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Job Description
Role
The Public Defender’s Office has openings for motivated Public Defenders to join our amazing, passionate, and collaborative team. We are looking to fill several positions so candidates can be highly experienced or just starting out. We are looking for one experienced Felony attorney for Early Disposition Court (no trial work), one attorney for Misdemeanors, one attorney for Dependency and one attorney for Delinquency, all are based in the Prescott office. Salary ranges from $83,052.43 (entry level) to $149,000.47 (highly experienced). Benefits are competitive and include retirement, life insurance and health, dental and vision insurance for the employee. The ideal candidate will share our mission and values.
The County Public Defender’s Office has developed its own department mission and core values. We at the Public Defender’s Office strive to ensure access to justice for all people. We live our why by being diligent, fearless, and principled in our pursuit of justice. We show up well-prepared and are committed to our why. We are bold, creative, and accessible every day. We are honest, authentic, and trustworthy in our actions.
The Yavapai County Public Defender’s Office is a collegial, paperless office where all employees have the option to work remotely from their homes in a hybrid arrangement or in the office full-time. We stress work-life balance and manage our caseloads to ensure it. We would love to talk to you about our office and your interests.
This office is committed to find the right people to fill these positions, we interview most candidates but are looking for people who value our Why and are committed to indigent defense work.
Major Duties, Responsibilities
Major Duties:- Reviews relevant facts and creates a defense strategy.
- Confers with relevant county departments and outside agencies.
- Confers with and advises clients.
- Appears at court hearings.
- Represents clients at trial.
Expectations:- To possess a working knowledge of the principles of criminal law, rules of evidence, motion practice and rules of court.
- To apply legal principles to determinations on individual cases and problems.
- If applicable to the assigned caseload, to have a basic understanding of child development, substance abuse, and the service available to clients.
- To produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts.
- To perform self-directed research and analysis as required for effective defense.
- To possess the ability to handle a large volume of work.
- To develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, the courts, employees of other departments, and the public.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited law school and admission to the State Bar of Arizona.
Other Skills
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing; ability to analyze and organize factual information; ability to make persuasive legal arguments; ability to work in a team environment.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Yavapai County Government offers a comprehensive employee benefits package to
Full-Time employees working 30 or more hours per week that includes but is not limited to:
• 10 Paid Holidays Per Year
• Annual Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Care Insurance - Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
• Retirement Plans
• Sick Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
ELECTIVE COVERAGE
• 457 Deferred Compensation Program
• Dependent Health Care Insurance - Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short-Term Disability
• Supplemental Life (for employees & dependents)
PLEASE NOTE
• Part-Time , Temporary and Seasonal employees accrue Sick Leave based on hours worked.
• Part-Time employees have limited benefits available.
• Temporary and Seasonal employees are not eligible to accrue Annual Leave.
Click here to view our benefits summary.
Closing Date/Time: 5/29/2026 5:00 PM Arizona -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Yavapai County
Show moreYavapai County reflects the history of the old west and the future of the new. At Yavapai County Government, we care for our community while building upon our legacy. Guided by our core values of Compassion, Integrity, Collaboration, and Innovation we uphold these values in our everyday endeavors.
Yavapai County is in northcentral Arizona, just north of Phoenix, and is one of the four original Arizona counties formed in 1864. The County, with approximately 246,191 residents, includes eight incorporated towns and cities: Prescott (county seat), Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Jerome, Clarkdale, Sedona, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, and the newest municipality Dewey-Humboldt. The County features some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the American West with a mild climate, four beautiful and distinct seasons, and breathtaking landscapes complete with granite mountains, lakes, and rolling meadows.
As a Yavapai County Government employee, you will have the chance to work in one of 37 unique departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
We have a workforce of over 1,800 employees who are committed to enhancing the well-being of its residents and cultivating a thriving and vibrant community, making Yavapai County a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge and aspire to be part of a vibrant team that values each member, we welcome you to join us in furthering our legacy and making a difference in your community. Why… because people matter!
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