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JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
GAL Public Defender Notice of Vacancy and Job Description
JOB TITLE: GAL Public Defender, Jefferson County
COMPENSATION: Starting Salary of $45,000.00
IMRF
Heath Insurance and other insurance package options
APPLY TO: Matt Vaughn, J efferson County Chief Public Defender
Jefferson County Courthouse
100 S 10th Street
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
email: jeffcopd1@gmail.com
REQUIREMENTS OF APPLICATION: (Due April 19, 2024)
One page letter of application
Resume
Copy of Current A.R.D.C. card issued by Illinois Supreme Court
Must be on the GAL/child representative list for the Second Judicial Circuit
Completed Application from the Jefferson County web page found at: https://jeffersoncounty.illinois.gov/how_do_i/_apply_for_obtain/applications___forms.php#outer-329
Please send the requirements of application to the following email:
jeffcopd1@gmail.com with "GAL Public Defender" in the subject line of the email.
JOB DEFINITION: This job could be coupled with any other job posting or vacancies in the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office. This job is concentrated in the legal representation of the following:
A. Primarily, to serve as Guardian Ad Liem as appointed by the Court in juvenile neglect or abuse or dependency cases, truancy cases, and minors in need of authoritative intervention.
B. Secondarily, to serve as Court-appointed counsel for parents in juvenile neglect or abuse or dependency cases, truancy cases, and minors in need of authoritative intervention.
C. Secondarily, to represent Minors charged with criminal offenses in juvenile delinquency cases.
D. Provide Court-appointed representation as to criminal cases in Circuit Court as assigned by the Chief Public Defender.
The GAL Public Defender shall have knowledge and the use of the following: Rules of the Illinois Supreme Court, rules as to criminal procedure and evidence in Illinois, 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 GAL Public Defender shall be responsible to the Chief Public Defender and Judges of the Second Judicial Circuit. The duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Interview clients, minors and witnesses to ascertain the facts of the case;
Conduct related investigations on behalf of clients and minors;
Prepare cases for trial;
Represent parents or serve as Guardian ad Litem in all aspects of the case to which they are assigned;
Conducts trial or hearing of a cause on behalf of the client or minor, including advisement and 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 Court;
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 is required.
3. Approved as a Guardian ad Litem on the list maintained by the Second Judicial Circuit.
4. Appointed and removed by the Jefferson County Chief Public Defender.
DUPAGE COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
Position Title: Assistant Public Defender
Department: Public Defender Office
Hiring Salary: $82,500
Instructions for Applying: To Apply, go to https://www.dupagecounty.gov/job_detail_T10_R217.php
ROCK ISLAND COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
Job Posting
BOONE COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
The Boone County Public Defender’s Office in Belvidere, Illinois is now hiring for a Felony Assistant Public Defender. It is anticipated that the attorney to fill this position will handle adult felony cases, but may also include a mix of misdemeanor or DUI cases.
The successful applicant will be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois. Candidates should demonstrate both an interest in the representation of indigent clients and the skills necessary to manage a felony caseload. Training will be provided by the office, but prior experience in a criminal law office, public defender’s office, or state’s attorney’s office is preferable.
The anticipated starting salary is between $70,000 and $85,000 per year, commensurate with experience, and the position comes with benefits that include health, vision, and dental insurance; paid vacation; and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. This position and employer also qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and interviewed until the position is filled.
We are an equal opportunity employer.
Please e-mail or mail a resume to:
Kathryn Cross
Boone County Public Defender’s Office
130 S. State St., Ste. 311
Belvidere, IL 61008
kcross@17thcircuit.illinoiscourts.gov
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 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 $65,000.00 to $75,000.00. Compensation package includes insurance, paid vacation, and participation in Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).
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
MCLEAN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
Assistant Public Defender II
Under general supervision, perform a variety of responsible professional, public defense legal work, applying professional legal principles and practices to a variety of complex legal assignments in an assigned operational area. Work is performed at the full performance level with considerable professional independence, discretion, mature judgement, and latitude in researching, preparing, and routinely defending indigent individuals in court on juvenile or misdemeanor charges. Work involves the use of significant writing, analytical, and communications skills. Assignments may involve planning, overseeing, and directing the activities of legal office support, para-professional, or professional staff, as needed. Work is reviewed by a professional supervisor or the Public Defender through conferences, and results obtained.
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 felony criminal and traffic matters.
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 commensurate with experience. 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
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 $65,000 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
SANGAMON COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT – EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY:
The Sangamon County Public Defender’s Office is seeking an attorney experienced in criminal law for a full-time assistant felony position. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois. Previous professional experience in criminal law is required, with a minimum of 3 years of post- law school practice preferred. Candidates must be skilled in trial advocacy, with trial experience, and have excellent communication and organizational skills. A reputation for integrity and a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel are qualities required for this position.
Salary is $70,000.00-$101,000.00, dependent on experience and qualifications. Benefits include health and dental insurance, paid vacation, and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund’s pension plan.
ENTRY-LEVEL ATTORNEY:
The Sangamon County Public Defender’s Office is seeking an attorney for an entry-level position. Recently licensed attorneys, those waiting to be sworn in, and graduating law students planning to take the Illinois Bar Examination in February or July 2024 are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will commence work in the summer or fall of 2024.
Depending on experience and qualifications, the successful candidate will be assigned to some or all of the following matters: traffic, misdemeanor, juvenile delinquency, and other duties as assigned. The office will offer extensive hands-on training and mentorship. The position will offer the opportunity for client-centered practice and court experience, including client conferences, court hearings, negotiations, pretrial detention matters, legal research and drafting, and trials. Each day presents different challenges, unique questions, and opportunities to learn and serve our community.
A reputation for integrity and a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel are qualities required for this position. Full-time assistant public defenders may not engage in the private practice of law. Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, deferred compensation plan, and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund’s pension plan. The position is open until filled.
The positions are open until filled. To be considered, please mail or email a cover letter, resume, and a list of two references to Craig Reiser at Craig.Reiser@sangamonil.gov or at the Sangamon County Public Defender’s Office, 200 South Ninth Street, Room 301, Springfield, IL 62701.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
Position Title: Assistant Public Defender
Department: Public Defender Office
Salary (Optional): $65,000
Brief Job Description: To provide legal defense for indigent clients in criminal cases. Represent parents in the juvenile abuse and neglect court room.
Education Requirements: Law degree and licensed in Illinois; have legal research experience and have exposure and willingness to conduct trial preparation and litigation work.
Additional Comments: Will consider applications of recent law school graduates awaiting bar results.
Instructions for Applying: To Apply, go to https://www.vscyberhosting3.com/livingston/
OR send your resume with cover letter to:
Livingston County Public Defender
110 N. Main St.
Pontiac, IL 61764
mmetoyer@livingstoncountyil.gov
WILL COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
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. 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 $63,000 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. 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