PUBLIC DEFENDER I

State of Arkansas; El Dorado (AR); On-site; USD 63,924 - 78,129; Full time

Job summary

The State of Arkansas is seeking a Full-Time Public Defender I to represent individuals unable to afford private counsel. The role requires a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a valid Arkansas bar license. Responsibilities include managing criminal cases, developing defense strategies, and performing legal research.

The ideal candidate will possess strong legal skills, including public speaking and knowledge of Arkansas criminal law, ensuring fair representation for clients. This position is based in El Dorado, AR, and requires thorough case management abilities.

Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of Arkansas criminal law, procedures, and rules of evidence.
• Ability to quickly assess case details and identify key issues.
• Strong public speaking skills, including arguing motions and presenting cases.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in criminal cases from pre-trial to post-conviction.
• Prepare and file legal documents to support clients' defense.
• Maintain communication with clients regarding case status.

Skills

Legal research

Public speaking

Understanding of Arkansas criminal law

Case strategy development

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school

Licensed attorney in Arkansas

Job description

Position Information

• Position Number: 22184496 Full-Time Public Defender I
• County: Calhoun; Cleveland; Columbia; Dallas; Ouachita; Union
• Posting End Date: May 12, 2026
• Anticipated Starting Salary: $71,027.00
• Location: 13th Judicial District, ElDorado AR, 71730

ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO PASS A PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECK

Job Summary

The 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.

Primary Responsibilities

• Represent indigent clients in criminal cases at all stages, including pre‑trial motions, trial preparation, trials, plea negotiations, and post‑conviction proceedings.
• Develop legal abilities for placement in criminal circuit court, adult division, prior to or upon completion of a nine‑month probationary period.
• 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 research, and evaluating evidence to ensure the best defense.
• Handle a full caseload of misdemeanor and felony cases, focusing on both adult and juvenile defendants as required.
• Maintain constant communication with clients to keep them informed of case status and legal options.
• Prepare annual reports and other documentation for the Board’s review, summarizing accomplishments, challenges, and key initiatives.
• Conduct thorough investigations into each case, interviewing clients, witnesses, and experts.
• Review police reports, evidence, and documentation to assess case strength and identify defense strategies.
• Prepare and file motions, subpoenas, and other legal documents to support clients’ defense.
• Perform legal research to stay current with criminal law, case precedents, and strategies to ensure effective defense in court.
• Collaborate with other attorneys, investigators, social workers, and support staff within the Public Defender's Office to provide the best defense.
• 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.
• Report case dispositions on or before the last day of every month for the preceding thirty days to office staff for submission to the Commission.
• Obtain a minimum of six hours of legal education annually in the area of criminal law.

Knowledge and Skills

• In‑depth understanding of Arkansas criminal law, procedures, and rules of evidence, as well as applicable federal criminal law.
• Strong legal research skills with the ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop defense strategies.
• Ability to quickly assess case details, identify key issues, and formulate strong arguments for defense.
• Strong public speaking skills, including the ability to argue motions, present cases to judges and juries, and deliver persuasive closing arguments.
• Comfortable managing courtroom dynamics and effectively engaging with witnesses, experts, and opposing counsel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed attorney in the State of Arkansas with a valid 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.

Licensure/Certifications

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.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.