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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. The Winnebago County Public Defender’s office has a strong reputation for providing excellent legal representation to individuals who may not otherwise have access to quality defense services.

Benefits the Winnebago County Public Defender's Office offers are:

1. Professional Growth: The office offers a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters professional growth.  Attorneys have the opportunity to work alongside experienced attorneys, gain courtroom experience, and handle a wide range of challenging cases.

2. Social Impact: Working at the Winnebago County Public Defender's Office allows attorneys a chance to make a real difference in the community by providing crucial legal representation to individuals who are facing difficult circumstances. They will contribute to ensuring access to justice for all members of society.

3. Skill Development: Attorneys will enhance their legal skills and develop a deep understanding of criminal law and defense strategies. The diverse caseload will expose them to various aspects of the legal system, allowing for well-rounded growth as legal professionals.

4. Networking Opportunities: Joining the Winnebago County Public Defender's Office opens doors to a vast network of legal professionals and potential mentors.  Attorneys can build connections that will prove valuable throughout their careers.  In fact, three of the last five attorneys selected to be Winnebago County Associate Judges got their start in the Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office.

Starting salary is $70,000 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

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. The Winnebago County Public Defender’s office has a strong reputation for providing excellent legal representation to individuals who may not otherwise have access to quality defense services.

Benefits the Winnebago County Public Defender's Office offers:

1. Professional Growth: The office offers a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters professional growth.  Attorneys have the opportunity to work alongside experienced attorneys, gain courtroom experience, and handle a wide range of challenging cases.

2. Social Impact: Working at the Winnebago County Public Defender's Office allows attorneys a chance to make a real difference in the community by providing crucial legal representation to individuals who are facing difficult circumstances. They will contribute to ensuring access to justice for all members of society.

3. Skill Development: Attorneys will enhance their legal skills and develop a deep understanding of criminal law and defense strategies. The diverse caseload will expose them to various aspects of the legal system, allowing for well-rounded growth as legal professionals.

4. Networking Opportunities: Joining the Winnebago County Public Defender's Office opens doors to a vast network of legal professionals and potential mentors.  Attorneys can build connections that will prove valuable throughout their careers.  In fact, three of the last five attorneys selected to be Winnebago County Associate Judges got their start in the Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office. 

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

Job Postings

APD I: https://mcleancoil.criterionhcm.com/jobs/525/1/#1301

APD II: https://mcleancoil.criterionhcm.com/jobs/525/1/#1302

APD III: https://mcleancoil.criterionhcm.com/jobs/525/1/#2117

Job Posting

Assistant Public Defender

JOB POSTING
ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - FULL TIME
SALARY RANGE: $70,000 to $75,000 (DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE)
PLUS BENEFITS
START DATE 11/15/24
APPLICATION DEADLINE 10/31/24

The Livingston County Public Defender’s Office currently has an opening for a licensed defense attorney.  The Assistant Public Defender will provide legal defense to indigent clients in criminal and juvenile delinquency cases. And will represent parents in Juvenile Abuse and Neglect Cases.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, perform a variety of professional, public defense legal work, applying professional legal principles and practices to a variety of legal assignments.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

a.     Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
b.     Present evidence to defend clients in criminal or civil litigation.
c.     Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
d.     Study Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases.
e.     Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals.
f.      Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
g.     Prepare legal briefs and opinions.
h.    Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
i.      Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending lawsuit.
j.      Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
k.     Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions, by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.
l.      Confer with colleagues with specialties in appropriate areas of legal issue to establish and verify bases for legal proceedings.

Required Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

a.         Graduation from an accredited law school, and some experience (0 to 10 years) in preparing and trying a variety of cases before the courts; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the above noted knowledge, skills and abilities.
b.         Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.

How to Apply:
Click on the link below:
https://www.vscyberhosting3.com/livingston/

OR:
Send your resume with cover letter to:
Marinna Metoyer
Livingston County Public Defender
110 N. Main Street
Pontiac, IL  61764
mmetoyer@livingstoncountyil.gov

Notice of Vacancy

Job Classification:  Assistant Public Defender (Juvenile or Misdemeanor Division)

Job Posting

Principal Public Defender