Volunteer/Apply for a Job

Thank you for your interest in the Maricopa County Justice Courts! The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is one of the largest, most innovative and progressive court systems in the nation. The Judicial Branch includes the Arizona Supreme Court and the Arizona Court of Appeals, Superior Courts and Justice Courts in each county, and Municipal or Magistrate Courts in each city.

There are 26 Justice Court Precincts in Maricopa County which handle a wide variety of misdemeanor offenses, from traffic stops to theft, plus small claims, evictions, and orders of protection. The average person is more likely to have contact with the Justice Courts than with any other judicial body, meaning we have a large volume of continuous work which significantly impacts the population.

The Judicial Clerk supports the operations of the Justice Courts including servicing a busy front counter, accepting fines, filing, docketing, and other administrative functions in one or more areas of the court. It is a challenging and rewarding position with educational opportunities.

We frequently have Judicial Clerk openings and post them on the Maricopa County Careers web site. You will then search the listings for "Administrative Assistant" to see jobs in the Justice Courts. This is a great opportunity to begin a long-term career with the justice system.

Pro Tem Judges are an integral piece of the Justice Courts’ pie. A Pro Tem fills in for the elected Justice of the Peace when he or she is not available.

All candidates must meet the qualifications set forth in ARS 22-122 (be of good moral character, a qualified elector, resident of Arizona for at least one year prior to appointment). Additionally, Pro Tem Judges must be attorneys or a former Justice of the Peace/City Magistrate. All new applicants must have an existing JP as a sponsor.

The recruitment period opens in July each year and the deadline for applications is in mid-August. You may e-mail our Pro Tem Administrator at any time to express interest and receive more information.

No matter the cause or organization of choice, volunteers are a valuable resource and have an incredibly positive impact on their communities.

Given the types of cases handled by the Justice Courts, the volume of work is high and continuous. Judicial Clerk Volunteer positions are part-time, but you will never be bored!

Depending on the needs of the court, tasks for Judicial Clerk Volunteers vary and may include clerical, data entry, front desk, filing, or courtroom bailiff duties etc. You will offer much-needed support to the staff to assist in the completion of time-consuming and necessary tasks, helping ensure that the litigants’ journey through the court process is as timely and accurate as possible.  

Clerk volunteers are in the unique position to learn about and come to understand court procedures and all the positive aspects of the Justice Courts. As such, you will become a powerful connection between your community and the court that serves it.

We wish to create an environment in which you are challenged and fulfilled. You are encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback to assist with creating the best volunteer program possible.

Please let us know if your interest by using the contact card below.

Hearing Officers are volunteers who conduct small claims and/or civil traffic hearings throughout the 26 Justice Courts on behalf of the elected JPs. One may volunteer to be an HO in both areas (small claims and civil traffic), or just one.

All candidates must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Maricopa County for at least one year prior to appointment and complete specified hearing officer-specific instruction and certification training. All new applicants must have an existing JP as a sponsor.

The recruitment period opens in July each year and the deadline for applications is August 15. You may fill out the form below any time to express interest and receive more information.

Mediators are volunteers who conduct mediations throughout the 26 Justice Courts.

All candidates must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Maricopa County for at least one year prior to appointment and have already successfully completed a mediation course of instruction and certification training offered by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office or have a combination of legal training, mediation training, and experience that may be substituted for the required certification from the AZ AG’s Office. Mediator applicants DO NOT require a JP sponsor to apply.

The recruitment period opens in July each year and the deadline for applications is August 15. You may fill out the form below at any time to express interest and receive more information.

There are 26 justice courts across Maricopa County. Some are consolidated into a single building. Others are stand-alone courts (three in Mesa, one in Gilbert, and one in Gila Bend).

On the contact card below, please let us know which of the following locations would be a match: 

All volunteers will be subject to fingerprinting and a criminal background investigation to be eligible for work in the Justice Courts.