Cook County Government

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I-AFSCME 3315 (IMMIGRATION DIVISION ONLY-LAW OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER) ACTIVELY RECRUITED

CHICAGO, ILPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from Cook County Government

  • Job overview

    The Assistant Public Defender I in the Immigration Division provides entry-level legal representation to clients charged with criminal offenses in Cook County, handling cases of minor to moderate complexity.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role involves representing clients in court, advising on legal procedures and defense strategies, participating in hearings and trials, and working with social workers and legal associates to support defense options.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates must have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and be licensed or eligible for licensure to practice law in Illinois. Strong legal knowledge, communication skills, and ability to handle sensitive social issues are required.

  • Work environment and culture

    Cook County offers a hybrid work environment with telecommuting and flexible scheduling options, emphasizing equal employment opportunity and a diverse, inclusive workplace.

  • Company information

    Cook County Government oversees various bureaus and offices providing public services and legal representation, including the Public Defender's Office.

  • Job location and travel

    The position is based at Cook County Administration, 69 W. Washington, with some weekend and holiday court duties.

  • Application process

    Candidates must submit required documents within five days of offer and pass post-offer tests including background check and drug screening.

  • Unique job features

    The job involves handling a variety of legal cases including appeals, misdemeanors, and juvenile cases, with opportunities to work in bond and juvenile detention courts.

Company overview

Cook County Government is the governing body for Cook County, Illinois, encompassing the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. It provides a wide range of services including public health, law enforcement, judicial administration, and public infrastructure. The county generates revenue through property taxes, sales taxes, and various service fees. Established in 1831, it has a significant history of political influence and public service innovation, making it a pivotal entity in the region's administration and development.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to emphasize your Juris Doctorate degree and Illinois law licensure or your plan to obtain it by hire date, as these are mandatory for the Assistant Public Defender role in Cook County Government.

  • Highlight your knowledge of legal principles, trial advocacy skills, and experience or ability to handle cases involving misdemeanors, appeals, preliminary hearings, and minor felonies, especially within the immigration context if applicable.

  • Apply through multiple platforms including Cook County Government's official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility for this actively recruited position.

  • Connect with current attorneys or staff in the Immigration Division of the Law Office of the Public Defender on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on recent Cook County legal reforms, or asking about their experience working in bond or juvenile detention courts.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by including keywords from the job description such as 'trial advocacy,' 'legal consultation,' 'criminal defense,' 'immigration law,' and 'client representation' to ensure it passes automated screenings.

  • Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple application portals, and find relevant LinkedIn contacts, saving you valuable time and increasing your chances of landing the job.

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