PUBLIC DEFENDER II

State of Arkansas; Benton (AR); On-site; USD 86,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Arkansas seeks a qualified Public Defender II in Benton to provide high‑quality defense services for indigent clients across felonies and complex criminal cases. The role covers pre-trial motions, trials, sentencing, and post‑conviction matters with independence and ethical standards.

Applicants must hold a valid Arkansas law license, have strong courtroom skills, and be prepared to manage substantial caseloads in a demanding, justice‑centered environment.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Experience focusing on criminal defense preferred.
• Strong understanding of Arkansas criminal law and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation for indigent clients in felony and misdemeanor cases.
• Handle all phases of criminal cases from pre-trial to post-conviction matters.
• Develop defense strategies, draft motions and legal briefs.
• Negotiate plea deals to protect client interests.
• Represent clients in hearings and trials with effective advocacy.
• Collaborate with investigators and experts as needed.

Skills

Criminal law expertise

Trial advocacy

Legal research

Plea negotiations

Client advocacy

Indigent defense

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Job description

Position Number: 22179440
County: Saline
Posting End Date: [[postingEndDate]]
Anticipated Starting Salary: $89,943.00

Location: 22nd Judicial District, Benton, AR

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

Position Information

Job Series: Public Defenders

Class Code: LPD04P

Pay Grade: SPC05

Salary Range: $85,943 - $127,195

Job Summary

The Public Defender II is responsible for providing high-quality legal defense services to individuals who cannot afford private legal representation, with a focus on more complex and serious criminal cases. This role involves representing clients at all stages of the criminal justice process, including pre-trial motions, trials, sentencing, and post-conviction matters. The Public Defender II will have a higher level of responsibility than a Public Defender I and will handle a caseload of significant criminal defense cases that may include serious felonies and complex legal issues. This position requires strong legal expertise, an in-depth understanding of Arkansas criminal law, excellent courtroom skills, and the ability to work independently while maintaining professional and ethical standards. A valid Arkansas law license is required.

Primary Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities set forth for Public Defender I, this position shall additionally require the following: Provide legal representation for indigent clients in felony and misdemeanor cases, including serious criminal charges such as violent crimes, drug offenses, and complex criminal defense matters. Handle all aspects of criminal cases, from pre-trial motions and hearings to trial, sentencing, and post-conviction matters. Conduct investigations, interview clients and witnesses, gather and review evidence, and research legal issues related to each case. Develop defense strategies, prepare motions, legal briefs, and other necessary legal documents to advance clients' cases effectively. Provide legal counsel and guidance to clients, ensuring they understand their legal rights, options, and the potential consequences of their decisions. Negotiate plea deals with the prosecution, ensuring that clients’ interests are best represented during these discussions. Represent clients in hearings, trials, motions, and other court proceedings, delivering persuasive arguments and utilizing effective trial strategies. Conduct direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, present evidence, and argue motions in court. Prepare and submit legal documents, including briefs, motions, subpoenas, and other filings required by the court. Manage a substantial caseload, ensuring that each case is handled efficiently and within deadlines. Perform extensive legal research to support case strategies, identifying legal precedents, relevant statutes, and case law that can strengthen defenses. Review police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and other materials to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop defense strategies accordingly. Collaborate with expert witnesses and investigators as needed to build comprehensive case defenses. Represent adult clients in the circuit courts of Arkansas charged with felonious offenses. Meet the criteria of the employer to represent clients charged with class A felonies. 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

Expert understanding of Arkansas criminal law, procedures, and the rules of evidence, as well as applicable federal criminal law.Strong ability to analyze legal issues, research case law, and formulate comprehensive and effective defense strategies.Expertise in complex legal areas such as constitutional law, trial tactics, and post-conviction relief.Excellent trial advocacy skills, including the ability to conduct direct and cross-examinations, deliver compelling opening and closing statements, and effectively present evidence.Strong negotiation skills to advocate for clients during plea negotiations or settlements, always ensuring the client’s best interests are considered.

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school, plus one (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney, with a focus on criminal defense, public defense, or related legal experience. Prior experience handling felony cases and trials is strongly preferred.

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.