PUBLIC DEFENDER II

Anticipated starting salary: $42,972 (half-time). This part-time position allows the successful applicant to maintain a private law practice while serving the First Judicial District, based in Wynne, AR. Eligible for State of Arkansas benefits, including health insurance and retirement.

About the Role

The Public Defender II is responsible for providing high-quality legal defense services to individuals who cannot afford private legal representation, with a focus 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 will handle 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 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).

Benefits

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