Public Defender
arizonaPhoenix (AZ)
About the role
ABOUT THIS POSITION:
The City of Phoenix is seeking an experienced, highly ethical legal professional to serve as the City's Public Defender. This critical leadership position is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and supervising all functions of the City's Public Defender Office.
In this role, you will hire and oversee contract attorneys; develop policies and procedures; manage budgets; and review proposed legislation.
Key responsibilities:
Managing and overseeing more than 80 contracted attorneys providing defense services to indigent individuals facing misdemeanor charges in Phoenix Municipal Court - one of the ten busiest municipal courts in the U.S.
Working within Phoenix Municipal Court, Maricopa County Superior Court, Maricopa County Jails, and at community-based legal services events.
Ensuring high professional standards, consistent application of office policies, and compliance with all relevant City codes and state statutes.
Providing strategic leadership, fostering staff development, and promoting justice and fairness in all casework.
Managing a department of 16 employees (including 6 attorneys), legal contractors, and contracted support staff.
Knowledge & expertise: City codes and state statutes, with emphasis on criminal law and procedures.
Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Principles of criminal law and appeal procedures related to municipal ordinance and state statute violations.
Principles of office management, contract management, and effective supervision.
The Public Defender reports to the Public Defender Review Committee, appointed by the Phoenix City Council, and performance is evaluated based on results achieved.
This is a full-time position and may require extended hours, including evenings and weekends.
Before you apply
Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.
Your profile is current
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Two examples you can talk through
Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.
A number in mind
What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.
Your notice period
Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.
Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.
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