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

Environmental Law & Policy Center

Paralegal

Chicago, IL · On-site

$72K - $78K/yr

We combine effective public interest litigation with strategic policy advocacy, sound science, and economic analysis. ELPC produces strong results for the environment in the courtrooms, boardrooms ...

Lake County

Court Security Officer

Waukegan, IL

$27.72/hr

Duties include maintaining positive working relationships with other employees, public officials, and the general public. Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required In order to be successful ...

Ci

Senior Cybersecurity Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $140K/yr

... Defender (Endpoint, Cloud, Email), Rapid 7 (Vulnerability Management, SIEM) and Cisco Umbrella ... Lead and participate in incident response activities, investigating security incidents and ...

Ci

Cybersecurity Operations Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$81K - $130K/yr

... Defender (Endpoint, Cloud, Email), Rapid 7 (Vulnerability Management, SIEM) and Cisco Umbrella ... Lead and participate in incident response activities, investigating security incidents and ...

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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.

Paralegal

Environmental Law & Policy Center

Chicago, IL • On-site

$72K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

About ELPC:The Environmental Law & Policy Center is the Midwest's leading environmental legal advocacy organization. We drive transformational policy changes with national impacts.
We show that environmental progress and economic development can be achieved together by putting sustainability principles into practice. We advance climate solutions effectively by accelerating clean renewable energy alternatives to conventional power plants and advancing clean transportation solutions. We protect the Great Lakes and defend the Midwest's wild and natural places, and we fight for safe, clean water and healthy clean air for all. We combine effective public interest litigation with strategic policy advocacy, sound science, and economic analysis. ELPC produces strong results for the environment in the courtrooms, boardrooms, and legislative hearing rooms across the pivotal Midwest states and in Washington D.C.
Come join our winning team of talented, mission-driven professionals, who passionately work together to protect the environment and natural resources in the Midwest region. We offer a collaborative, upbeat culture, free snacks and a fantastic wellness benefit.
Position Title: Paralegal
Reports to: Senior/Senior Associate Attorney
Location: Chicago, IL - Hybrid work environment with required days in the office each week
Hours Per Week: 37.5
JOB SUMMARY:
The paralegal is part of a legal support team at our downtown Chicago headquarters, providing crucial support to about 23 of ELPC's talented public interest attorneys.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Provide administrative, research, and technical assistance to the attorney team in a fast-paced, mission driven environment. Specific duties include:
  • Directing and overseeing activities of ELPC's Legal Assistant
  • Supervising active case deadlines
  • Preparing and editing documents to be filed, including:
    • proofreading, cite checking, Bluebooking, formatting, producing tables of contents and authorities, assembling exhibit lists, etc.
    • becoming familiar and ensuring compliance with local practice, scheduling and filing rules for various venues (state, federal, and administrative courts)
  • Ensuring accurate, compliant and timely filing and service of paper and electronic filings in a variety of courts.
  • Supporting attorneys in discovery, gaining admission to courts, registration renewals, and creating and managing e-filing accounts
  • Factual, legal, and policy research
  • Assisting support staff as needed, with general administrative work

Education & Experience (years):
  • 7 or more years experience in the essential functions detailed above, preferably in a fast-paced litigation environment
  • Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred
  • Paralegal certification strongly preferred
  • Notary or willing to become a notary
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Excellent computer skills with high proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat
  • Keen attention to detail coupled with strong organizational skills
  • Ability to problem solve under pressure, handle multiple tasks and deadlines
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

In addition, the following qualifications are strongly preferred:
  • Familiarity with online legal filing platforms, rules of service, and Bluebook citations
  • A personal interest in environmental protection or other public interest work

Estimated Travel:
Negligible
Special Requirements:
Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required during peak times and events. The incumbent may occasionally need to come in a third and/or forth day in a given week when there is a special event.
Compensation:
For those who fully meet the educational and experience requirements, $72,000 - $78,000 annually (based on a 37.5 hour workweek, not including overtime) + attractive benefits including vacation, sick and personal days, free gym membership and 4-12% 403b employer contribution/match.

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