PUBLIC DEFENDER II

Overview

Position Number : 22095063 Public Defender II (Part-Time Position)

County : Crawford (Primary)

Posting End Date : October 19, 2025

Anticipated Starting Salary : $42,972.00

The Arkansas Public Defender Commission's Northwest Arkansas Conflict's Division is seeking an experienced attorney for a half-time position serving Crawford County Circuit and District Courts. As this is a "half-time" position, the successful applicant will still be able to engage in the private practice of law. Services of a locally-based half-time Legal Support Specialist (officed independently) will be provided; however this position does not provide office space or logistical support. State benefits [insurance and retirement] are provided. "Y" certification by the Public Defender Commission is a plus but not required. Training and trial-team support from the main Conflicts Office in Fayetteville will be available.

All applicants must be able to pass a background check.

Job Series : Public Defenders

Classification : Public Defender II – Career Path

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

• 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 of legal education annually in the area of criminal law.

Knowledge and Skills

Minimum Qualifications

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.

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