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

EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY:

The Sangamon County Public Defender’s Office is seeking an attorney for an open felony position. Applicants must be currently licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois. Professional experience in criminal law is required, with a minimum of 3 years of post-graduation practice preferred. A successful candidate must be skilled in trial advocacy, with 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. 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, deferred compensation plans, and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund’s pension plan. The position is open until filled. To be considered, please mail or email a cover letter, resume, and a list of two references to Sangamon County Public Defender Craig J. Reiser, 200 South Ninth Street, Room 301, Springfield, Illinois 62701 or via email to PDOffice@sangamonil.gov.

Sangamon County is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/AA

CLIENT ADVOCATE:

The Sangamon County Public Defender’s Office 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 substance abuse and mental health 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 are preferred. The Office provides on-site and ongoing training and encourages a work-life balance. The salary range is $50,000-$55,400 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, deferred compensation plans, and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund’s pension plan. To be considered, please mail or email a cover letter, resume, and a list of two references to Sangamon County Public Defender Craig J. Reiser, 200 South Ninth Street, Room 301, Springfield, Illinois 62701 or via email to PDOffice@sangamonil.gov.

Sangamon County is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/AA

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

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