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: $69,222-$70,491
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
E-mail to: publicdefender@whiteside.org
* See Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Guidelines
GRUNDY COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE
The Grundy County Public Defender’s Office is seeking attorneys to serve as an Assistant in the Public Defender’s Office. Provides legal services to indigent Defendants who have been charged with criminal offenses. Position is full-time and includes representation in misdemeanors, traffic offenses, DUI’s, felonies, probable cause “Gerstein” hearings and juvenile (JA/JD) actions.
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 $67k. 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.
Please send resume and cover letter to:
Scott Schmidt
Effingham County Public Defender
120 West Jefferson, Ste. 301
Effingham, IL 62401
MCLEAN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
The McLean County Public Defender’s Office is seeking attorneys licensed to practice law in Illinois for Assistant Public Defender positions.
Felony Division (2 Positions): Duties will be lower-level felonies and felony level Traffic/Dui cases with various other duties, including detention hearings, as assigned.
Juvenile Division (1 Position): Duties will be Juvenile Abuse & Neglect cases with various other duties, including detention hearings, as assigned.
Applicants may apply through the online career portal at the link above, or send resume, cover letter, and references to:
Ron Lewis
McLean County Public Defender
McLean County Public Defender’s Office
104 W. Front St., Room 603
Bloomington, IL 61701
Email: ron.lewis@mcleancountyil.gov
DEKALB COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
The DeKalb County Public Defender’s Office is seeking an attorney licensed to practice law in Illinois to fill a position as an Assistant Public Defender. Duties will include the representation of clients in misdemeanor criminal and traffic matters as well as in juvenile abuse/neglect and delinquency cases.
Candidates must possess integrity, a desire to represent those unable to afford counsel, and strong research, writing and negotiation skills. Applicants will need to be able to manage a caseload effectively, communicate with clients, opposing counsel and judges and possess the ability to effectively problem solve and work well both individually and in a team atmosphere.
Starting salary is $54,000 per year. Benefits include health and dental insurance, paid vacation, participation in IMRF, and Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness* 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:
Charles A. Criswell, Jr.
DeKalb County Public Defender
DeKalb County Public Defender’s Office
133 West State Street, Sycamore, IL 60178
ccriswell@dekalbcounty.org
* See Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Guidelines
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
The Champaign County Public Defender's Office is seeking experienced attorneys to fill three Full-Time positions as assistant public defenders in our felony division. Job responsibilities will vary depending on level of experience but will include all felony cases including first degree murder and post-conviction cases.
Applicants must be currently licensed to practice in the State of Illinois ideally with a minimum of 3 years of post-law school practice. A successful applicant must be skilled in trial advocacy, communication, organization and technology. Assistant public defenders are expected to competently represent indigent defendants, maintain communication with clients, research and file appropriate motions and negotiate plea agreements.
The Office provides on-site and ongoing training, encourages a work-life balance and offers an aggressive salary commensurate with experience. Salary and compensation package includes insurance and participation in IMRF. Salary range for the experienced felony attorney position is $65,000 to $82,000 dependent upon years licensed, qualifications and experience.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Elisabeth Pollock, Champaign County Public Defender, 101 E. Main, Urbana, IL 61801, or via email to pd@co.champaign.il.us.
Champaign County is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/AA
Application deadline: Positions open until filled.
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
The Champaign County Public Defender's Office is seeking applicants to fill TWO FULL-TIME positions as Assistant Public Defenders. The openings are for entry-level attorneys in our traffic division. Our attorneys appear in court daily representing clients in a variety of traffic matters, both misdemeanor and felony.
Recent graduates are encouraged to apply but all levels of experience will be considered. Applicant 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 and negotiate plea agreements.
The Office provides on-site and ongoing training, encourages a work-life balance and offers an aggressive salary commensurate with experience. Salary and compensation package includes insurance and participation in IMRF. The starting salary for an entry-level attorney with no experience is $52,884.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Elisabeth Pollock, Champaign County Public Defender, 101 E. Main, Urbana, IL 61801, or via email to pd@co.champaign.il.us.
