CHIEF PUBLIC DEFENDER I
About The Position
The Chief Public Defender I is a senior leadership role within the Arkansas Public Defender’s Office, responsible for overseeing the legal defense provided to indigent clients in criminal cases. This position involves not only providing legal representation in complex and high-profile criminal cases but also managing the operations of a regional or district public defender office. The Chief Public Defender I will lead a team of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff, ensuring that all legal matters are handled effectively and efficiently. The Chief Public Defender I will collaborate closely with the Director of the Public Defender’s Office and other legal professionals to ensure that clients receive competent legal representation, regardless of the severity or complexity of their cases. A valid Arkansas law license is required.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
- Seven (7) years of experience as a practicing attorney, with a focus on criminal defense, public defense, or related legal experience.
- Licensed attorney in the State of Arkansas, with a valid Arkansas bar membership.
Nice To Haves
- Felony jury trial experience
- Extensive knowledge in the area of criminal law.
- Prior experience handling felony cases, trials
- At least two (2) years in a supervisory or leadership role
Responsibilities
- Oversee the operations of a district or regional public defender office, ensuring effective case management and the efficient allocation of resources.
- Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to a team of public defenders and support staff, promoting professional development and ensuring adherence to office policies and procedures.
- Conduct performance evaluations for staff members and provide feedback and support to enhance individual and team performance.
- Assist in the recruitment, hiring, and training of new attorneys and support staff, contributing to the development of a high-functioning, collaborative legal team.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including clients, court personnel, and other legal professionals.
- Provide expert-level legal representation in complex and high-stakes criminal defense cases, including felonies, violent crimes, and other serious criminal charges.
- Lead defense strategies for high-profile cases, representing clients in pre-trial motions, hearings, trials, and post-conviction matters.
- Coordinate with attorneys on case preparation, legal research, and the development of defense strategies for cases within the office.
- Maintain an active caseload, ensuring that the quality of legal defense provided remains high while balancing managerial duties.
- Meet criteria to represent adult offenders in circuit courts charged with Y 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 legal education annually in the field of defending death penalty cases or violent felonies.
- Monitor case outcomes, track trends, and ensure that each case is handled with the appropriate level of diligence, resources, and expertise.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
