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Public Defender Jobs in Racine, WI (NOW HIRING)

Lake County, IL

Assistant Public Defender

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$85K/yr

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 ...

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 representation ...

Lake County, IL

Principal Public Defender

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$101K/yr

Public Defender Opening Date: 09/30/2022 General Description Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and ...

Lake County

Principal Public Defender

Waukegan, IL

$101K/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 ...

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 ...

MSCCN

Public Safety Officer - Part Time

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$26.59 - $31.91/hr

Public Safety Officer - Part Time Department: Safety, Security & Project Management Shift: Day Shift/Night Shift FLSA Status: Non-Exempt - Non-Represented Reports To: Manager of Safety and Security ...

mcts

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER - PART TIME

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$26.59 - $31.91/hr

Public Safety Officer - Part Time Department: Safety, Security & Project Management Shift: Day Shift/Night Shift FLSA Status: Non-Exempt - Non-Represented Reports To: Manager of Safety and Security ...

mcts

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER - PART TIME

Milwaukee, WI

$26.59 - $31.91/hr

Public Safety Officer - Part Time Department: Safety, Security & Project Management Shift: Day Shift/Night Shift FLSA Status: Non-Exempt - Non-Represented Reports To: Manager of Safety and Security ...

mcts

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER (2x) - 2ND SHIFT

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$55K - $66K/yr

Public Safety Officer (2x) Department: Safety, Security & Project Management Shift: 2nd Shift (2pm - 10pm), Holidays will be included. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt - Non-Represented Reports To: Manager of ...

MSCCN

Public Safety Officer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Public Safety Officer (2x) Department: Safety, Security & Project Management Shift: 2nd Shift (2pm - 10pm), Holidays will be included. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt - Non-Represented Reports To: Manager of ...

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All JobsPublic Defender JobsPublic Defender Jobs in Racine, WI

Public Defender information

See Racine, WI salary details

$26.3K

$100.8K

$173K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Racine, WI is $100,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $125,600.00 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, bar admission, and a deep understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Proficiency in legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and trial preparation tools is essential. Outstanding communication, empathy, resilience, and negotiation skills are vital for connecting with clients and advocating effectively. These skills ensure that clients receive a robust defense, uphold justice, and navigate the legal system equitably.

How to become a public defender?

Public defenders must be licensed to practice law by their state bar. To work as a public defender, complete your bachelor’s degree, take the LSAT exam, and attend law school to earn a J.D. degree. Focus your studies on criminal defense law, and hone your research skills. During your law school summers take internships in public defender offices. You can also intern in a prosecutor’s office or a public interest firm to gain experience for a career as a public defender. After you complete law school you must pass your state’s bar exam. Most states also require legal professionals to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). Once you are licensed to practice law in your state, you can apply to public defender offices.

What is a public defender?

A Public Defender is a lawyer appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all defendants receive fair legal representation, regardless of their financial status. Public Defenders work to protect the rights of their clients, provide legal advice, and represent them in court. They handle a variety of cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies, and are crucial in upholding the justice system's commitment to due process.

What are some common challenges faced by public defenders in their daily work?

Public defenders often manage large caseloads and tight deadlines, which can make it challenging to dedicate ample time to each client. They frequently work with clients who may have limited trust in the legal system or face complex social and personal issues. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is essential for gathering evidence and building strong defenses. Despite these challenges, public defenders play a crucial role in ensuring fair representation and upholding justice for those who cannot afford private counsel.

What is the difference between Public Defender vs Criminal Defense Attorney?

AspectPublic DefenderCriminal Defense Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, often government employmentLaw degree, bar license, private practice or firm affiliation
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtrooms, public service settingsPrivate law firms, solo practices, or corporate offices
EmployerGovernment agencies or public defender officesPrivate clients or law firms
Common UsageRepresent indigent defendants in criminal casesRepresent clients in criminal cases, including those who can afford private counsel

Public defenders and criminal defense attorneys both handle criminal cases, but public defenders work for government agencies representing indigent clients, while criminal defense attorneys are private practitioners representing paying clients. The roles overlap in legal credentials and courtroom work but differ mainly in employment setting and client base.

More about Public Defender jobs
What cities near Racine, WI are hiring for Public Defender jobs? Cities near Racine, WI with the most Public Defender job openings:
Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Racine, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,831 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender

Lake County, IL

Waukegan, IL • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 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

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