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Public Defender In Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Must be currently licensed to practice in the State of Illinois. Language Skills * Ability to read ...

Champaign County

Assistant Public Defender

Urbana, IL

$54K - $94K/yr

Assistant Public Defender (Full-Time, Exempt) Department: Public Defender's Office Reports To ... Must be currently licensed to practice in the State of Illinois. Language Skills * Ability to read ...

Lake County, IL

Assistant Public Defender

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$85K/yr

We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment. The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal ...

Lake County

Assistant Public Defender

Waukegan, IL

$85K/yr

We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment. The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal ...

Lake County, IL

Principal Public Defender

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$101K/yr

We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment. The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal ...

Lake County

Principal Public Defender

Waukegan, IL

$101K/yr

We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment. The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal ...

A Safe Place

Director of Courthouse Programs

Zion, IL · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Advocate on behalf of clients in court systems, State's Attorney office, Public Defender, and the Lake County Police Departments including the Sheriff and jail personnel. In collaboration with Chief ...

Palermo Rhodes

Workers' Compensation Attorney

Chicago, IL

$100K - $150K/yr

Candidates coming from another practice area, from a public defender's or state's attorney's office ... What they're looking for Licensed in Illinois with a clean record, or awaiting bar results. Genuine ...

Del Galdo Law Group, LLC

Litigation Attorney

Berwyn, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Del Galdo Law Group, LLC is a mid-sized firm that specializes in representing public entities with ... defending depositions, the writing of motions, and trying cases. Must be licensed to practice law ...

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Public Defender In information

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

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a strong foundation in criminal law and trial advocacy. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management systems, is typically required. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively representing clients and managing high caseloads. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure that clients receive competent legal representation and equal access to justice.

What is a public defender?

Public defenders are attorneys appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that every person receives a fair trial and that their legal rights are protected throughout the judicial process. Public defenders handle a variety of cases, including misdemeanors and felonies, and often work with large caseloads. They play a critical role in upholding the right to legal counsel guaranteed by the Constitution.

What are some common challenges faced by public defenders in Indiana, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Public Defenders in Indiana often manage high caseloads and must advocate for clients with limited resources, which can be both demanding and rewarding. New hires may encounter time management challenges and the need to quickly learn courtroom procedures and negotiation tactics. Building strong organizational skills, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and staying up-to-date on legal developments are essential for success. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is also a key part of the role, helping to ensure clients receive the best possible defense.

What is the difference between Public Defender In vs Public Defender Investigator?

AspectPublic Defender InPublic Defender Investigator
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admissionHigh school diploma or equivalent, law enforcement or investigative experience
Work EnvironmentCourts, law offices, legal settingsFieldwork, interviews, case investigation
Employer & IndustryPublic defender offices, government agenciesPublic defender offices, law enforcement collaborations
Primary RoleLegal defense for clientsGathering evidence, interviewing witnesses

Public Defender In and Public Defender Investigator roles both serve the criminal justice system but focus on different aspects. Public Defender In provides legal defense, requiring law degrees and bar admission, while Public Defender Investigators support cases through investigation and evidence collection. Both roles are essential in public defender offices and often work closely together to ensure clients receive comprehensive legal support.

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender In jobs in Illinois? For Public Defender In jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender In jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender In jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Public Defender In jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Public Defender In job openings:
Public Defender In jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender In job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Public Defender

Champaign County

Urbana, IL • On-site

$54K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Champaign County (Illinois) rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 842 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Position Type:
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 Public Defender (Full-Time, Exempt)
Department: Public Defender's Office
Reports To: Public Defender
Start Date: April 5, 2026
SUMMARY
Provides legal counsel and court representation to defendants who cannot afford legal counsel and who have been charged with jailable offenses and certain civil defendants.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Includes but not limited to as other duties may be assigned.
  • Provides competent representation to indigent defendants.
  • Meets with clients.
  • Conducts plea negotiations and jury trials.
  • Performs as trial counsel by representing defendants during courtroom proceedings.
  • Analyzes strength of case, understanding of the possible sentences; and at the client's wishes, meets with prosecutor to resolve the matter prior to trial.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and/or Experience
  • Law degree.
  • Minimum of 3 years of post-law school practice.
  • Able to perform legal research and have exposure to the preparation and trial of cases.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
  • Must be currently licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.

Language Skills
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal documents and interpretations.
  • Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from judges, attorneys and the general public.

COMPENSATION
  • Salary Range: $54,990 - $94,633 depending on qualifications.
  • The County offers a competitive benefits package, which is outlined at https:/www.co.champaign.il.us/jobs, including membership in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), optional 457 deferred compensation plans, and a comprehensive health insurance plan.
  • The office provides on-site and ongoing training, encouraging a work-life balance.

HOW TO APPLY
  • Apply on the Champaign County website.
  • Submit a cover letter and resume to Elisabeth Pollock, Champaign County Public Defender, 101 E. Main, Urbana, IL 61801, or via email to epollock@champaigncountyil.gov.

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