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PD Job Opportunities
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
The Champaign County Public Defender’s Office is accepting applications to fill 2 entry level positions and 2 experienced felony positions. All four positions are full-time with benefits. Applicants must be currently licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois or in receipt of a valid 711 license and pending bar results. Assistant public defenders are expected to competently represent indigent defendants, maintain communication with clients, research and file appropriate motions, negotiate plea agreements and conduct trials.
The office provides on-site and ongoing training, encourages a work-life balance and offers aggressive salary commensurate with experience. Salary and compensation package includes insurance, participation in IMRF, eligibility for student loan forgiveness, paid vacation days and the ability to earn comp time.
The salary for entry level with no experience is slightly over $52,000. The salary for more experienced attorneys is between $60,000-80,000 dependent upon years licensed, qualifications and experience.
All position are open until filled with employment starting immediately. Champaign County is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/AA
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to:
Janie Miller-Jones
Champaign County Public Defender
101 E. Main
Urbana, IL 61801
COLES COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
The Coles County Public Defender’s Office is now accepting application for the position of Assistant Public Defender. Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois. This is a full time position and no separate private practice is authorized. Duties will include representing indigent clients charged in traffic & misdemeanors as well as conflict appointments in juvenile matters, felony cases and occasionally mental health hearings. The successful candidate will also be a part of a rotating bond court schedule. Salary will be commensurate with experience but is expected to be in the range of $62,000.00 to $67,000.00 per annum. Start of employment is projected to be November 2022.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to:
Duane A. Deters
Chief Public Defender
Coles County Public Defender’s Office
622 Jackson Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
Or
MACON COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
Become the attorney you want to be in an atmosphere that promotes individuality and personal growth. The Macon County Public Defender's Office is seeking candidates to fill two FULL-TIME positions for assistant public defenders. Job responsibilities will vary depending on level of experience. Ideally, an applicant for this position will have significant felony experience.
Assistant public defenders are expected to (1) competently represent indigent defendants/respondents in criminal, juvenile delinquency, traffic, and/or juvenile abuse/neglect matters; (2) maintain communication with clients, including regular in-person visits, phone conferences, letters, and/or visits to correctional facilities; (3) independently research applicable law and file motions and pleadings; and (4) negotiate plea agreements with the State's Attorney's Office. The Office provides on-site and ongoing training, encourages work-life balance, and fosters relationships with other members of the legal community.
Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor degree and have a current (or prospective) license to practice law in the State of Illinois with no history of suspensions. Salary and compensation package is commensurate with experience, and includes insurance, participation in IMRF, and eligibility for student loan forgiveness. The salary range is $55,000 to $75,000. Attorneys of all experience levels are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via email to Michelle Sanders, Macon County Public Defender's Office at: msanders@court.co.macon.il.us.
Macon County is an equal opportunity employer.
Application deadline: December 1, 2022 or until filled.
KENDALL COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
Job Title: Assistant Public Defender
Reports To: Public Defender
SUMMARY:
The Kendall County Public Defender’s Office in Yorkville, Illinois, is seeking a licensed attorney for the position of Full-Time Assistant Public Defender. Applicant must be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois and be in good standing. Primary responsibilities include the representation of indigent clients in felony, misdemeanor, traffic, juvenile abuse, neglect, dependency or delinquency cases and any other duties as assigned.
Applicants should have strong research, writing and negotiation skills. Candidates should possess integrity and a desire to represent those unable to afford counsel. Candidates must be able to manage a caseload effectively and communicate with clients, opposing counsel and judges.
Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacation and participation in Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).
To be considered, please send cover letter, resume and references to:
Jason D. Majer
Kendall County Public Defender
Kendall County Courthouse
807 W. John Street
Yorkville, Illinois 60560
630-553-4215
630-553-4963-Fax
WINNEBAGO COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
Entry Level Attorney:
The Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office is seeking attorneys licensed to practice law in Illinois or recent law school graduates who anticipate being admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois shortly to fill an entry level position as an Assistant Public Defender. Duties will include the representation of clients in criminal, traffic, juvenile abuse and neglect and juvenile delinquency cases.
Candidates must possess integrity and a desire to represent those unable to afford counsel. Training will be provided by the office, but prior experience in a criminal law firm or public defender’s office is preferred.
