Assistant Public Defender III – Juvenile Division
Starting Salary Range: $82,719.27 – $91,022.10/year
Bloomington, IL
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Public Defender, litigates and performs a variety of public defense legal work, applying professional legal principles and practices to cases with emphasis on Juvenile Division (Abuse and Neglect) cases. Work is performed with considerable professional independence, discretion, mature judgement, in representing indigent individuals in court. Occasional duties may include Juvenile Delinquency, Felony, or Misdemeanor cases and other various assignments to support the office. Work involves the use of significant writing, analytical, and communication skills to accomplish the work of the division. Work is reviewed by the Public Defender through conferences for results obtained, the efficient direction of the division, and effective legal services provided.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Receives specific case assignments; prepares motions; conducts research of related court decisions, gathers evidence through interviewing witnesses, and reviews pertinent legal matters pertaining to cases; prepares legal briefs; meets with prosecuting attorneys; develops strategy, arguments, and testimony; interviews and counsels clients; litigates cases in court; negotiates plea offers.
- Prepares and responds to motions; attends courts for various hearings with emphasis in the Juvenile Division; ensures legal activities comply with required federal and state guidelines and regulations.
- Ensures the procedural and substantive rights of clients; balances the safety and emotional well being of juveniles with the rights of parents.
- Oversees and provides guidance and direction to office support, para-legal, and other professional staff assisting at various stages of preparing a case for trial or hearing.
- Performs related work as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Considerable knowledge of the principle and practices of the law applicable to the position.
- Considerable knowledge of court procedures and trial techniques, and rules of evidence.
- Considerable knowledge of the methodology of legal research.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.
- Skill in effective listening and communicating, problem solving, and teamwork.
- Ability to oversee, supervise, and coordinate the work of staff attorneys.
- Ability to analyze complex factual situations and to organize, interpret, and apply legal principles to them.
- Ability to conduct legal research, prepare appropriate legal documents, and try court cases.
- Ability to plan and schedule work in a manner conducive to full performance of the assigned work of the position.
- Ability to empathize and work with indigent clients.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, county officials, legal colleagues, and the public.
Required Qualifications
- Graduation from and accredited law school
- Licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois
- Considerable experience in trying criminal or juvenile cases before the courts, including some experience as a lead supervisory attorney
- Or any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the above noted knowledge, skills, and abilities
Work Environment
The work is routinely performed indoors, in an office or court room environment and involves exposure to normal risks typical to an office setting. Work may expose employee to potentially violent clients, biological hazards, and infectious diseases.
Benefits Package
McLean County offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Medical Member Rewards Program
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flex Spending Account (FSA)
- Dependent Spending Account (DSA)
- Supplemental Insurance: Life, Critical Illness and Accident
- County provided Life Insurance
- Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF Pension)
- Paid time off: vacation days, personal days, sick days, holidays
- Identity Protection
- Charitable Giving
- Employee Assistance Program
Full salary range: $82,719.27 – $128,214.82 annually
About McLean County Government
The Office of the Public Defender provides attorneys to indigent clients in the courts of McLean County as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Illinois Constitution, and Illinois law.
McLean County is the largest county by land area in the state of Illinois with a population of over 172,000. McLean County Government is a fast-moving and dynamic workplace established to locally administer Illinois State laws and serve the community in a variety of ways throughout our multitude of departments. With a $130+ million operating budget, over 800 employees, and an Aa1 Bond Rating, McLean County Government is positioned to maintain and expand its reputation for excellence in local government.
To learn more about all the services McLean County Government provides the community, please visit https://mcleancountyil.gov/. A full list of Departments with a description of their function can be located at https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/8/Departments.
How to Apply
Click “Apply Now” at the top of this post. Please include resume and cover letter at time of application.
*If applying through a third party job board, please fill out an application via McLean County Government’s Job Board located at https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/2068/Jobs
Confidentiality of your application is maintained upon request.
McLean County Government is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.