PUBLIC DEFENDER II
Part-time position based in Wynne, AR, serving the First Judicial District (Cross, Lee, Monroe, Phillips, St. Francis, and Woodruff counties). The half-time schedule allows the successful applicant to maintain a private law practice.
About the role
The Public Defender II is responsible for providing high-quality legal defense services to indigent clients, focusing on more complex and serious criminal cases. This role involves representing clients at all stages of the criminal justice process, including pre-trial motions, trials, sentencing, and post-conviction matters. The Public Defender II handles a caseload of significant criminal defense cases, including serious felonies and complex legal issues, with a higher level of responsibility than a Public Defender I.
Responsibilities
- Provide legal representation for indigent clients in felony and misdemeanor cases, including serious criminal charges such as violent crimes, drug offenses, and complex criminal defense matters.
- Handle all aspects of criminal cases, from pre-trial motions and hearings to trial, sentencing, and post-conviction matters.
- Conduct investigations, interview clients and witnesses, gather and review evidence, and research legal issues related to each case.
- Develop defense strategies, prepare motions, legal briefs, and other necessary legal documents.
- Provide legal counsel and guidance to clients, ensuring they understand their legal rights, options, and potential consequences.
- Negotiate plea deals with the prosecution, ensuring clients’ interests are best represented.
- Represent clients in hearings, trials, motions, and other court proceedings, delivering persuasive arguments and utilizing effective trial strategies.
- Conduct direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, present evidence, and argue motions in court.
- Prepare and submit legal documents, including briefs, motions, subpoenas, and other filings required by the court.
- Manage a substantial caseload, ensuring each case is handled efficiently and within deadlines.
- Perform extensive legal research to support case strategies, identifying legal precedents, relevant statutes, and case law.
- Review police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and other materials to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Collaborate with expert witnesses and investigators as needed to build comprehensive case defenses.
- Represent adult clients in the circuit courts of Arkansas charged with felonious offenses, including class A felonies.
- 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.
- Two years of experience as a practicing attorney, with a focus on criminal defense, public defense, or related legal experience.
- Prior experience handling felony cases and trials is strongly preferred.
- Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Arkansas, with a valid Arkansas bar membership.
- Must pass a pre-employment background check.
Skills
- Expert understanding of Arkansas criminal law, procedures, and the rules of evidence, as well as applicable federal criminal law.
- Strong ability to analyze legal issues, research case law, and formulate comprehensive and effective defense strategies.
- Expertise in complex legal areas such as constitutional law, trial tactics, and post-conviction relief.
- Excellent trial advocacy skills, including conducting direct and cross-examinations, delivering compelling opening and closing statements, and effectively presenting evidence.
- Strong negotiation skills to advocate for clients during plea negotiations or settlements.
Pay
Anticipated starting salary: $42,972 (half-time). Full salary range for the position: $85,943 - $127,195 annually.
Benefits
Eligible for State of Arkansas benefits, including health insurance and retirement.
Schedule
Part-time (half-time) position.