Position: Public Defender III ( FULL-TIME MANAGING ATTORNEY POSITION)
County: Arkansas
Posting End Date: August 13 2025
Anticipated Starting Salary: $114390
Location: 11E Judicial District Stuttgart AR.
This is a Managing Attorney position. The successful candidate will have felony jury trial experience and extensive knowledge in the area of criminal law. The successful candidate will be responsible for handling complicated and violent felony proceedings throughout the 11EJudicial District as well as assigning cases and supervising other attorneys. This is a full-time state position which will not allow for the private practice of law so only those willing to accept full-time employment need to apply.
** ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO PASS A PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECK***
Position Information
Job Series: Public Defenders
Classification: Public Defender III Career Path
Class Code: LPD05P
Pay Grade: SPC08
Salary Range: $114390 - $169298
Job Summary
The Public Defender III provides expert-level legal representation to indigent clients accused of serious criminal offenses including high-profile or complex felony cases. This role is intended for attorneys with substantial experience in criminal defense who are ready to handle the most challenging cases within the Public Defenders Office. Public Defender III attorneys are responsible for providing comprehensive legal defense throughout the criminal justice process including case investigation trial preparation courtroom advocacy and post-conviction representation. A valid Arkansas law license is required.
Primary Responsibilities
In addition to the responsibilities set forth for Public Defender II this position shall additionally require the following:Provide advanced legal representation to clients accused of serious criminal offenses all classifications including violent crimes complex drug offenses white-collar crimes and other high-stakes felony cases within the Circuit Court Criminal Division for individuals charged as all aspects of the defense process including pre-trial motions trial preparation trial advocacy and post-conviction matters such as appeals and petitions for relief in matters where he/she was attorney of record at the trial and implement strategic defense plans incorporating legal research client interviews expert testimony and case law to build robust clients in hearings trials and post-conviction proceedings delivering compelling arguments examining witnesses and managing complex clients through the legal process ensuring that they are fully informed about their options and their rights while advocating for the best possible legal outcomes. Document all plea offers received from the prosecution have been conveyed to the client for case reviews and provide feedback to less experienced attorneys ensuring that they develop their legal skills and expertise. When possible appear at trial with less experienced attorneys to provide a caseload of complex high-profile criminal cases ensuring that each case is handled efficiently thoroughly and with attention to pursue the experience and criteria necessary to be considered for lead or co-counsel in cases where client is charged with Capital case strategies tailored to individual circumstances preparing all necessary legal documentation including motions legal briefs and responses to the deadlines manage case schedules and ensure timely submission of legal filings motions and other required documentation to the direct and cross-examinations of witnesses present evidence and deliver persuasive opening and closing clients for testimony and court appearances explaining the process and ensuring they are emotionally and mentally advanced legal research to support case strategies reviewing statutes case law and legal precedents to develop innovative defense with expert witnesses investigators and other specialists to gather evidence and build a comprehensive a minimum of six (6) hours legal education annually in area of criminal law with a concentration in defending violent 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
Knowledge and Skills
In-depth understanding of Arkansas criminal law including complex areas of criminal defense and legal in legal research case law analysis and applying statutory law and legal precedents to develop defense public speaking and courtroom advocacy skills with the ability to present complex legal arguments effectively to judges and to manage the challenges of high-stakes trials including cross-examining witnesses presenting evidence and making persuasive closing strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate and counter the prosecutions case in real time during written and oral communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate complex legal arguments and case strategies.
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school plus five (5) years 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.
Licensure/Certifications
Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Arkansas with a valid Arkansas bar 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.
Public Defender III
