PUBLIC DEFENDER II

Counties: Little River, Howard, Pike, Sevier. Anticipated starting salary: $42,972 for this half-time position.

About the role

The Arkansas Public Defender Commission is seeking an experienced attorney for a half-time Public Defender II position in the 9th Judicial District West, based in Ashdown, AR. This part-time role allows the successful applicant to maintain a private law practice while providing high-quality legal defense services to indigent clients, with a focus on complex and serious criminal cases. The position is eligible for State of Arkansas benefits, including health insurance and retirement.

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 to advance clients' cases effectively.
• Provide legal counsel and guidance to clients, ensuring they understand their legal rights, options, and the potential consequences of their decisions.
• Negotiate plea deals with the prosecution, ensuring that clients’ interests are best represented during these discussions.
• 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 that each case is handled efficiently and within deadlines.
• Perform extensive legal research to support case strategies, identifying legal precedents, relevant statutes, and case law that can strengthen defenses.
• Review police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and other materials to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop defense strategies accordingly.
• 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 (30) days to office staff for submission to the Commission.
• Obtain a minimum of six (6) hours of legal education annually in the area of criminal law.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Two (2) 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 the ability to conduct direct and cross-examinations, deliver compelling opening and closing statements, and effectively present evidence.
• Strong negotiation skills to advocate for clients during plea negotiations or settlements.

Pay

Salary range: $85,943 – $127,195 (full-time equivalent).

Schedule

Half-time (part-time) position.

Benefits

• Eligible for State of Arkansas benefits, including health insurance and retirement.