Arizona are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Government Attorney job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,793 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Attorney I - County Attorney

Pima County Government

Tucson, AZ โ€ข On-site

$84K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary
Department - County AttorneyJob Description
REVISED
THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH A REGISTER for current and future ATTORNEY I - UNCLASSIFIED vacancies which serves all levels/assignments of Attorney in the Criminal and Civil Divisions of the Pima County Attorney's Office.
A RESUME, COVER LETTER AND WRITING SAMPLE ARE REQUIRED AND MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH A COMPLETED APPLICATION. Applications will be considered incomplete without a resume and writing sample.
Job Type: Unclassified
Job Type: Classified: 3001 - Attorney I
Salary Grade: A2
Pay Range
Pay Range: $84,947 - $161,387 Annually
Range Explanation:
  • Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
  • Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

Coordinates and conducts professional legal work in units within the Office of the Pima County Attorney. Incumbents perform entry level and/or intermediate level legal work in the area assigned for either criminal or civil cases. Attorneys at this level prepare, defend or prosecute, and resolve entry level to advanced-level licensed professional legal work. Attorneys at this level receive close supervision from higher-level attorney personnel in the performance of their duties. More experienced attorneys in this classification work more independently under the general supervision of higher-level attorney personnel.
This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.
For more information about the Pima County Attorney's Office, please visit their website at: http://www.pcao.pima.gov/.
Essential Functions:
As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department's need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.
  • Prosecutes or defends a variety of criminal or civil cases in Justice Court, Juvenile Court, Superior Court, Federal Court, and Appellate Courts which may include misdemeanor, felony, dependency, delinquency, mental health, guardianship, conservatorship, probate administration, contract, tort, environmental, real estate, tax issues, child support, or appellate cases;
  • Represents County departments, boards and commissions in civil litigation and administrative matters;
  • Engages in negotiations for compromise and settlement of cases and complies with Victims' Rights;
  • Engages in pretrial, trial, post-trial and appellate practice as required by cases;
  • Prepares litigation, deposes witnesses, provides witness notification, and conducts bench and jury trials;
  • Researches legal questions;
  • Researches and drafts legal motions, pleadings, briefs and other legal documents;
  • Reviews, evaluates, and participates in investigations;
  • Complies with all rules regulating professional responsibility;
  • Upholds the values and goals of the assigned Department and County.

Minimum Qualifications:
Juris Doctorate.
Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.
Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.
Supplemental Information:
Licenses and Certificates: Admission to the Arizona State Bar at time of appointment, which must be maintained in good standing. Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant's suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services' review and approval of the candidate's driving record.
Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. All positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems.
Physical/Sensory Requirements: Frequently operates a computer and other office equipment. Frequently observes details at close range. Frequently speaks to clients, witnesses, and other case involved parties, such as law enforcement agencies and experts in-person and/or on the phone. Regularly works in a professional office setting. Occasionally drives to conduct field work. Occasionally must lift and carry items. Occasionally remains in a stationary position. Occasionally moves about inside an office. Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position. Speaking Activity - in person and on the phone; Vision - operate a motor vehicle
Working Conditions: Regular, daily attendance is an essential function for this position. Regularly receives and responds to telephone calls, text messages and emails. Drives to visit clients and witnesses at residence or at jail, and other locations to speak with other case involved parties. Working conditions will be determined by position.
EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.