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Federal Defender Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Jobot

Medical Malpractice Attorney

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Join One of Chicago's Premier Trial Firms Defending High-Exposure Medical Malpractice & Complex ... It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting ...

Jobot

PI Attorney (100% remote)

Geneva, IL ยท Hybrid

$80K - $125K/yr

It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. Sometimes Jobot is required to perform ...

Legal Edge Talent LLC

Litigation Associate

Chicago, IL

$120K - $180K/yr

The practice is national in scope, and involves representing financial services companies and C-Suite executives in high-stakes commercial disputes and employment matters in federal courts and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFederal Defender JobsFederal Defender Jobs in Chicago, IL

Federal Defender information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.5K

$81K

$136.1K

How much do federal defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal defender in Chicago, IL is $81,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $88,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal defender?

Federal defenders are attorneys who provide legal representation to individuals charged with federal crimes who cannot afford to hire private counsel. They are part of the federal public defender system, which is designed to ensure that everyone has access to fair legal defense, regardless of their financial situation. Federal defenders handle a variety of cases, ranging from drug offenses to white-collar crimes, and work to protect the rights of the accused throughout the federal criminal justice process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal defender?

To thrive as a Federal Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a comprehensive understanding of federal criminal law and procedure. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and experience with case management systems, are typically required. Exceptional advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills, along with empathy and resilience, help distinguish outstanding defenders. These competencies are essential for ensuring effective legal representation, protecting clients' rights, and navigating the complexities of the federal justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by federal defenders in managing their caseloads?

Federal Defenders often handle a high volume of complex cases, which can require balancing tight deadlines, thorough legal research, and frequent court appearances. Managing client communication and building trust, especially with clients facing serious charges, can be demanding. Collaboration with investigators, paralegals, and other attorneys is essential to prepare effective defenses. Staying up to date with changes in federal law and procedure is also a key part of the role, as is maintaining a commitment to ethical and diligent representation under often challenging circumstances.

What is the difference between Federal Defender vs Public Defender?

AspectFederal DefenderPublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor, bar admission, specialized federal criminal law knowledgeJuris Doctor, bar admission, state-specific criminal law knowledge
Work EnvironmentFederal courts, federal criminal casesState courts, state criminal cases
EmployerFederal Public Defender ServiceCounty or state government agencies
Industry UsageFederal criminal defenseState criminal defense

The main difference between a Federal Defender and a Public Defender lies in their jurisdiction and employer. Federal Defenders work in federal courts handling federal criminal cases, while Public Defenders serve in state courts handling state criminal cases. Both roles require a Juris Doctor, bar admission, and strong criminal law knowledge, but their scope and employer differ significantly.

Federal Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Defender job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, 22% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,020 per year, or $39 per hour.

Workers' Compensation Attorney

Hennessy & Roach, P.C.

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Hennessy & Roach, P.C. is a law firm defending employers in Workers’ Compensation and defendants in General Liability matters. H&R is based in Chicago with additional offices in Springfield, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; Overland Park, KS; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Indianapolis, Indiana; Brentwood, Tennessee; and Omaha, Nebraska. The firm handles matters throughout the States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Founded by Thomas G. Hennessy and James P. Roach on May 17, 1993, the firm continues to grow.

Job Description

Successful law firm seeks an attorney with 2+ years of experience defending workers' compensation cases in Illinois to join our Chicago, IL office.

Essential Job Functions:

· Gathering and reviewing medical evidence and medical records.

· Taking depositions of the claimant, physicians, medical experts, and other parties.

· Conducting discovery and performing legal research.

· Remaining current with developments in the law.

· Drafting pleadings, findings of fact, motions, briefs, opinions, and other legal documents.

· Litigating workers' compensation cases before an administrative law judge.

· Represent the interests of the employer or insurer at hearings, trials, depositions, oral arguments, mediations, arbitrations, and other proceedings.

· Monitor loss run reports for trends and increases and alerts management to concerns.

· Assist with the investigation of accidents and problem areas.

· Manage workers' compensation costs to reduce liability.

· Compile and submit reports required by company management.

· Coordinate and attend claims reviews.

· Negotiate settlements on behalf of the insurance company/employer.

· Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

· J.D. and proof of admission to Illinois bar; passing the bar in another Midwest state a plus.

· Proven track record of 2+ years of experience in workers’ compensation defense work.

· Working knowledge of legal principles and practices.

· In depth knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

· Microsoft Word and Outlook experience required; Perfect Law legal software experience preferred.

· Firm and client confidentiality required.


Additional Information

Benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Group Term Life Insurance, Voluntary Term Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, HSA, FSA, pre-tax Transit and pre-tax Parking. 401(k)/Roth retirement plan with company match. Generous time off policy.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.