ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Public Defender In Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

ALTO USA LLC

Staff Attorney

Naperville, IL · Remote

$85K - $90K/yr

Prior experience as a criminal prosecutor, public defender or one year's experience practicing criminal law. * Must be able to prioritize and accomplish objectives in a timely manner. * Ability to ...

ALTO USA LLC

Staff Attorney

Oak Park, IL · Remote

$85K - $90K/yr

Prior experience as a criminal prosecutor, public defender or one year's experience practicing criminal law. * Must be able to prioritize and accomplish objectives in a timely manner. * Ability to ...

ALTO USA LLC

Staff Attorney

Chicago, IL · Remote

$85K - $90K/yr

Prior experience as a criminal prosecutor, public defender or one year's experience practicing criminal law. * Must be able to prioritize and accomplish objectives in a timely manner. * Ability to ...

ALTO USA LLC

Staff Attorney

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$85K - $90K/yr

Prior experience as a criminal prosecutor, public defender or one year's experience practicing criminal law. * Must be able to prioritize and accomplish objectives in a timely manner. * Ability to ...

ALTO USA LLC

Staff Attorney

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$85K - $90K/yr

Prior experience as a criminal prosecutor, public defender or one year's experience practicing criminal law. * Must be able to prioritize and accomplish objectives in a timely manner. * Ability to ...

ALTO USA LLC

Staff Attorney

Niles, IL · Remote

$85K - $90K/yr

Prior experience as a criminal prosecutor, public defender or one year's experience practicing criminal law. * Must be able to prioritize and accomplish objectives in a timely manner. * Ability to ...

ALTO USA LLC

Staff Attorney

Niles, IL · Remote

$85K - $90K/yr

Prior experience as a criminal prosecutor, public defender or one year's experience practicing criminal law. * Must be able to prioritize and accomplish objectives in a timely manner. * Ability to ...

ALTO USA LLC

Staff Attorney

Chicago, IL · Remote

$85K - $90K/yr

Prior experience as a criminal prosecutor, public defender or one year's experience practicing criminal law. * Must be able to prioritize and accomplish objectives in a timely manner. * Ability to ...

ALTO USA LLC

Staff Attorney

Oak Park, IL · Remote

$85K - $90K/yr

Prior experience as a criminal prosecutor, public defender or one year's experience practicing criminal law. * Must be able to prioritize and accomplish objectives in a timely manner. * Ability to ...

ALTO USA LLC

Staff Attorney

Naperville, IL · Remote

$85K - $90K/yr

Prior experience as a criminal prosecutor, public defender or one year's experience practicing criminal law. * Must be able to prioritize and accomplish objectives in a timely manner. * Ability to ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPublic Defender In JobsPublic Defender In Jobs in Chicago, IL

Public Defender In information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$28.8K

$110.8K

$190.1K

How much do public defender in jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in in Chicago, IL is $110,775.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,700.00 and $138,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL? For Public Defender In jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender In jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender In jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Public Defender In jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender In job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Locum Tenens, 48% As Needed, 23% Full Time, 18% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 84% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,775 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender

Lake County, IL

Waukegan, IL • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Salary: $85,193.24 Annually
Location : Waukegan, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00533
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 03/05/2024
General Description
Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. 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 defendants charged with crimes punishable by incarceration. The goal is to assure an excellent quality of legal representation that is not dependent on the wealth and status of the accused. Under the direction of the Public Defender, an Assistant Public Defender represents clients in court for arraignments, motions, trials, sentencing and all other related proceedings.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Provide legal representation, consultation, and advice to indigent clients charge with criminal offenses.
  • Prepare a defense, perform legal research and analyze and apply legal principles, gather facts, and interview the client and witnesses.
  • Work closely with clients, provide and discuss information, strategies, and developments.
  • Write motions, pleadings, and present legal arguments.
  • Prepare legal documentation and represent clients throughout the legal process.
  • Litigate pretrial discovery and pretrial motions.
  • Negotiate plea bargains.
  • Conduct jury and bench trials.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required
  • Thorough knowledge of criminal law and procedure.
  • Strong research, analysis, decision-making and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to litigate criminal trials with aggressive motions practice and persuasive oral advocacy.
  • Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Knowledge of criminal law, the judicial system, court practices, and procedures.
  • Ability to work under pressure with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Must have strong computer literacy.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited university.
  • Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Illinois

Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE POSITION:
Requires mainly office work, involving standing or walking some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis, and high dexterity operating office equipment including a keyboard, phone, copier, etc. May be in front of a computer monitor for more than six (6) hours possible. The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision and the ability to hear and speak to understand, respond to and build relationships with a diverse clientele.
Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.
Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
The County offers an extensive benefits package to eligible employees including health, dental, vision, life insurance, pension, deferred compensation plans, and so much more! Below are resources for the County's current benefits.
You can find additional details on our benefits at and

Apply