What are the responsibilities and job description for the PUBLIC DEFENDER III position at State of Arkansas?
Position Number: 22164326
County: Benton; Carroll; Crawford; Madison; Sebastian; Washington
Posting End Date: May 12, 2026
Anticipated Starting Salary: $114,390
The Northwest Conflicts Division of the Arkansas Public Defender Commission is seeking an experienced criminal trial attorney for a vacancy in our Fayetteville Office. This is a full-time position in active trial practice, with a caseload of complex felony cases as well as other lower-level criminal matters. Travel is required; the office serves Benton, Carroll, Washington, Madison, Sebastian, and Crawford Counties. This is not an entry-level position.
Requirements include a minimum of five years criminal trial court experience as prosecutor or defense counsel. Jury trial experience is required. Must have served as lead counsel in at least 2 class “Y” or class “A” felony cases tried to final jury verdict; alternatively served as lead counsel in one class “Y” or class “A” felony case tried to a final jury verdict plus one case involving a homicide tried to a final jury verdict. Applicants must be prepared to provide case names, dates of trial, file number, and name of Judge as well as a short description of the cases and primary issues. Must have excellent reputation for ethics and courtroom skills with the trial court judges before whom they have practiced and be prepared to provide names of judges who may be contacted to confirm their standing. Applicants must be willing to actively pursue the experience and criteria necessary to be considered for lead or co-counsel in cases where client is charged with Capital Murder, including attending required training for same. Applicant should be prepared to present a quality writing sample
Job Series: Public Defenders
Classification: Public Defender III – Career Path
Class Code: LPD05P
Pay Grade: SPC08
Salary Range: $114,390 - $169,298
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 Defender's 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 adults. Handle 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 stage. Develop and implement strategic defense plans, incorporating legal research, client interviews, expert testimony, and case law to build robust defenses. Represent clients in hearings, trials, and post-conviction proceedings, delivering compelling arguments, examining witnesses, and managing complex evidence. Guide 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 consideration. Conduct 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 guidance. Manage a caseload of complex, high-profile criminal cases, ensuring that each case is handled efficiently, thoroughly, and with attention to detail. Actively pursue the experience and criteria necessary to be considered for lead or co-counsel in cases where client is charged with Capital Murder. Develop case strategies tailored to individual circumstances, preparing all necessary legal documentation, including motions, legal briefs, and responses to the prosecution. Monitor deadlines, manage case schedules, and ensure timely submission of legal filings, motions, and other required documentation to the court. Conduct direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, present evidence, and deliver persuasive opening and closing statements. Prepare clients for testimony and court appearances, explaining the process and ensuring they are emotionally and mentally prepared. Conduct advanced legal research to support case strategies, reviewing statutes, case law, and legal precedents to develop innovative defense strategies. Collaborate with expert witnesses, investigators, and other specialists to gather evidence and build a comprehensive defense. Obtain a minimum of six (6) hours legal education annually in area of criminal law with a concentration in defending violent 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
Knowledge And Skills
In-depth understanding of Arkansas criminal law, including complex areas of criminal defense and legal ethics. Expertise in legal research, case law analysis, and applying statutory law and legal precedents to develop defense strategies. Superior public speaking and courtroom advocacy skills, with the ability to present complex legal arguments effectively to judges and juries. Ability to manage the challenges of high-stakes trials, including cross-examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and making persuasive closing arguments. Strong strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate and counter the prosecution’s case in real time during trials. Exceptional 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.
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.
County: Benton; Carroll; Crawford; Madison; Sebastian; Washington
Posting End Date: May 12, 2026
Anticipated Starting Salary: $114,390
The Northwest Conflicts Division of the Arkansas Public Defender Commission is seeking an experienced criminal trial attorney for a vacancy in our Fayetteville Office. This is a full-time position in active trial practice, with a caseload of complex felony cases as well as other lower-level criminal matters. Travel is required; the office serves Benton, Carroll, Washington, Madison, Sebastian, and Crawford Counties. This is not an entry-level position.
Requirements include a minimum of five years criminal trial court experience as prosecutor or defense counsel. Jury trial experience is required. Must have served as lead counsel in at least 2 class “Y” or class “A” felony cases tried to final jury verdict; alternatively served as lead counsel in one class “Y” or class “A” felony case tried to a final jury verdict plus one case involving a homicide tried to a final jury verdict. Applicants must be prepared to provide case names, dates of trial, file number, and name of Judge as well as a short description of the cases and primary issues. Must have excellent reputation for ethics and courtroom skills with the trial court judges before whom they have practiced and be prepared to provide names of judges who may be contacted to confirm their standing. Applicants must be willing to actively pursue the experience and criteria necessary to be considered for lead or co-counsel in cases where client is charged with Capital Murder, including attending required training for same. Applicant should be prepared to present a quality writing sample
- ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO PASS A PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECK**
Job Series: Public Defenders
Classification: Public Defender III – Career Path
Class Code: LPD05P
Pay Grade: SPC08
Salary Range: $114,390 - $169,298
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 Defender's 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 adults. Handle 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 stage. Develop and implement strategic defense plans, incorporating legal research, client interviews, expert testimony, and case law to build robust defenses. Represent clients in hearings, trials, and post-conviction proceedings, delivering compelling arguments, examining witnesses, and managing complex evidence. Guide 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 consideration. Conduct 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 guidance. Manage a caseload of complex, high-profile criminal cases, ensuring that each case is handled efficiently, thoroughly, and with attention to detail. Actively pursue the experience and criteria necessary to be considered for lead or co-counsel in cases where client is charged with Capital Murder. Develop case strategies tailored to individual circumstances, preparing all necessary legal documentation, including motions, legal briefs, and responses to the prosecution. Monitor deadlines, manage case schedules, and ensure timely submission of legal filings, motions, and other required documentation to the court. Conduct direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, present evidence, and deliver persuasive opening and closing statements. Prepare clients for testimony and court appearances, explaining the process and ensuring they are emotionally and mentally prepared. Conduct advanced legal research to support case strategies, reviewing statutes, case law, and legal precedents to develop innovative defense strategies. Collaborate with expert witnesses, investigators, and other specialists to gather evidence and build a comprehensive defense. Obtain a minimum of six (6) hours legal education annually in area of criminal law with a concentration in defending violent 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
Knowledge And Skills
In-depth understanding of Arkansas criminal law, including complex areas of criminal defense and legal ethics. Expertise in legal research, case law analysis, and applying statutory law and legal precedents to develop defense strategies. Superior public speaking and courtroom advocacy skills, with the ability to present complex legal arguments effectively to judges and juries. Ability to manage the challenges of high-stakes trials, including cross-examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and making persuasive closing arguments. Strong strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate and counter the prosecution’s case in real time during trials. Exceptional 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.
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.
Salary : $114,390 - $169,298