PUBLIC DEFENDER I

State of Arkansas; Van Buren (AR); On-site; USD 71,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Arkansas seeks a Public Defender I to provide legal defense services to individuals who cannot afford private counsel, ensuring fair representation under state and federal law.

Candidates must hold a valid Arkansas law license and be prepared to handle criminal defense matters, including pre-trial motions, trials, and post-conviction issues in Crawford County.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and Arkansas bar license.
• Strong legal research and writing skills for defense strategies.
• Excellent public speaking and courtroom advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent clients in all stages of criminal cases.
• Manage full caseload including misdemeanors and felonies.
• Prepare motions, subpoenas, and legal documents.
• Investigate cases and interview clients, witnesses, and experts.
• Work with the defense team to develop case strategies.

Skills

Legal research

Public speaking

Criminal defense

Courtroom advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Position Number: 22077917 PUBLIC DEFENDER I

County: Crawford

Posting End Date: November 11, 2026

Anticipated Starting Salary: 71,027

All applicants must be able to pass a pre-employment background check.

Position Information

Job Series: Public Defenders

Classification: Public Defender I – Career Path

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 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.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.