Public Defender II
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Job Location:
Little Rock, AR - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 85943 - 127195
Posted on:
09-09-2025
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Position Number: Public Defender II (Full-Time) Location: 6th Judicial District Little Rock AR *** ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO PASS A PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECK*** |
Position Information
Job Series: Public Defenders
Classification: Public Defender II Career Path
Class Code: LPD04P
Pay Grade: SPC05
Salary Range: $85943 - $127195
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 all aspects of criminal cases from pre-trial motions and hearings to trial sentencing and post-conviction investigations interview clients and witnesses gather and review evidence and research legal issues related to each defense strategies prepare motions legal briefs and other necessary legal documents to advance clients cases legal counsel and guidance to clients ensuring they understand their legal rights options and the potential consequences of their plea deals with the prosecution ensuring that clients interests are best represented during these clients in hearings trials motions and other court proceedings delivering persuasive arguments and utilizing effective trial direct and cross-examinations of witnesses present evidence and argue motions in and submit legal documents including briefs motions subpoenas and other filings required by the a substantial caseload ensuring that each case is handled efficiently and within extensive legal research to support case strategies identifying legal precedents relevant statutes and case law that can strengthen police reports witness statements forensic evidence and other materials to identify weaknesses in the prosecutions case and develop defense strategies with expert witnesses and investigators as needed to build comprehensive case adult clients in the circuit courts of Arkansas charged with felonious the criteria of the employer to represent clients charged with class A 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
Expert understanding of Arkansas criminal law procedures and the rules of evidence as well as applicable federal criminal ability to analyze legal issues research case law and formulate comprehensive and effective defense in complex legal areas such as constitutional law trial tactics and post-conviction trial advocacy skills including the ability to conduct direct and cross-examinations deliver compelling opening and closing statements and effectively present negotiation skills to advocate for clients during plea negotiations or settlements always ensuring the clients best interests are considered.
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school plus two (2) 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.
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