Champaign County is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/AA
Application deadline: All positions open until filled.
COLES COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
Would you like to work in a collegial environment where the public defenders currently outnumber the prosecutors by 2-1? Do you want to work in a newly renovated building separate from the courthouse? If so, then we should talk.
The Coles County Public Defender's Office has a position opening up at the end of December for a felony assistant public defender. The ideal candidate will have experience doing felony defense work, but all interested attorneys are encouraged to apply. Coles County residency is encouraged but not required.
JOB DEFINITION: Assistant to the Coles County Public Defender concentrated in the defense of indigent individuals appointed by Circuit Court Judges and any Associate Judge in criminal and quasi-criminal proceedings. Includes generally representation of clients in juvenile, mental health commitment, misdemeanor, traffic, felony and criminal contempt proceedings and related matters as assigned, using knowledge of criminal law, departmental, County of Coles and the Circuit Court of Coles County policies, rules, standards and practices, including the rules of conduct and procedure as found in the statutes of the State of Illinois and the rules of the Illinois Supreme Court.
NATURE OF WORK:
Supervisory Relationships: Reports to the Circuit and Associate Judges concerning case and trial assignment and management.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK:
The duties of an Assistant Public Defender include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Interviews clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of the case;
2. Conducts related investigations on behalf of clients;
3. Correlates findings and prepares case for trial;
4. Represents defendants in all aspects of the case to which they are assigned;
5. Conducts trial or hearing of a cause on behalf of the client, including advising the client of their opinion as to the law and the facts;
6. Conducts all facets of the criminal or quasi-criminal trial or hearings including examination or cross-examination of witnesses, presentation of arguments to the jury or court, and preparation of jury instructions;
7. Presents offers of negotiated settlement of a cause to the client including appropriate admonitions, advisement of rights, and presentation of opinions as to the merits of the case, both from a factual and legal point of view;
8. Reviews, analyzes and interprets reports, records, and directives;
9. Conducts themselves at all times according to appropriate professional, ethical and moral standards.
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Education: Possession of a law degree from an American Bar Association (A.B.A.) accredited college or university required.
2. Licensed and in good standing with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Illinois Supreme Court required.
REQUIREMENTS OF APPLICATION: ONE PAGE LETTER OF APPLICATION AND ATTACHED RESUME
The Coles County Public Defender's Office typically employs three assistant public defenders. This is a full time position with no separate private practice being authorized. As a full time assistant public defender, the attorney will receive all benefits accorded to Coles County Employees, including IMRF, 14 paid holidays and optional health insurance. The successful candidate will also be a part of a rotating bond court schedule. Salary will be commensurate with experience, but is expected to range from at least $65,000.00 to approximately $75,000.00. Occasional work from home is authorized.
A part time, contractual position may be considered under certain circumstances, but no benefits, office supplies or staff are provided under that arrangement. Start of employment is projected to be January 1, 2023. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume by December 16, 2022 to:
Duane A. Deters
Chief Public Defender
Coles County Public Defender's Office
622 Jackson Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
or by e-mail to: ddeters@co.coles.il.us.
KNOX COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
The Knox County Public Defender's Office is accepting applications for a full-time Assistant Public Defender position. Duties will include the representation of clients in felony, misdemeanor, traffic, juvenile abuse and neglect, and juvenile delinquency cases.
Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois and be in good standing. Applicants should have strong research, writing, and negotiation skills, the ability to work well with others, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to public service and the representation of individuals who are unable to afford counsel.
Salary is commensurate with experience. Salary and compensation package include insurance, paid vacation, and participation in Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Attorneys of all experience levels are encouraged to apply. The position will remain open until filled.
Qualified persons may apply by faxing or emailing a cover letter, resume, and list of three
references to:
David M. Hansen
Knox County Chief Public Defender's Office 200 South Cherry Street, 2nd Floor
Galesburg, Illinois 61401
TELEPHONE: (309) 345-3876
FAX: (309) 341-1961
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 $62,000 per year with benefits which include health, dental, vision, and participation in IMRF.