Assistant Public Defender

Would you like to work in a collegial environment? Do you have a passion to help out the less fortunate? Do you want to work in a newly renovated building separate from the courthouse? Do you want to have access to transcription software, modern equipment and technology as well as an experienced staff that includes a mitigation expert and an investigator? If so, then we should talk as the Coles County Public Defender seeks an experienced attorney to fill a vacant position.

JOB DEFINITION: Assistant to the Coles County Public Defender concentrated in the defense of indigent individuals appointed by Circuit Court Judges and any Associate Judge in criminal and quasi-criminal proceedings. Includes representation of clients in juvenile, mental health commitment, misdemeanor, traffic, felony and criminal contempt proceedings and other related matters as assigned, using knowledge of criminal law, departmental, County of Coles and the Circuit Court of Coles County policies, rules, standards and practices, including the rules of conduct and procedure as found in the statutes of the State of Illinois and the rules of the Illinois Supreme Court.

NATURE OF WORK:
Supervisory Relationships: Reports to the Circuit and Associate Judges concerning case and trial assignment and management.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK: The duties of an Assistant Public Defender include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Interviews clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of the case;
2. Conducts related investigations on behalf of clients;
3. Correlates findings and prepares case for trial;
4. Represents defendants in all aspects of the case to which they are assigned;
5. Conducts trial or hearing of a cause on behalf of the client, including advising the client of their opinion as to the law and the facts;
6. Conducts all facets of the criminal or quasi-criminal trial or hearings including examination or cross-examination of witnesses, presentation of arguments to the jury or court, and preparation of jury instructions;
7. Presents offers of negotiated settlement of a cause to the client including appropriate admonitions, advisement of rights, and presentation of opinions as to the merits of the case, both from a factual and legal point of view;
8. Reviews, analyzes and interprets reports, records, and directives;
9. Conducts themselves at all times according to appropriate professional, ethical and moral standards.

Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Education: Possession of a law degree from an American Bar Association (A.B.A.) accredited college or university required.
2. Licensed and in good standing with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Illinois Supreme Court required.

REQUIREMENTS OF APPLICATION: ONE PAGE LETTER OF APPLICATION AND ATTACHED RESUME

The Coles County Public Defender’s Office typically employs three assistant public defenders. This is a full-time position with no separate private practice being authorized. As a full-time assistant public defender, the attorney will receive all benefits accorded to Coles County Employees, including IMRF, 14-15 paid holidays per year and optional health insurance. The successful candidate will also be a part of a rotating detention court schedule. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, but is expected to be at least $81,000.00 to $125,000.00.

Start of employment is negotiable however to effectuate a smoother transition we look to fill this position quickly. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Duane A. Deters, Chief Public Defender, Coles County Public Defender’s Office, 616 6th Street, Charleston, IL 61920 or by e-mail to ddeters@co.coles.il.us. Preference will be given to contact made before January 31, 2025 and to attorneys with felony jury trial experience.