JOB TITLE
Assistant Public Defender

DEPARTMENT
Public Defender

REPORTS TO
Chief Public Defender

CLASSIFICATION
Full Time, Exempt

DATE PREPARED
March 2024

SUMMARY
Provides legal representation to clients of the Public Defender’s office for juvenile, traffic, and specialty court matters from appointment to final disposition. Opportunity for work in other legal areas is available based on performance and interest.   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Maintaining communication with clients
• Addressing issues regarding pretrial release
• Filing and pursuing relevant pleadings
• Representing clients at substantive hearings and trials

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Integrity, research and writing skills, the ability to work well with others, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to public service and the representation of individuals who are unable to retain counsel are required. Must be able to communicate effectively, make critical decisions independently, and coordinate multiple tasks efficiently.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Law degree and licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk; or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Normal office conditions. Potential problems may exist with clients exposed to stressful situations. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. 

EEO STATEMENT
Adams County is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

To apply for this position, please send a resume and brief cover letter to Jonathan Hoover at jhoover@adamscountyil.gov or drop off at the Public Defender’s Office at 521 Vermont St., Quincy, IL.