The Office of State Public Defender (OSPD) will be created as an independent office within the judicial branch on January 1, 2027. The 2025 FAIR Act, Public Act 104-0300, created the Office to provide for an effective public defense system throughout the State of Illinois. OSPD is charged with implementing uniform standards for trial-level public defense; systematically evaluating local needs and capacity; offering specialized support to local jurisdictions (i.e., investigation, mitigation, and expert witness assistance); and establishing clear and equitable procedures for distributing the Public Defender Fund, among other duties to ensure consistent, equitable, and high-quality defense services.
The General Counsel is a senior level position responsible for advising the Illinois Office of State Public Defender (OSPD) on legal issues related to employment law, professional responsibility, and provision of public defense services. The General Counsel interprets state and federal law, working with considerable independence and exercising professional judgment under the general supervision of the Chief of Staff.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Minimum Qualifications:
A Juris Doctor Degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
Seven years in the practice of law.
Licensed to practice law in Illinois.
Must possess a valid Illinois Driver’s License and demonstrate proof of automobile insurance to operate a personal vehicle on state business, as well as maintain a safe driving record.
Preferred Qualifications:
Seven years in the practice of law.
Five years of experience with employment law or labor relations.
Five years of experience with legal research and writing.
Two years of experience drafting, researching or analyzing legislation.
Two years of experience providing public defense (or court-appointed) services or in Illinois or federal courts.
One year of experience with preparing and/or delivering training on statutory or regulatory provisions.
Experience in an agency, organization, or firm providing direct legal services to indigent people in the areas of criminal defense, juvenile delinquency defense, or abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings.
To read the full job listing and apply please visit: www.ilosps.gov/112/Chief-of-Staff/employment-opportunities-detail/
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