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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 either be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois or eligible to practice under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711.   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 will be commensurate with experience in the range of $60,000.00 to $70,000.00.  Compensation package includes insurance, paid vacation, and participation in Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).    Deadline for applying is August 4, 2023.

Qualified persons may apply by faxing or emailing a cover letter, resume, and list of two 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  

EMAIL: dhansen@knoxcountyil.gov

WEBSITE:  https://co.knox.il.us/public-defender

The Federal Public Defender for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa is accepting applications for a Research and Writing Specialist to be stationed in either our Cedar Rapids or Davenport office. The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide representation in federal criminal cases and related matters in the federal courts.

JOB DESCRIPTION: This is an ideal position for an attorney with strong research and writing skills and a commitment to federal criminal defense work. The Research and Writing Specialist drafts motions, memoranda, petitions, and briefs to be filed in the U.S. District Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. The successful candidate will consult with Assistant Federal Public Defenders and other attorneys on legal issues arising in motion practice, evidentiary hearings, trials, and appeals, and on general advice to clients. The Research and Writing Specialist will travel throughout Iowa to attend trials and assist Assistant Federal Public Defenders with research and writing needs that arise during trial. The successful candidate may also be expected to travel for oral argument before the Eighth Circuit, usually in St. Louis or St. Paul.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have 1) a law school degree with admission and good standing before the highest court of any state; 2) a minimum of three years’ general and two years’ specialized experience; 3) knowledge of federal criminal law and procedures; 4) outstanding legal research and writing skills; 5) strong typing and automation skills; and 6) a strong desire to be a team-player and an excellent coworker.

SELECTION CRITERIA: The successful applicant will have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for personal integrity. Applicant must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, staff, colleagues, and other individuals that they will come in contact with as part of their employment. Experience with and a working knowledge of the federal sentencing guidelines is preferred. Experience as a federal judicial clerk is strongly preferred (especially on a federal Court of Appeals).

BACKGROUND CHECK: The selected candidate will be subject to a background check as a condition of employment. Employment will be considered provisional until a satisfactory background check is confirmed.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: This is a full-time position with a salary range of grade JSP-9/1, $57,118, to grade JSP-15/1, $136,908, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement and the Thrift Savings Plan. Some telework is offered. This position is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer payment of net pay. The position is subject to funding.

HOW TO APPLY: Electronically submit cover letter, resume and a writing sample in a single PDF by June 12, 2023 to Denise_Fest@fd.org. The successful candidate must be able to commence employment by autumn 2023. The email subject line must read: Position Announcement 2301. Only applicants considered for an interview will be contacted. Position open until filled. No telephone calls please.

The Federal Public Defender is an equal opportunity employer.

Do you have a heart for service and a desire for immediate courtroom experience? Join the Kane County Public Defender’s Office representing diverse clients charged with traffic, criminal and juvenile matters.

Qualifications:

• JD from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois or anticipating admission to Illinois bar
• Ability to think critically about the merits of a case
• Excels in fast paced work environment
• Skilled multitasker
• Creative problem solver
• Patience. . .lots of patience

Benefits:

• Qualified Employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness for Federal Student Loans
• Complete health insurance benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA and IMRF
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid time off for holidays (14!)
• In house CLE
• Hybrid working environment
• Salary of $62,000

No experience necessary. You will be welcomed and mentored by a team of experienced public defenders who will help you hone your skills. KCPDO is an eclectic group that thrives on collaboration. We are a creative group both in and out of the courtroom. We offer social, fun activities throughout the year. While we are passionate about what we do, we also have a healthy work/life balance.

If you have what it takes to stand with the marginalized members of our community against the arm of the government, join us and send your cover letter, resume, and references to Rachele Conant, Kane County Public Defender, Rconant@kanepublicdefender.org. We won’t ghost you.

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

NOTICE OF OPEN POSITION 

3rd Assistant Public Defender Job Description 

JOB TITLE: 3rd Assistant Public Defender, Jefferson County
                This is a full-time position

COMPENSATION:     Starting Salary of $75,000.00
                                IMRF
                                Heath Insurance and other insurance package options

APPLY TO:     Matt Vaughn, Jefferson County Chief Public Defender
                    Jefferson County Courthouse
                    100 S 10th Street
                    Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
                    email: jeffcopd1@gmail.com

REQUIREMENTS OF APPLICATION:
    One page letter of application
    Resume
    Copy of Current A.R.D.C. card issued by Illinois Supreme Court
    Completed Application from the Jefferson County web page found at:

http://www.jeffersoncountyillinois.com/sites/default/files/Application%20for%20Employment.pdf

Please send the requirements of application to the following email:

jeffcopd1@gmail.com with "3rd Assistant Public Defender" in the subject line of the email.

JOB DEFINITION: This job is concentrated in the defense of indigent individuals as appointed by the Court. This includes generally the representation of clients in the following types of proceedings:

1. Juvenile neglect/abuse cases;
2. Juvenile delinquency cases; and
3. Misdemeanor and felony cases as assigned by the Court and the Chief Public Defender.

The 3rd Assistant Public Defender shall have knowledge and the use of the following: Illinois criminal law, the Rules of the Illinois Supreme Court, the Illinois Juvenile Court Act, the policies, rules and practices of the Jefferson County Circuit Court and the Second Judicial Circuit.

NATURE OF WORK: Supervisory Relationships: The 3rd Assistant Public Defender shall be responsible to the Chief Public Defender and Judges of the Second Circuit. The duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Interviews clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of the case;
• Conducts related investigations on behalf of clients;
  Prepares case for trial;
• Represents defendants in all aspects of the case to which they are assigned; 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;
• Conducts all facets of the trial or hearings including examination or cross-examination of witnesses, presentation of arguments to the jury, and preparation of jury instructions;
• 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;
• Reviews, analyzes and interprets reports, records, and directives;
• Confers with other counsel, investigators and other support personnel, to obtain data required for preparation and litigation;
• Conducts themselves at all times according to appropriate professional, ethical and moral standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education: Possession of a law degree from an American Bar Association (A.B.A.) accredited college or university is required.

2. Licensed and in good standing with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Illinois Supreme Court required.

3. Appointed and removed by the Jefferson County Chief Public Defender.

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

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.

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:

Supervisory Relationships: Reports to the Circuit and Associate Judges concerning case and trial assignment and management.

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

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:

Nick Zimmerman
Winnebago County Public Defender
Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office
400 West State Street, Suite 340
Rockford, IL  61101
Email: 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.

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
Email: NZimmerman@17thcircuit.illinoiscourts.gov