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Cook County Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lake County, IL

Assistant Public Defender

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$85K/yr

The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal defendants charged with crimes punishable by incarceration. The goal is to assure an excellent quality of legal representation ...

Ulster County

Assistant Public Defender III

Kingston, NY · On-site

$105K/yr

An employee in this class assists the County Public Defender in providing legal representation, without charge and by order of a court, to indigent persons assigned to the Public Defender pursuant to ...

Lake County

Assistant Public Defender

Waukegan, IL

$85K/yr

The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal defendants charged with ... crimes punishable by incarceration. The goal is to assure an excellent quality of legal ...

Clark County, NV

CHIEF DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$66.58 - $104.23/hr

Clark County - Las Vegas, NV Job Type: PERMANENT Job Number: 30233X Department: Special Public Defender Opening Date: 06/02/2026 Closing Date: Continuous ABOUT THE POSITION The Clark County Public ...

County of Sonoma

Deputy Public Defender

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$67.30 - $114.44/hr

County of Sonoma Santa Rosa, CA Deputy Public Defender - Extra Help Salary $67.30 - 114.44 per hour This extra-help (temporary) Deputy Public Defender position can be filled at the I, II, III, or IV ...

Clark County

CHIEF DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$66.58 - $104.23/hr

ABOUT THE POSITION The Clark County Public Defender and Special Public Defender's Office are seeking qualified candidates for the Chief Deputy Public Defender position. This position provides a wide ...

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All JobsCook County Public Defender Jobs

Cook County Public Defender information

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

As of Jul 19, 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.

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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.
Assistant Public Defender

Assistant Public Defender

Montgomery County, PA

Norristown, PA • On-site

$74K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary: $74,198.00 - $97,065.00 Annually
Location : Norristown, PA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-455
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
SUMMARY
The Montgomery County Public Defender's Office is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Public Defender for our Fall 2026 class. This role is designed for individuals who have graduated from law school but not yet been admitted to the bar.
While awaiting bar results, candidates will serve in the role of "Law Clerk." During that time they will receive comprehensive training, shadow experienced attorneys, and perform legal research and writing. After passing the bar exam, candidates will transition to the role of Assistant Public Defender. Candidates who do not pass the bar exam on their first attempt will remain in the Law Clerk role and may retake the bar exam one more time.
*Position covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities:
• Training and Development: Participate in structured training programs designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for the role of an Assistant Public Defender.
• Shadowing Attorneys: Accompany and observe experienced attorneys in various phases of legal proceedings to gain practical insights and experience.
• Legal Research and Writing: Conduct thorough legal research and draft legal documents, motions, briefs, and other necessary paperwork under the supervision of experienced attorneys.
• Client Interaction and Inmate Visits: Engage with clients, including vising recently incarcerated clients, to understand their cases, gather relevant information, and provide updates on case progress.
• Transition to Assistant Public Defender: Upon passing the bar exam, transition to the role of Assistant Public Defender, taking on full responsibilities as an Assistant Public Defender.
• Continued Support: If the bar exam is not passed on the first attempt, continue to support the Public Defender's Office in the capacity of Law Clerk and prepare for the next available bar exam.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assist in the direct personal consultation with public defender clients from the inception of legal proceedings through their completion.
• Prepare persuasive legal arguments to advocate for the client's interest at each stage of the legal proceeding.
• Oversee the discovery, collection, and presentation of all facts that support a client's interests at each stage of the legal proceedings.
• Engage in holistic representation practices that attempt to assist the client in collateral matters impacting direct legal representation.
• Work within the organization to advocate for structural change benefiting the interest of public defender clients.
• Perform related work at the request of the Defender or First Assistant when necessary.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
• Law school graduate who has taken the Pennsylvania Bar Exam and is awaiting results or is scheduled to take the next available bar exam.
• Intention to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania upon passing the bar exam.
• Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system is preferred.
• Strong work ethic and ability to manage a demanding workload.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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