There are two types of positions for a dependency-neglect attorney ad litem (AAL): (1) full-time state employment, or (2) part-time contractor. When there are vacancies in the program, advertisements are posted on the Judiciary website and advertised in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Attorneys who represent juveniles in dependency-neglect (D-N) proceedings must meet the qualifications of Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 15. It is not required that applicants have completed the qualification process prior to applying, however, the qualification must be completed prior to an offer of employment or a contract being entered. Pursuant to Administrative Order No 15, each AAL must complete 10 hours of initial qualification CLE specific to dependency-neglect cases. The initial qualification training is sponsored by the AOC. When training dates are available, information about registration can be found on the AOC website. To become a qualified AAL, the attorneys must also complete a clinical requirement for each of the various types of hearings in dependency-neglect cases by participating in the hearings as co-counsel for a qualified AAL. In addition to the other CLE requirements, after becoming qualified as an AAL, attorneys must continue to receive four hours of specific CLE approved by the AOC as dependency-neglect CLE every year to remain qualified.