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Cook County Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hendricks County Government

Public Defender

Danville, IN · On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Hendricks County Title: Public Defender FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Public Defender Supervisor: Chief Public Defender PURPOSE OF POSITION: Prepares and presents legal defense of indigent persons ...

Hendricks County Government

Public Defender

Danville, IN · On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Hendricks County Title: Public Defender FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Public Defender Supervisor: Chief Public Defender PURPOSE OF POSITION: Prepares and presents legal defense of indigent persons ...

County of Alameda

Assistant Public Defender

Oakland, CA · On-site

$127.07 - $167.39/hr

The Alameda County Office is one of the oldest Public Defender offices in the nation, chartered in 1927 by Earl Warren who later became Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Today, our ...

Champaign County

Assistant Public Defender

Urbana, IL · On-site

$54K - $94K/yr

Champaign County/Assistant Public Defender (Public Defender) Date Posted: 3/3/2026 Location: 101 E. Main Street (Courthouse) Date Available: 04/05/2026 Closing Date: Until Filled Job Title: Assistant ...

Washoe County

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Reno, NV · On-site

$112K - $241K/yr

Position Information THE WASHOE COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Public Defender in the Criminal Division. Attorneys in the Criminal Division ...

Steuben County

Public Defender

Angola, IN

Public Defender DEPARTMENT: Public Defender WORK SCHEDULE: As Assigned JOB CATEGORY: SO (Special ... Steuben County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known ...

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Champaign County

Assistant Public Defender

Urbana, IL · On-site

$54K - $94K/yr

Assistant Public Defender (Full-Time, Exempt) Department: Public Defender's Office Reports To ... The County offers a competitive benefits package, which is outlined at https:/www.co.champaign.il ...

County of Santa Barbara

Public Defender

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$262K - $350K/yr

Description The County of Santa Barbara is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as Public Defender. The ideal candidate will have significant experience as a Public Defender ...

Allegany County

Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER Allegany County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Public Defender. The candidates must be a permanent resident of Allegany County at the time of ...

Allegany County

Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER Allegany County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Public Defender. The candidates must be a permanent resident of Allegany County at the time of ...

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How much do cook county public defender jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook county public defender in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it easy to get hired as a Cook County Public Defender?

Becoming a Cook County Public Defender typically requires a law degree, passing the state bar exam, and relevant legal experience. The hiring process is competitive and involves multiple steps, including interviews and background checks, reflecting the importance of qualifications and experience in public defense roles.

What are some common challenges faced by attorneys working in the Cook County Public Defender's Office?

Attorneys in the Cook County Public Defender's Office often manage high caseloads and must work efficiently under time constraints. They regularly represent clients from diverse backgrounds, many of whom face significant socioeconomic challenges, requiring both legal acumen and strong interpersonal skills. Navigating limited resources, collaborating with investigators and social workers, and staying current with changes in laws and procedures are also key aspects of the role. Despite these challenges, public defenders gain valuable courtroom experience and develop strong advocacy skills early in their careers.

What does a Cook County Public Defender do?

A Cook County Public Defender is a licensed attorney who provides legal representation to individuals who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer and are facing criminal charges in Cook County, Illinois. Their primary role is to defend clients' rights throughout the criminal justice process, including arraignments, trials, and appeals. Public defenders work to ensure that their clients receive fair treatment under the law, conduct legal research, negotiate plea bargains, and advocate on behalf of their clients in court. They play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the legal system by ensuring access to justice for all, regardless of financial means.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cook County Public Defender, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook County Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a valid Illinois law license, and a solid understanding of criminal law and trial procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and court filing protocols is essential. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and empathy are crucial soft skills for building client trust and advocating effectively in court. These skills ensure clients receive strong, ethical representation and help uphold justice in complex legal environments.

How much do public defenders make?

Public defenders typically earn an annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the jurisdiction. In Cook County, public defenders generally earn within this range, with additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What is the difference between Cook County Public Defender vs Cook County Assistant Public Defender?

AspectCook County Public DefenderCook County Assistant Public Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), licensed to practice law in IllinoisJuris Doctor (JD), licensed to practice law in Illinois
Work EnvironmentHandles criminal defense cases, manages a caseload, and represents clients in courtSupports Public Defenders, assists in case preparation, and may represent clients under supervision
Employer & IndustryCook County Public Defender's Office, criminal justice

The main difference between a Cook County Public Defender and a Cook County Assistant Public Defender is experience level and responsibilities. Public Defenders typically lead cases and make legal decisions, while Assistant Public Defenders support these efforts and handle cases under supervision. Both roles require similar credentials and work within the same criminal justice environment.

