Assistant Public Defender

Are you seeking a wonderfully challenging role in an organization with enticing compensation and great benefits? If so, consider an opportunity with McHenry County. McHenry is a great place to live, work and explore. We are the sixth-largest County in Illinois with a dedicated team of over 1,000 employees. We provide exceptional service to our residents, all while cultivating a sense of purpose in our work. We also take care of our employees by prioritizing their overall health through our investment in a wellness program and commitment to mental health. We hold firm to the belief that our employees should derive genuine pride from their contributions, fostering a culture of mutual respect within our collaborative workspace. Full-time employees enjoy a pension which provides guaranteed, monthly income for life. Additionally, you can enjoy the peace of job security working in the public sector since we aren’t affected by market fluctuations. Join us in our mission to continue delivering excellence and shaping a better future for McHenry County and its residents.

JOB SUMMARY:

The McHenry County Public Defender's office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender. This full-time position is located in the McHenry County Government Center in Woodstock. The Assistant Public Defender Attorney provides legal services to indigent defendants and respondents in criminal felony, misdemeanor, juvenile and certain civil proceedings as appointed by the Court.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Prepare written motions, briefs, orders, and other legal documents.
• Provide legal representation to adult indigent defendants in criminal cases.
• Provide legal representation to indigent petitioned persons in civil involuntary commitment and involuntary treatment cases.
• Provide legal representation to indigent petitioned persons in civil sexually violent commitments.
• Conduct adversarial hearings including bench and jury trials.
• Negotiate and enter pleas by reviewing charges, police reports, criminal complaints and records.
• Prepare orders for court supervision, conditional discharge, or probation.
• Instruct clients how to set up services to comply with sentencing requirements.
• Prepare for trial by notifying and reviewing witnesses and clients.
• Appear in court with criminal defendants on a daily basis (including weekends and holidays).
• Conduct legal research.
• Interacts with staff, elected officials and the general public in person or by telephone in order to respond to inquiries, receive complaints, and resolve problems.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

• Possession of a law degree from an American Bar Association (A.B.A.) accredited college or university is required.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Member in good standing of the Illinois State Bar.

BENEFITS:

• 3 Medical plans, 2 dental plans, and 2 vision plans to choose from.
• Pension: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
• Nationwide Retirement Solutions (457 and Roth457) plans
• Standard Life insurance policy with the option to buy up additional coverage for EE and dependents.
• Paid vacation, sick, personal days and 14 paid holidays.

Must be able to successfully pass a background screening.

McHenry County is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, Veteran status or disability.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $66,303.00 - $72,934.00 per year

Schedule:

• Day shift
• No weekends

Work Location: In person