Public Defender I

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.

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 legal abilities for placement in criminal circuit court adult division prior to or upon conclusion of probationary period of nine (9) legal advice and counsel to clients regarding their rights case developments and available case strategies including preparing and filing legal documents conducting legal research and evaluating evidence to ensure the best possible defense for a full caseload of criminal cases including misdemeanor and felony cases with a focus on both adult and juvenile defendants as constant communication with clients to keep them informed of case status and legal options providing clear explanations in an understandable annual reports and other documentation for the Boards review summarizing accomplishments challenges and the status of key thorough investigations into all aspects of each case including interviewing clients witnesses and police reports evidence and other relevant documentation to assess the strength of the case and identify defense and file motions subpoenas and other legal documents to support clients legal research to stay up-to-date with criminal law case precedents and legal strategies to ensure effective defense in closely with other attorneys investigators social workers and support staff within the Public Defenders Office to provide the best possible defense for clients in court hearings including arraignments pre-trial conferences hearings and plea agreements with opposing counsel ensuring clients best interests are considered in the negotiation 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.

In-depth understanding of Arkansas criminal law procedures and rules of evidence as well as federal criminal law as legal research skills with the ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop effective defense to quickly assess case details identify key issues and formulate strong arguments for the public speaking skills including the ability to argue motions present cases to judges and juries and deliver persuasive closing managing courtroom dynamics and effectively engaging with witnesses experts and opposing counsel.

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.