Starting salary is $53,000 per year. Benefits include health and dental insurance, paid vacation and participation in IMRF. The position will remain open until filled.
We are an equal opportunity employer and are actively engaged in creating and maintaining a work environment characterized by diversity, equity and inclusion.
Please e-mail or mail a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references to:
WILL COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE
The Will County Public Defender’s Office is seeking attorneys licensed to practice law in Illinois for positions as Assistant Public Defenders Misdemeanor or Juvenile Division. Please see the full job description, benefits, and application process here:
KANE COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE
The Kane County Public Defender’s Office is seeking licensed attorneys or law school graduates who anticipate being admitted to the Illinois Bar for an entry level position as an Assistant Public Defender. Attorneys will be assigned to represent clients in traffic, criminal, juvenile, and abuse and neglect cases.
Applicants should have strong research, writing, and negotiation skills, be able to communicate effectively with our diverse clients, and possess the ability to litigate motions and trials. Training and continuing legal education is provided by the office. Spanish speaking is a plus.
Salary is $59,000 per year with benefits which include health, dental, vision, and participation in IMRF.
To be considered, please email your cover letter, resume, and references to Rachele Conant, Kane County Public Defender,
RConant@KanePublicDefender.org.
WHITESIDE COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
The Whiteside County Public Defender’s Office in Morrison, Illinois, is seeking qualified applicants for the position of full-time Assistant Public Defender. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois and be in good standing. Primary responsibilities include the representation of indigent clients in misdemeanor, traffic, and respondents in juvenile abuse, neglect, dependency or delinquency cases, along with other duties as assigned. Training for this position will be provided. 711’s are strongly encouraged to apply.
Whiteside County is a small community of about 56,000 in northwestern Illinois. It is just 2 hours from Chicago, and only 45 minutes from the Quad Cities, with a reasonable cost of living. Whiteside County has its main courthouse in Morrison, with an eastern branch location in Sterling.
Salary range, depending on experience: $61,000-$67,000
Benefits: Insurance, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Time, Paid Personal Time, IMRF, and Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness*
Send resumes to:
Jennifer M. Kelly
Whiteside County Public Defender
Whiteside County Courthouse
200 E. Knox Street
Morrison, IL 61270
Or
* See Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Guidelines
EFFINGHAM COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
The Effingham County Public Defender’s Office has an opening for an entry-level attorney position. Recent law school graduates and Rule 711 senior law students are encouraged to apply but all levels of experience will be considered. Position will remain open until it is filled. EOE/AA.
Work is assigned by the Chief Public Defender and will primarily be traffic, misdemeanor and juvenile cases, with the opportunity for more challenging assignments commensurate with the individual’s interest and aptitude. Salary is fixed by the Effingham County Board and is currently authorized at $56.9k. IMRF. Health, vision and dental available. Paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal time.
Residence in the county is not required, but the applicant must be able to reliably commute. No “on-call,” weekend, holidays, or after-hours duties.
Please send resume and cover letter to:
Scott Schmidt
Effingham County Public Defender
120 West Jefferson, Ste. 301
Effingham, IL 62401
CHRISTIAN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
The Christian County Public Defender’s Office is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Public Defender for an anticipated opening in May of 2022. This is a great opportunity to work in a small, collaborative office and gain hands-on courtroom experience. The attorney will represent indigent clients in all types of cases including juvenile, criminal, and traffic. The salary range starts at $45,000 and increases based on experience. Benefits include participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and eligibility for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Christian County is just a short drive from Springfield, Illinois. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois upon hiring with no history of suspensions.
WINNEBAGO COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
Experienced Attorney:
The Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office is seeking an attorney experienced in criminal law for an open Assistant Public Defender position. Applicants must be currently licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois. Prior criminal law experience is preferred, with three to five years of previous experience in litigation including legal research, motion practice, jury and bench trials and other courtroom duties necessary to the practice of criminal law.
Candidates must possess integrity and a desire to represent those unable to afford counsel. Candidates must be able to manage a caseload including effectively communicating with clients, opposing counsel and Judges.
Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications. Benefits include health and dental insurance, paid vacation and participation in IMRF. The position will remain open until filled.
We are an equal opportunity employer and are actively engaged in creating and maintaining a work environment characterized by diversity, equity and inclusion.
Please e-mail or mail a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references to: