To post a job opportunity, send an email to: PD Job Opportunities

Illinois Initial State Public Defender Vacancy Announcement

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT – CLIENT ADVOCATE

The Sangamon County Public Defender’s Office, located in Springfield, Illinois, is seeking a Client Advocate. The Client Advocate will be actively involved with Public Defender clients throughout the legal process. Job responsibilities include: conducting biopsychosocial interviews with clients and their families, identifying issues related to intellectual disability, mental health, substance abuse, and trauma, referring clients to experts, obtaining medical and treatment records, creating treatment plans for clients, and assisting in securing treatment placements for clients in need of services.

Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university with a major in social work or a related field.  A Master’s Degree in Social Work and/or one to three years of previous experience in the legal system is preferred.

The Office provides on-site and ongoing training and encourages a work-life balance. The salary range is $52,000-$57,283 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. This is a non-bargaining position and offers benefits such as health and dental insurance, retirement (IMRF), and paid time off.  

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of references to Stephanie Hammer, Sangamon County Public Defender, 200 S. Ninth Street, Room 301, Springfield, IL 62701, or via email to PDOffice@sangamonil.gov.

Sangamon County is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/AA

Application deadline: Positions open until filled.

NOTICE OF VACANCY
FIRST ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

The Peoria County Public Defender announces a vacancy for the position of First Assistant Public Defender. The office is seeking an experienced criminal defense attorney for the position. This supervisory role requires a unique combination of organizational, administrative, supervisory, and advocacy skills to manage a caseload of felony offenses while performing assigned administrative and supervisory duties.

The First Assistant will work to streamline office workflows, optimize staffing, and manage case assignment logistics. The First Assistant will also work with the Public Defender to develop office policies, optimize resource allocation, and implement structured systems to handle fluctuating caseloads. In addition, he or she will assist in directing, mentoring, and evaluating assistant public defenders. Finally, the First Assistant will work with the Office Manager to ensure the administrative operations of the office run seamlessly under tight legal deadlines.

Applicants must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in Illinois. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum of 5 years experience in the defense of criminal law and have a proven record for handling felony jury trials. Applicants should be well-organized, reliable, flexible, and responsive to client needs. Moreover, applicants should demonstrate a commitment to public defense and equal justice under the law. Supervisory experience and experience in public defense are preferred but not required. Salary range is $125,000 to $145,000, commensurate with experience.

Please apply online through Peoria County's website at https://peoriacounty.org/jobs or forward applications, in confidence, to:

Kristen Collins, Office Manager
Peoria County Public Defender's Office
324 Main Street Rm G04
Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 495-4921 ph
kcollins@peoriacounty.org

Applications should include a cover letter and resume. Applicants will also be required to make themselves available for an interview and screening process with the Public Defender and will be notified of the date, time, and location of the interview and details of the screening process.

The position will remain open and posted until filled.

Dated this 2nd day of September, 2026.

Kevin Lowe
Chief Public Defender for Peoria County
Job Description: FIRST ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

     The Jackson County Public Defender’s Office is accepting applications for a full-time Assistant Public Defender position.

     Applicant must be a law school graduate and licensed to practice law in Illinois. Previous professional experience in criminal law is desired. A successful applicant must have acceptable communication and organizational skills. This is a felony level position in a high volume office. Salary range is $85,000-$100,000 per year with medical, dental, and IMRF benefits offered through Jackson County. Qualified persons may apply by emailing or mailing a cover letter, resume, and list of references to:

Celeste A. Korando
Jackson County Chief Public Defender
220 N. 10th Street
Murphysboro, IL 62966
cak@jacksoncoilcourts.gov
618-687-7250

Boone County Public Defender

The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court is accepting applications for the position of Boone County Public Defender.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties of the Public Defender are established by statute, (55 ILCS 5/3-4006). The Boone County Public Defender’s Office is appointed by the Court to represent indigent clients in felony, misdemeanor, traffic, juvenile delinquency and juvenile abuse / neglect cases. The Office is also provides representation to adults and juveniles involved in Problem-Solving Court programs.

