PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Location: 8N Judicial District, Hope, AR

Anticipated starting salary: $35,514 (part-time). Positions are eligible for State of Arkansas benefits, including health insurance and retirement.

About the Role

The Public Defender I is responsible for providing legal defense services to individuals who cannot afford private counsel, ensuring that all clients receive fair representation in accordance with state and federal laws. This half-time (part-time) position allows the successful applicant to maintain a private law practice.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent clients in criminal cases at all stages of the legal process, including pre-trial motions, trial preparation, trials, plea negotiations, and post-conviction proceedings as required by law.
• Develop legal abilities for placement in criminal circuit court, adult division, prior to or upon conclusion of a nine-month probationary period.
• Provide legal advice and counsel to clients regarding their rights, case developments, and available options.
• Develop case strategies, including preparing and filing legal documents, conducting legal research, and evaluating evidence to ensure the best possible defense for clients.
• Handle a full caseload of criminal cases, including misdemeanor and felony cases, with a focus on both adult and juvenile defendants as required.
• Maintain constant communication with clients to keep them informed of case status and legal options, providing clear explanations in an understandable manner.
• Prepare annual reports and other documentation for the Board’s review, summarizing accomplishments, challenges, and the status of key initiatives.
• Conduct thorough investigations into all aspects of each case, including interviewing clients, witnesses, and experts.
• Review police reports, evidence, and other relevant documentation to assess the strength of the case and identify defense strategies.
• Prepare and file motions, subpoenas, and other legal documents to support clients’ defense.
• Perform legal research to stay up-to-date with criminal law, case precedents, and legal strategies to ensure effective defense in court.
• Work closely with other attorneys, investigators, social workers, and support staff within the Public Defender's Office to provide the best possible defense for clients.
• Represent clients in court hearings, including arraignments, pre-trial conferences, hearings, and trials.
• Negotiate plea agreements with opposing counsel, ensuring clients' best interests are considered in the negotiation process.
• Report case dispositions on or before the last day of every month for the preceding thirty days to office staff for submission to the Commission.
• Obtain a minimum of six hours of legal education annually in the area of criminal law.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Arkansas, with a valid Arkansas bar membership.
• In-depth understanding of Arkansas criminal law, procedures, and rules of evidence, as well as federal criminal law as applicable.

Skills

• Strong legal research skills, with the ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop effective defense strategies.
• Ability to quickly assess case details, identify key issues, and formulate strong arguments for the defense.
• Strong public speaking skills, including the ability to argue motions, present cases to judges and juries, and deliver persuasive closing arguments.
• Comfortable managing courtroom dynamics and effectively engaging with witnesses, experts, and opposing counsel.

Pay

Salary range: $71,027 - $105,120 (full-time equivalent).

Schedule

Part-time (half-time).

Benefits

• State of Arkansas health insurance.
• State of Arkansas retirement benefits.