PUBLIC DEFENDER II
State of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
Position Number:
22095101 FULL-TIME PUBLIC DEFENDER II
County:
Madison; Washington
Posting End Date:
March 29, 2026
Anticipated Starting Salary:
$85,943
Location:
4th Judiciary District, Fayetteville 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:
$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.
Primary Responsibilities In addition to the responsibilities for Public Defender I, the Public Defender II provides 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. The position requires handling all aspects of criminal cases from pre‑trial motions through trial, sentencing, and post‑conviction matters; conducting investigations, interviewing clients and witnesses, gathering evidence; developing defense strategies, preparing motion and brief documents; presenting persuasive arguments in court; negotiating plea deals; managing a substantial caseload with timely deadlines; performing extensive legal research; reviewing evidence for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case; collaborating with expert witnesses and investigators; representing adult clients charged with class A felonies in the circuit courts of Arkansas; reporting case dispositions each month; and obtaining a minimum of six (6) hours of legal education annually in criminal law.
Knowledge and Skills Expert understanding of Arkansas criminal law, procedures, and the rules of evidence, strong ability to analyze legal issues, research case law, and devise comprehensive defense strategies; expertise in complex legal areas such as constitutional law, trial tactics, and post‑conviction relief; excellent trial advocacy skills, including direct and cross‑examination, opening and closing statements, and effective evidence presentation; strong negotiation abilities to advocate for clients during plea discussions.
Minimum Qualifications • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney with a focus on criminal defense or related legal experience. Prior handling of felony cases and trials is strongly preferred.
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, upon approval of the qualifications review committee.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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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22095101 FULL-TIME PUBLIC DEFENDER II
County:
Madison; Washington
Posting End Date:
March 29, 2026
Anticipated Starting Salary:
$85,943
Location:
4th Judiciary District, Fayetteville 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:
$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.
Primary Responsibilities In addition to the responsibilities for Public Defender I, the Public Defender II provides 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. The position requires handling all aspects of criminal cases from pre‑trial motions through trial, sentencing, and post‑conviction matters; conducting investigations, interviewing clients and witnesses, gathering evidence; developing defense strategies, preparing motion and brief documents; presenting persuasive arguments in court; negotiating plea deals; managing a substantial caseload with timely deadlines; performing extensive legal research; reviewing evidence for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case; collaborating with expert witnesses and investigators; representing adult clients charged with class A felonies in the circuit courts of Arkansas; reporting case dispositions each month; and obtaining a minimum of six (6) hours of legal education annually in criminal law.
Knowledge and Skills Expert understanding of Arkansas criminal law, procedures, and the rules of evidence, strong ability to analyze legal issues, research case law, and devise comprehensive defense strategies; expertise in complex legal areas such as constitutional law, trial tactics, and post‑conviction relief; excellent trial advocacy skills, including direct and cross‑examination, opening and closing statements, and effective evidence presentation; strong negotiation abilities to advocate for clients during plea discussions.
Minimum Qualifications • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney with a focus on criminal defense or related legal experience. Prior handling of felony cases and trials is strongly preferred.
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, upon approval of the qualifications review committee.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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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