Top 19 public defender Jobs in illinois

Assistant Public Defender I-VI
McLean County, IL —Bloomington, IL
- $73,615 - $112,871 a year
- Full-time
- Writing skills
- US work authorization
- Communication skills
- Health savings account
- Health insurance
Legal Assistant
Illinois Central Federal Public Defender —Springfield, IL
- $45,409 - $72,644 a year
- Mid-level
- Office
Assistant Public Defender
Lake County Illinois —Waukegan, IL
- $85,193.24 a year
- Full-time
- Background check
- Computer literacy
- Mid-level
- Opportunities for advancement
- Flexible schedule
Principal Public Defender
Lake County Illinois —Waukegan, IL
- $101,494.61 a year
- Full-time
- Background check
- Computer literacy
- Office
- Opportunities for advancement
- Flexible schedule
PDO Assistant Public Defender
Adams County —Quincy, IL
- $75,000 - $125,000 a year
- Full-time
- Writing skills
- Research
- Mid-level
Legal Secretary
Office of the State Appellate Defender —Chicago, IL
- From $49,450 a year
- Full-time
- Hybrid work
- Office
- Administrative experience
- High school diploma or GED
- Health savings account
- Health insurance
Quick Apply
5d
Legal Assistant
Federal Public Defender's Office, Illinois Central —Springfield, IL
- $45,409 - $72,644 a year
- Full-time
- Background check
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Paid parental leave
- Health savings account
Quick Apply
Assistant Public Defender
Kendall County —Yorkville, IL
- $85,000 a year
- Full-time
- Writing skills
- Research
- Mid-level
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
10d
Assistant Public Defender
Will County Illinois —Will County, IL
- $75,000 - $117,500 a year
- Mid-level
- In-person
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
Assistant United States Attorney (e-Litigation)
U.S. Department of Justice —Chicago, IL
- $80,994 - $197,100 a year
- Writing skills
- Mid-level
- Office
Staff Attorney
ALTO USA LLC —Oak Lawn, IL
- $85,000 - $90,000 a year
- Weekends as needed
- Remote
- Writing skills
- Mid-level
- Driver's License
- Mileage reimbursement
- Disability insurance
Quick Apply
11d
ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER
Madison County Government —Edwardsville, IL
- $50,000 - $85,000 a year
- Full-time
- Entry level
- Under 1 year
- Paid parental leave
- Health savings account
Quick Apply
Assistant Public Defender
Champaign County —Urbana, IL
- $54,990 - $94,633 a year
- Email
- Mid-level
- 3 years
- Negotiation
- Health insurance
PDO Detention Court Litigator
Adams County —Quincy, IL
- $25,000 a year
- Part-time
- Mid-level
- Ability to lift 25 pounds
Principal Public Defender
Lake County —Waukegan, IL
- $101,494.61 a year
- Full-time
- Background check
- Senior level
- Opportunities for advancement
- Flexible schedule

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Appellate Unit Secretary/Paralegal
Public Defender Office —Columbus, OH
Commitment to social justice and defending the rights of indigent individuals charged with or convicted of crimes. Library: Maintain the Office’s Law Library.
$48,000 a year
Quick Apply
Assistant Public Defender
Delaware County, OH —Delaware, OH
Attends and actively participates in professional meetings, maintains awareness of trends and developments in the field of law and incorporates new developments…
$75,000 - $95,000 a year

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public defender jobs near illinois

Assistant Public Defender I-VI

McLean County, IL
Bloomington, IL

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Job Details

Full-time
$73,615 - $112,871 a year

Benefits

Health savings account
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Paid time off
Employee assistance program
Vision insurance
Life insurance

Qualifications

Doctor of Law (JD)

Full Job Description

Location: Bloomington, IL

Starting Salary Ranges: Commensurate with education, licensure, and experience

Assistant Public Defender I: $73,615 - $81,065
Assistant Public Defender II: $78,672 - $86,432
Assistant Public Defender III: $84,084 - $92,387
Assistant Public Defender IV: $89,874 - $98,758
Assistant Public Defender V: $96,070 - $105,576
Assistant Public Defender VI: $102,699 - $112,871

Are you passionate about criminal defense and committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all individuals- regardless of income? The McLean County Public Defender’s Office is seeking attorneys at all career stages to join our team.

We are hiring across multiple levels (Assistant Public Defender I–VI) and welcome applications from new attorneys, experienced litigators, and seasoned criminal defense professionals. Placement and compensation will be based on qualifications, licensure, and relevant experience.

We also welcome applications from:

Recent law school graduates awaiting bar results
711 licensed law students
Third-year law students preparing for licensure

McLean County offers mentorship, meaningful courtroom experience, and opportunities for professional growth- from handling misdemeanor matters to managing serious felony cases, appeals, and complex litigation.

Please contact [email protected] for more details about specific positions.

What You’ll Do

Depending on experience and assignment, responsibilities may include:
Represent indigent clients in criminal, traffic, juvenile, and other court proceedings
Handle cases ranging from misdemeanors and DUI matters to serious felony and complex criminal cases
Conduct client interviews, case investigations, and witness preparation
Draft motions, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents
Conduct legal research and develop defense strategies
Negotiate with prosecutors and advocate for clients in court
Try cases before judges and juries
Manage a caseload with professionalism, diligence, and compassion
Collaborate with attorneys, investigators, and support staff to provide effective representation

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications vary by level, but successful candidates will generally have:

A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
Active Illinois law license, eligibility for Illinois licensure, or qualification under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711
Strong legal research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Sound judgment and the ability to manage sensitive and complex matters
A strong commitment to indigent defense and equal access to justice

McLean County Benefits Package

McLean County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Medical Member Rewards Program
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA/Dependent Care)
Supplemental Insurance (Life, Critical Illness, and Accident)
County-paid Life Insurance
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF Pension)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Personal, Sick, and Holidays)
Employee Assistance Program
Identity Protection
Charitable Giving Opportunities

About the Public Defender’s Office

The Public Defender’s Office defends the rights of those who cannot afford legal representation in accordance with the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions. We are a mission-driven team rooted in justice, professionalism, and compassion.

McLean County Government takes pride in serving our dynamic and fast-growing community. We provide a wide range of services, including public safety, criminal justice, road and bridge maintenance, animal safety and adoptions, vital records management, personal health services, food safety inspections, and park management. Our dedicated team of over 800 employees work across 25 departments to ensure the well-being and growth of our community.

To learn more about McLean County Government and career opportunities, please visit https://mcleancountyil.gov/.

Ready to Apply?

Applying through a third-party site? Be sure to complete an application through our official job board: mcleancountyil.gov/jobs

Confidentiality of your application will be maintained upon request.

McLean County participates in the E-Verify, a federal system that confirms employment eligibility by comparing information from your Form I-9 to records with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. As required by law, all new employees must be verified through this system.

McLean County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Exempt : No

Type : FT Employee

Department : Public Defender

Location : 5

Apply Now

Refine Your Search

public defender jobs in illinois

Assistant Public Defender I-VI

Legal Assistant

Assistant Public Defender

Principal Public Defender

PDO Assistant Public Defender

Legal Secretary

Legal Assistant

Assistant Public Defender

Assistant Public Defender

Assistant United States Attorney (e-Litigation)

Staff Attorney

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

Assistant Public Defender

PDO Detention Court Litigator

Principal Public Defender

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What You’ll Do

What We’re Looking For

McLean County Benefits Package

About the Public Defender’s Office

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