PUBLIC DEFENDER I

State of Arkansas•Harrison, AR

About The Position

The Arkansas Public Defender Commission is seeking an experienced attorney to fill a half-time public defender position in the 14th Judicial District, based in Harrison AR,. Position Highlights: The half-time (part-time) position allows the successful applicant to maintain a private law practice. Positions are eligible for State of Arkansas benefits, including health insurance and retirement ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO PASS PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECK Position InformationJob Series: Public DefendersClassification: Public Defender I – Career PathClass Code: LPD03PPay Grade: SPC03Salary Range: $71,027 - $105,120Job SummaryThe Public Defender I is responsible for providing legal defense services to individuals who cannot afford private counsel, ensuring that all clients receive fair representation in accordance with state and federal laws. The ideal candidate must possess a valid law license in Arkansas and be prepared to represent clients in criminal defense matters, including pre-trial motions, trials, and post-conviction matters.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Arkansas, with a valid Arkansas bar membership.
Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series.
Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.
Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Arkansas, with a valid Arkansas bar membership.
OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Responsibilities

Meet or exceed the requirements for position of Public Defender I
Represent indigent clients in criminal cases at all stages of 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, prior to or upon conclusion of probationary period of nine (9) months.
Provide legal advice and counsel to clients regarding their rights, case developments, and available options.
Develop case strategies, including preparing and filing legal documents, conducting legal research, and evaluating evidence to ensure the best possible defense for clients.
Handle a full caseload of criminal cases, including misdemeanor and felony cases, with a focus on both adult and juvenile defendants as required.
Maintain constant communication with clients to keep them informed of case status and legal options, providing clear explanations in an understandable manner.
Prepare annual reports and other documentation for the Board’s review, summarizing accomplishments, challenges, and the status of key initiatives.
Conduct thorough investigations into all aspects of each case, including interviewing clients, witnesses, and experts.
Review police reports, evidence, and other relevant documentation to assess the strength of the case and identify defense strategies.
Prepare and file motions, subpoenas, and other legal documents to support clients’ defense.
Perform legal research to stay up-to-date with criminal law, case precedents, and legal strategies to ensure effective defense in court.
Work closely with other attorneys, investigators, social workers, and support staff within the Public Defender's Office to provide the best possible defense for clients.
Represent clients in court hearings, including arraignments, pre-trial conferences, hearings, and trials.
Negotiate plea agreements with opposing counsel, ensuring clients' best interests are considered in the negotiation process.
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 area of criminal law.