The Boone County Public Defender appoints and supervises staff attorneys and support personnel. The office is currently staffed by four full time assistant public defenders and three office assistants. The Public Defender establishes office policies, prepares departmental budgets, and performs related work as required. The Public Defender also assigns, directs, and evaluates the work of the staff attorneys in providing competent legal services to the public within the rules of law and professional responsibility. The Public Defender must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, court personnel, public officials, the public, and members of the local Bar Association.

LEGAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Illinois, be in good standing with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission and have at least five years experience in providing criminal legal services including felony trial work and experience in other areas of criminal law. In addition to an excellent command of substantive criminal law, other qualifications should include proven effective administrative skills, knowledge of modern methods and practices of criminal law, interviewing and counseling techniques, ability to train and develop staff professionals in legal research and presentation methods, and the ability to anticipate and resolve various related problems as they arise. Knowledge of problem-solving court’s protocol and procedures is desirable.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The salary is set by statute at not less than 90% of the compensation of the Boone County State’s Attorney. The starting salary for this position is $205,486.18 per year. Boone County benefitspackage included. This is a full time position. The Public Defender cannot engage in theprivate practice of law.

TO APPLY:

All applicants must complete an application available at the Office of the Chief Judge of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. If you so desire, you may request that an application be e-mailed to you by submitting your request to: kfink@17thcircuit.illinoiscourt.gov. An application will be emailed to you as soon as possible during working hours.

SEND A COVER LETTER, RÉSUMÉ AND COMPLETED APPLICATION VIA EMAIL

TO: Administrative Assistant to the Chief Judge Kathy Fink at kfink@17thcircuit.illinoiscourts.gov. Applications must be received by 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

POSTED: August 25, 2026

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Notice of Vacancy

Logan County Public Defender

Job Title:                    Assistant Public Defender (Full-Time)

Department:              Public Defender

Reports To:                Chief Public Defender
FLSA Status:               Exempt
Salary:                        $60,000 year

SUMMARY: To represent the indigent in criminal charges.  To represent minors and/or their parents pertaining to allegations of delinquency and abuse and neglect.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

1. Uphold the constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Illinois by insuring that a client is afforded all of his/her legal rights and obligations.
2. Enforce the Statutes of the State of Illinois by scrutinizing police reports to insure that charges are properly alleged and brought forth.
3. Actively engage with the client.  Discuss all aspects of the case and explain legal procedure in order to allow the client to make informed decisions.
4. Investigate possible defenses.  Interview witnesses, subpoena documents and challenge information provided by the State to facilitate a just outcome.
5. File appropriate pleadings regarding potential violations of Case Law and Statute.
6. Litigate Motions to Dismiss Indictments, Suppress Evidence, Suppress Identification and so on.
7. Perform jury and bench trials.
8. Work with the prosecutor’s office to effectuate the best outcome for your client.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Minimum requirements:  Juris Doctor and good standing with the ARDC.

Posting date:                                                        February 1, 2026                                

Application deadline:                                         Until filled

RESUME : Submit resume and cover letter to Carmen Lewis, Office Manager, Kankakee County Public Defender’s Office, 470 E. Merchant #210, Kankakee, IL  60901 or e-mail to clewis@kankakeecountyil.gov .

Principal Public Defender

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

 The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal defendants charged with crimes punishable by incarceration. The goal is to assure an excellent quality of legal representation that is not dependent on the wealth and status of the accused. Under the direction of the Public Defender, an Assistant Public Defender represents clients in court for arraignments, motions, trials, sentencing and all other related proceedings. 

Full Job Posting - Principal Public Defender

Assistant Public Defender

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal defendants charged with crimes punishable by incarceration. The goal is to assure an excellent quality of legal representation that is not dependent on the wealth and status of the accused. Under the direction of the Public Defender, an Assistant Public Defender represents clients in court for arraignments, motions, trials, sentencing and all other related proceedings.

Full Job Posting - Assistant Public Defender

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 $72,000 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