PUBLIC DEFENDER II
About The Position
The Public Defender II provides high-quality legal defense to individuals who cannot afford private representation, focusing on complex and serious criminal cases. The role represents clients throughout the criminal justice process, including pre-trial proceedings, trials, sentencing, and post-conviction matters. The position carries greater responsibility than Public Defender I and handles a substantial caseload that may include serious felonies and complex legal issues. It requires strong legal expertise, an in-depth understanding of Arkansas criminal law, excellent courtroom skills, independent judgment, and adherence to professional and ethical standards. A valid Arkansas law license is required. The position represents adult clients charged with felonious offenses in Arkansas circuit courts and must meet the employer’s criteria to represent clients charged with Class A felonies. The role also requires reporting case dispositions to office staff by the last day of each month for submission to the Commission and completing at least six hours of legal education annually in criminal law.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- At least one year of experience as a practicing attorney, focused on criminal defense, public defense, or related legal experience.
- Licensed attorney in Arkansas with valid Arkansas bar membership.
- Expert understanding of Arkansas criminal law, criminal procedures, rules of evidence, and applicable federal criminal law.
- Ability to analyze legal issues, research case law, and formulate comprehensive and effective defense strategies.
- Expertise in constitutional law, trial tactics, and post-conviction relief.
- Trial advocacy skills, including conducting direct and cross-examinations, delivering opening and closing statements, and presenting evidence.
- Negotiation skills to advocate for clients during plea negotiations or settlements.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment background check.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience handling felony cases and trials is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Represent indigent clients in felony and misdemeanor cases, including serious charges and complex criminal defense matters.
- Handle criminal cases from pre-trial motions and hearings through trial, sentencing, and post-conviction matters.
- Investigate cases, interview clients and witnesses, gather and review evidence, and research legal issues.
- Develop defense strategies and prepare motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
- Advise clients about their legal rights, options, and the potential consequences of their decisions.
- Negotiate plea deals with the prosecution in the clients’ best interests.
- Represent clients in hearings, trials, motions, and other court proceedings.
- Conduct direct and cross-examinations, present evidence, and argue motions in court.
- Prepare and submit briefs, motions, subpoenas, and other required court filings.
- Manage a substantial caseload efficiently and meet deadlines.
- Conduct legal research into precedents, statutes, and case law to support defense strategies.
- Review police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and other materials to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Work with expert witnesses and investigators as needed to build case defenses.
- Represent adult clients charged with felonious offenses in Arkansas circuit courts.
- Meet the employer’s criteria to represent clients charged with Class A felonies.
- Report case dispositions for the preceding 30 days to office staff by the last day of each month for submission to the Commission.
- Complete at least six hours of annual legal education in criminal law.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
