PUBLIC DEFENDER III

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

1d•$114,390 - $169,298

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 prepared to handle the most challenging cases in the Public Defender’s Office. The position provides comprehensive legal defense throughout the criminal justice process, including investigation, trial preparation, courtroom advocacy, and post-conviction representation. The attorney represents adults charged with serious offenses in Circuit Court, Criminal Division, and must hold a valid Arkansas law license. The Public Defender III manages complex criminal cases from initial defense planning through trial and applicable post-conviction proceedings. The role includes developing case strategies, conducting legal research, interviewing clients, working with expert witnesses and investigators, preparing legal documents, advocating in court, and guiding clients through the legal process. The attorney also reviews cases and provides feedback and guidance to less experienced attorneys, and pursues the experience and criteria needed to be considered for lead or co-counsel in Capital Murder cases. The position requires a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and three years of experience as a practicing attorney, focused on criminal defense, public defense, or related legal work. Prior felony-case and trial experience is strongly preferred. A valid Arkansas attorney license and bar membership are required. At least six hours of annual legal education in criminal law, concentrated on defending violent felonies, is required.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Three years of experience as a practicing attorney, focused on criminal defense, public defense, or related legal experience.
Licensed attorney in the State of 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 statutes and legal precedents to defense strategy.
Superior public speaking and courtroom advocacy skills, including the ability to present complex legal arguments effectively to judges and juries.
Ability to manage high-stakes trials, including cross-examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and making persuasive closing arguments.
Strong strategic thinking and ability to anticipate and counter the prosecution’s case during trials.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex legal arguments and case strategies clearly.
Ability to pass a pre-employment background check.
Complete at least six hours of annual legal education in criminal law with a concentration in defending violent felonies.

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, including violent crimes, complex drug offenses, white-collar crimes, and other high-stakes felonies in Circuit Court, Criminal Division.
Handle all stages of defense, including pretrial motions, trial preparation and advocacy, and post-conviction matters such as appeals and petitions for relief when the attorney was counsel of record at trial.
Develop and implement 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 rights and options, advocate for the best possible 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 thoroughly, efficiently, and with attention to detail.
Pursue the experience and criteria necessary 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 case schedules and ensure timely filing of motions, legal filings, and other required court documents.
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 help them prepare emotionally and mentally.
Conduct advanced legal research on statutes, case law, and legal precedents to support defense strategies.
Collaborate with expert witnesses, investigators, and other specialists to gather evidence and build a comprehensive defense.
Complete at least six hours of legal education annually in criminal law, concentrating on defending violent felonies.
Report case dispositions to office staff by the last day of each month for the preceding 30 days, for submission to the Commission.