PUBLIC DEFENDER I
About The Position
The Public Defender I provides legal defense services to individuals who cannot afford private counsel, ensuring fair representation in accordance with state and federal laws. The role represents clients in criminal defense matters, including pre-trial motions, trials, plea negotiations, and post-conviction proceedings. The attorney handles misdemeanor and felony cases involving adult and juvenile defendants as required, develops legal abilities for placement in criminal circuit court, adult division, prior to or upon completion of a nine-month probationary period, and collaborates with attorneys, investigators, social workers, and support staff. The position requires a Juris Doctor degree and a valid Arkansas law license and bar membership. A pre-employment background check is required.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Licensed attorney in Arkansas with valid Arkansas bar membership.
- Pass a pre-employment background check.
- In-depth understanding of Arkansas criminal law, procedures, and rules of evidence, and applicable federal criminal law.
- Strong legal research skills and ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop effective defense strategies.
- Ability to assess case details quickly, identify key issues, and formulate strong defense arguments.
- Strong public speaking skills, including arguing motions, presenting cases to judges and juries, and delivering persuasive closing arguments.
- Ability to manage courtroom dynamics and engage effectively with witnesses, experts, and opposing counsel.
Responsibilities
- Represent indigent clients in criminal cases throughout 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, before or upon conclusion of the nine-month probationary period.
- Provide clients with legal advice and counsel about their rights, case developments, and available options.
- Develop case strategies by preparing and filing legal documents, conducting legal research, and evaluating evidence.
- Handle a full caseload of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases, including adult and juvenile defendants as required.
- Maintain ongoing communication with clients about case status and legal options, explaining information clearly.
- Prepare annual reports and other documentation for the Board’s review, summarizing accomplishments, challenges, and key initiatives.
- Investigate cases, including interviewing clients, witnesses, and experts.
- Review police reports, evidence, and other relevant documentation to assess cases and identify defense strategies.
- Prepare and file motions, subpoenas, and other legal documents in support of clients’ defense.
- Conduct legal research to stay current with criminal law, case precedents, and defense strategies.
- Work with attorneys, investigators, social workers, and support staff in the Public Defender's Office to provide a defense for clients.
- Represent clients at arraignments, pre-trial conferences, hearings, and trials.
- Negotiate plea agreements with opposing counsel while considering clients’ best interests.
- Report case dispositions to office staff by the last day of each month for the preceding 30 days, for submission to the Commission.
- Complete at least six hours of legal education annually in criminal law.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