What cities are hiring for Cook County Public Defender jobs? Cities with the most Cook County Public Defender job openings:
What states have the most Cook County Public Defender jobs? States with the most job openings for Cook County Public Defender jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cook County Public Defender jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cook County Public Defender jobs are:
Cook County Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook County Public Defender job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

Public Defender

Hendricks County Government

Danville, IN • On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Hendricks County Job Description
Title: Public Defender
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Public Defender
Supervisor: Chief Public Defender
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Prepares and presents legal defense of indigent persons accused of committing crimes in Hendricks County. Position is responsible for all phases of defense as qualified, which include defending matters to a jury.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Reviews charging information, probable cause affidavits, and discovery tendered by the State of Indiana related to an accused's criminal matter.
  • Meets with individuals accused of a crime that have been appointed a public defender to ascertain facts, potential evidence, and exploration of potential legal defenses. Said meetings may occur in penal facilities, such as the Hendricks County Jail.
  • Interviews potential witnesses in an accused's criminal matter. Said interviews may be in the form of depositions or non-stenographic recorded interviews, when appropriate.
  • Interacts and negotiates with the State of Indiana to reach potential mutually acceptable plea agreement language, when appropriate.
  • Appears and represents the defense at all necessary Court hearings involving an accused's criminal matter, up to and including trial by jury, when appropriate.
  • Prepares appropriate legal motions, briefs, petitions, and other relevant pleadings in an accused's criminal matter.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Public Defender of Hendricks County.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Doctor of Jurisprudence
  • Must have an unlimited license to practice law in the State of Indiana
  • Ability to effectively and tactfully deal with other people, which encompasses other staff of the Hendricks County Public Defender's Office, Judges, judicial staff, representatives from the State of Indiana, staff at penal facilities, and the public at large
  • Ability to take direction from the Hendricks County Chief Public Defender on various issues, which may not be case specific
  • Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing
  • Knowledge of constitutional law, criminal law, and Indiana traffic law
  • Ability to defend an accused at all phases, including at a trial by jury
  • Ability to make effective use of legal references and other research tools
  • Knowledge of Court procedures, provisions, rules, and precedent
  • Ability to separate relevant data and facts from irrelevant data and facts when assessing proposed evidence in an accused's criminal matter
  • Ability to represent the Hendricks County Public Defender's Office maintaining appropriate standards

RESPONSIBILITY:
Incumbent is expected to be comfortable working with a large measure of autonomy without intrusive supervision. Incumbent would work within prescribed and generally accepted legal defense practices. Professional judgment is required in selecting the most appropriate strategy in defending an accused's criminal matter. Incumbent would also exercise discretion in interpreting statutes, rules, and legal precedent. Supervisor is available for consultation and guidance in the performance of duties. Incumbent may also be responsible for supervising support staff on completion of tasks.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Incumbent's working relationships will reflect those of a typical defense attorney. Incumbent will be working within a small office environment (less than 5 employees), an extended roster of part-time public defenders (over 30), other departments within Hendricks County Government, staff representing the interests of the State of Indiana via the Hendricks County Prosecutor's Office, Judges, judicial staff, the Hendricks County Public Defender Board, the Hendricks County Commissioners, and the Hendricks County Council.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Incumbent work is generally performed in a standard office environment, but work will also be performed in penal facilities and courtrooms. While the work is not physical demanding from a strength perspective, Incumbent should recognize that the position will impose stress and emotional strain at times. Beyond deadlines, Incumbent will be actively working to represent and advocate for those accused of committing crimes with liberty potentially at stake. Extended working hours may be required. Incumbent may be required to view, handle, and address evidence that may be offensive or biohazardous.
APPLICANT/EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The job description for the position of Public Defender for the Office of the Chief Public Defender describes the duties and responsibilities for employment in this position. I acknowledge that I have received this job description and understand that it is not a contract of employment. I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements, and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions.
Is there anything that would keep you from meeting the job duties and requirements as outlined?
_____ YES _____ NO
DATE:
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