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Do you have a passion to make a difference in the lives of many and a desire for immediate courtroom experience? Join the Kane County Public Defender’s Office Misdemeanor Division in representing diverse clients charged with traffic, criminal and juvenile matters.

Qualifications:

• JD from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois
• Ability to think critically about the merits of a case
• Excels in fast paced work environment
• Skilled multitasker
• Creative problem solver
• Ability to effectively communicate with clients, prosecutors and judges
• Excellent organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Strong work ethic
• Commitment to public service
• 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 time off for holidays (14!)
• In house CLEs
• Best co-workers in Kane County
• Salary $75,000

Prior experience as a 711 or attorney in criminal law preferred but not required. 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 and know how to balance work and life.

We’re the last line of defense. If Goliath is on your back, we’re the guys with the slingshots. Through zealous advocacy we strive to deliver excellence in our representation of each client recognizing the client's dignity and achieving the best possible outcome for the case. If you have what it takes to stand with the marginalized members of our community, join us and send your cover letter, resume, and references to Britt Hawkins, Misdemeanor Chief of the Kane County Public Defender’s Office. Bhawkins@kanepublicdefender.org. We won’t ghost you. 

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

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)