PUBLIC DEFENDER I

State of Arkansas; Stuttgart (AR); On-site; USD 71,000 - 105,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

State of Arkansas in Stuttgart, AR is seeking a part-time Public Defender I to provide legal defense services to indigent clients, ensuring fair representation under state and federal law.

The role requires Arkansas bar admission, handles pre-trial motions, trials, and post-conviction matters; includes potential to maintain private practice and benefits.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school is required.
• Licensed attorney in Arkansas with valid Arkansas bar membership.
• Satisfaction of minimum qualifications does not guarantee automatic progression.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent clients in criminal cases at all stages including pre-trial, trial, plea negotiations, and post-conviction proceedings.
• Develop case strategies and file motions, subpoenas, and other legal documents.
• Conduct investigations, interview clients and witnesses, and review police reports and evidence.
• Maintain client communications and provide clear explanations of options and outcomes.
• Prepare annual reports and provide information for the Board’s review.
• Work with colleagues to ensure effective defense and meet workload requirements.
• Pursue ongoing legal education in criminal law (minimum hours per year).

Skills

Criminal law

Legal research

Courtroom advocacy

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

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Position Number: 22095061 PART-TIME POSITION
County: Arkansas
Posting End Date: September 2, 2026
Anticipated Starting Salary: $35,514

The Arkansas Public Defender Commission is seeking an experienced attorney to fill a half-time public defender position in the 11 Judicial District East, based in Stuttgart, 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 A PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECK

Position Information

Job Series: Public Defenders

Class Code: LPD03P

Pay Grade: SPC03

Salary Range: $71,027 - $105,120

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

Meet or exceed the requirements for position of Public Defender IRepresent 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 CommissionObtain a minimum of six (6) hours 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 federal criminal law as applicable.Strong legal research skills, with the ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop effective defense strategies.Ability to quickly assess case details, identify key issues, and formulate strong arguments for the 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. 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.

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.