State Public Defender Leader - Client-Centered Justice

Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts seeks an experienced leader to build a statewide public defender system under the State Public Defender. The role oversees statewide operations, policy development, and coordination with the Illinois Supreme Court and Commission, to ensure constitutionally required legal representation for indigent clients.

The successful candidate will guide staffing, training, budget planning, and statewide standards while upholding client-centered, equity-focused

Qualifications

• Licensed attorney in good standing in Illinois.
• At least 5 years of licensed practice in Illinois or another state.
• Experience representing persons accused of crime.
• Administrative leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide representation and promote policies for effective public defense.
• Direct statewide operations of the Office of the State Public Defender and regional offices.
• Establish organizational structure and staff duties.
• Maintain statewide website with public information and resources.
• Uphold ethical requirements and ensure confidentiality under FOIA exemptions.
• Travel across the state and work full-time in Springfield.

Skills

Licensed attorney

Administrative leadership

Public defense experience

Strategic planning

Education

Law degree and bar admission

Job description

Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts seeks an experienced leader to build a statewide public defender system under the State Public Defender. The role oversees statewide operations, policy development, and coordination with the Illinois Supreme Court and Commission, to ensure constitutionally required legal representation for indigent clients.

The successful candidate will guide staffing, training, budget planning, and statewide standards while upholding client-centered, equity-focused