FIRST ASSISTANT

Peoria County; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Peoria County Public Defender's Office seeks an experienced criminal defense attorney to fill the First Assistant Public Defender role. This supervisory position requires strong organizational, administrative, supervisory and advocacy capabilities to manage felony case loads and strategic staff coordination.

The candidate will work with the Public Defender to shape office policies, optimize resources, and implement systems for fluctuating caseloads while mentoring junior defenders and

Qualifications

• Licensed Illinois attorney in good standing.
• Minimum 5 years experience in criminal defense.
• Proven record handling felony jury trials.
• Well-organized, reliable, flexible, and responsive to client needs.
• Commitment to public defense and equal justice under the law.
• Supervisory experience and public defense prefered but not required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and evaluate assistant public defenders.
• Manage caseloads, assignment logistics, and workflow.
• Develop and implement office policies and structured systems.
• Coordinate with Office Manager to ensure timely administrative operations.
• Mentor junior staff and oversee staff allocation during fluctuating caseloads.
• Oversee staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations.

Skills

Organizational skills

Administrative skills

Supervisory skills

Advocacy skills

Criminal defense experience

Education

Licensed attorney in Illinois

Tools

Case management systems

Job description

The Peoria County Public Defender announces a vacancy for the position of First Assistant Public Defender. The office is seeking an experienced criminal defense attorney for the position. This supervisory role requires a unique combination of organizational, administrative, supervisory, and advocacy skills to manage a caseload of felony offenses while performing assigned administrative and supervisory duties. The First Assistant will work to streamline office workflows, optimize staffing, and manage case assignment logistics. The First Assistant will also work with the Public Defender to develop office policies, optimize resource allocation, and implement structured systems to handle fluctuating caseloads. In addition, he or she will assist in directing, mentoring, and evaluating assistant public defenders. Finally,the First Assistant will work with the Office Manager to ensure the administrative operations of the office run seamlessly under tight legal deadlines. Applicants must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in Illinois. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum of 5 years experience in the defense of criminal law and have a proven record for handling felony jury trials. Applicants should be well-organized, reliable, flexible, and responsive to client needs. Moreover, applicants should demonstrate a commitment to public defense and equal justice under the law. Supervisory experience and experience in public defense are preferred but not required.

Applications should include a cover letter and resume. Applicants will also be required to make themselves available for an interview and screening process with the Public Defender and will be notified of the date, time, and location of the interview and details of the screening process. The position will remain open and posted until filled.