Deputy Director

As the Deputy Director at the Office of the Legal Defender, your main responsibilities include assisting the Legal Defender in coordinating and supervising legal services provided by attorneys, planning and implementing programs affecting legal services, and stepping in as acting Legal Defender when necessary. You will also engage with other departments, the courts, and various agencies to ensure effective public defense and prioritize programs that enhance service delivery.

To be eligible for the Deputy Director position at the Office of the Legal Defender, applicants must have eight years of legal experience, including a minimum of four years in government indigent representation. Additionally, candidates should possess a Doctor of Jurisprudence or Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school, be licensed to practice law in Arizona, and have managerial experience.

The Office of the Legal Defender provides numerous opportunities for professional development for its Deputy Directors. This includes tuition reimbursement for higher education, access to wellness programs, and resources that foster career growth within Maricopa County. The office values continuous learning and improvement, creating an environment where team members can thrive.

Employees in the Deputy Director role at the Office of the Legal Defender enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive salaries, low-cost healthcare options, child care benefits through the Maricopa County Kids Club, generous paid leave, and participation in the Arizona State Retirement System with a 100% employer match starting on Day 1. These benefits reflect the office's commitment to the well-being of its staff.

The work environment for a Deputy Director at the Office of the Legal Defender can be dynamic and challenging. You may encounter traumatic subject matters and experience time pressures due to high workloads. However, the office is committed to maintaining a cooperative team atmosphere, where teamwork and communication are essential for delivering quality legal services to our clients.

When answering this question, focus on specific experiences that illustrate your understanding of the challenges faced in public defense, your legal strategies, and how you have successfully advocated for clients in similar roles. Highlight any successful cases or initiatives you managed.

Outline your leadership style and provide examples of how you foster collaboration and morale within a legal team. Emphasize your experience in guiding teams during trials or investigations and how you prioritize communication and support.

Provide concrete examples of past strategies you've applied in legal settings that improved efficiency, reduced turnaround times, or enhanced client services. Discuss how you would assess current operations and prioritize areas for development.

Explain your coping mechanisms for stress and describe specific experiences where you successfully navigated high-pressure scenarios. It’s important to show you can maintain professionalism and empathy, even in challenging circumstances.

Highlight the importance of teamwork in legal settings. Discuss instances where collaborative efforts led to successful case outcomes, emphasizing communication and shared goals among team members and external partners.

When answering, choose a policy relevant to public defense that shows your advocacy for clients' rights. Discuss the process of developing that policy and its impact on the legal services provided or community served.

Demonstrate your knowledge of current issues such as funding, case backlogs, or the balance of resources. Articulate your perspective on addressing these challenges while advocating for clients effectively.

Discuss your strategies for building and maintaining relationships with key community stakeholders, including other governmental and nonprofit organizations. Highlight your previous experiences with outreach and collaboration.

Explain your practices for continuing legal education, such as attending seminars, participating in webinars, or reading legal journals. Show your commitment to professional growth and keeping abreast of legal developments affecting your role.

This is an opportunity to connect your personal values and professional goals with the mission of the Office of the Legal Defender. Discuss your passion for serving vulnerable populations and your desire to lead initiatives that create positive social change.