Last month, the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council (APAAC) recognized outstanding prosecutors during its Annual Prosecutor Conference. APAAC was created by the Arizona Legislature in 1977, with the primary purpose of providing training and education to prosecutors throughout Arizona. Currently the council serves 885 full-time state, county, and municipal prosecutors. Two Deputy County Attorneys were recognized for their contributions to the criminal justice system and the communities they serve.

Julie Done, Appellate Prosecutor of the Year

The Appellate Prosecutor of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding Arizona Appellate Prosecutor whose work has significantly contributed to the mission of serving victims and seeking justice. During her time with MCAO, Deputy County Attorney Julie Done has been instrumental in the Capital Litigation Bureau. The diversity of her work on several cases including drafting Special Actions, Responses and Petitions for Review and participating in oral argument before the Arizona Supreme Court have all been helpful to the office and impacted justice for victims of crime throughout the state of Arizona. 

Michael Baker, Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a prosecutor with a distinguished career in public service, whose made significant contributions to public safety, the administration of justice, and represents the highest standards of dedication and commitment to the profession. Deputy County Attorney Michael Baker began his career at MCAO in 1986. Since then, Mike has served the residents of Maricopa County in a variety of capacities including trial attorney, mentor, charging and grand jury attorney, assistant bureau chief and bureau chief. Mike tried many violent and complex cases, reviewed approximately 15,000 submittals for charging and presented 10,000 matters before the Grand Jury. During the pandemic last year, Mike continued presenting cases before the grand jury where he made a positive impression on the citizens that serve Maricopa County. Among his coworkers he is a great resource and is known for his wealth of knowledge of case law which he is always willing to share with others. After 36 years as a prosecutor, Mike continues to represents MCAO and demonstrate what it means to be a leader in this profession.

Employees at MCAO play a critical part in improving the criminal justice system and keeping our communities safe. Visit our Careers Site to learn more about a career in public service with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.