PUBLIC DEFENDER III
About The Position
The Public Defender III provides expert-level legal representation to indigent clients accused of serious criminal offenses, including high-profile or complex felony cases. This role is intended for attorneys with substantial criminal-defense experience who are ready to handle the most challenging cases within the Public Defender's Office. The attorney provides comprehensive legal defense throughout the criminal justice process, including investigation, trial preparation, courtroom advocacy, and post-conviction representation. A valid Arkansas law license is required. The position handles adult cases in the Circuit Court, Criminal Division, and manages complex criminal cases across all classifications, including violent crimes, complex drug offenses, and white-collar crimes. The attorney develops and implements strategic defenses, represents clients in hearings and trials, and handles post-conviction matters, including appeals and petitions for relief in cases where they were attorney of record at trial. The role also includes mentoring less experienced attorneys, preparing clients for court, collaborating with experts and investigators, and meeting case-reporting and continuing-education requirements.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- At least three years 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.
- In-depth understanding of Arkansas criminal law, complex criminal defense, and legal ethics.
- Expertise in legal research, case-law analysis, and applying statutory law and legal precedents to defense strategy.
- Superior public speaking and courtroom advocacy skills, including presenting complex legal arguments effectively to judges and juries.
- Ability to manage high-stakes trials, including cross-examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and delivering persuasive closing arguments.
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to anticipate and counter the prosecution’s case during trials.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills for articulating complex legal arguments and case strategies.
- Must pass a pre-employment background check.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience handling felony cases and trials is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide advanced legal representation to adults accused of serious criminal offenses in Circuit Court, Criminal Division, including violent crimes, complex drug offenses, white-collar crimes, and other high-stakes felonies.
- Handle all stages of defense, including pre-trial motions, trial preparation, trial advocacy, and post-conviction matters such as appeals and petitions for relief in cases where the attorney was attorney of record at trial.
- Develop strategic defense plans using legal research, client interviews, expert testimony, and case law.
- Represent clients in hearings, trials, and post-conviction proceedings; present arguments, examine witnesses, and manage complex evidence.
- Guide clients through the legal process, explain their options and rights, advocate for favorable outcomes, and document that prosecution plea offers have been conveyed to clients for consideration.
- Review cases and provide feedback to less experienced attorneys; when possible, appear at trial with them to provide guidance.
- Manage a caseload of complex, high-profile criminal cases efficiently and thoroughly.
- Pursue the experience and criteria needed to be considered for lead or co-counsel in cases involving Capital Murder charges.
- Prepare case-specific strategies and legal documents, including motions, briefs, and responses to the prosecution.
- Monitor deadlines and schedules and ensure timely filing of court documents and motions.
- Conduct direct and cross-examinations, present evidence, and deliver opening and closing statements.
- Prepare clients for testimony and court appearances and explain the process to them.
- Conduct advanced legal research into statutes, case law, and legal precedents to develop defense strategies.
- Collaborate with expert witnesses, investigators, and other specialists to gather evidence and build a comprehensive defense.
- Complete at least six hours of annual legal education in criminal law, concentrated on defending violent felonies.
- Report case dispositions to office staff by the last day of each month for submission to the Commission, covering the preceding 30 days.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
