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PD Job Opportunities
COLES COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
Coles County Circuit Court, Charleston, Coles County, Illinois announces an
opening for the position of the
Coles County Public Defender.
The duties of the Public Defender are established by statute (55 ILCS 5/3-4000 et
seq.) The Public Defender is appointed by the Court to represent indigent clients in
all criminal cases, focusing primarily on felony and misdemeanor cases. The
Public Defender also participates in the County's Drug Court Program.
Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Illinois and be in good standing with
the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission
An anticipated starting salary for this position is $165,000 per year with a benefits
package included. This is a full-time position. The Public Defender cannot engage
in the private practice of law.
Please forward applications/letters along with resumes to:
Mail: Mark E. Bovard, Presiding Judge of Coles County
651 Jackson Ave., Second Floor
Charleston, IL 61920
Applications must be received before
January 28, 2022.
MACON COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
Job Title: Assistant Public Defender
Department: Office of the Macon County Public Defender
Posting Date: January 3, 2022
Application Deadline: February 15, 2022 or until the position is filled
Application Procedure: Submit resume and cover letter via (1) postal service or hand-delivery to 253 E. Wood Street, Room 209, Decatur, IL 62523 or (2) e-mail to Chief Public Defender Michelle Sanders at
msanders@court.co.macon.il.us. If selected for an interview, documentation of qualifications or letters of reference may be requested.
Salary: Minimum $50,000, with salary dependent upon experience and job responsibilities assigned.
Job Description: An assistant public defender is a licensed attorney assigned to represent indigent defendants in cases involving (1) criminal offenses ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, (2) juvenile delinquency, (3) juvenile abuse/neglect, (4) serious traffic infractions, and (5) post-conviction proceedings. Attorneys may also represent clients involved in specialty courts such as Mental Health Court or Hybrid (Drug) Court. Our attorneys will quickly gain courtroom and trial experience, establish relationships with other attorneys, and work in an office that provides ongoing training and mentoring. There are also opportunities for advancement.
Duties and Responsibilities: Represents indigent defendants/respondents as outlined above. Maintains communication with clients, including regular in-person visits, phone conferences, and/or letters. Performs as trial counsel by representing clients during court proceedings. Researches case law and discusses trial strategy and plea offers with clients. Conducts investigations and negotiates plea agreements with the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Education and Experience: Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or equivalent degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school; currently (or prospectively) licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois with no history of suspensions. Newly licensed attorneys are encouraged to apply.
Macon County is an equal opportunity employer.
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
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 $50,000 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:
Nick Zimmerman
Winnebago County Public Defender
Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office
400 West State Street, Suite 340
Rockford, IL 61101
NZimmerman@17thcircuit.illinoiscourts.gov
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:
Nick Zimmerman
Winnebago County Public Defender
Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office
400 West State Street, Suite 340
Rockford, IL 61101
NZimmerman@17thcircuit.illinoiscourts.gov
MCLEAN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
The McLean County Public Defender’s Office is seeking an attorney licensed to practice law in Illinois to fill an entry level position as an Assistant Public Defender. Duties will include Traffic and DUI cases with other occasional duties as assigned.