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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is accepting applications for a full-time United States Magistrate Judge in the Eastern Division, with the duty station at the Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse in Chicago, Illinois.
The deadline to submit completed applications is 5:00 p.m. on September 26, 2025. Appointment is contingent upon approval by the Judicial Conference Committee on the Administration of the Magistrate Judges System. The selected candidate will only be appointed after successfully completing background checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service.
For more information, please see the attached PDF.
KNOX COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
Job Posting
ROCK ISLAND COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
Job Posting
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 $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
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