What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy General Counsel position at OFFICE OF STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER?
THE OFFICE
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 POSITION
The Deputy General Counsel assists the General Counsel by conducting legal research, reviewing legislation, interpreting state and federal law, reviewing appellate opinions and performing other legal services. The Deputy General Counsel works under the general supervision of the General Counsel.
SALARY, BENEFITS & LOCATION
The position is located in Springfield, Illinois. This position's headquarter location could change based on future operational needs.
The salary is commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $116,640 to $140,340.
The required working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The State Public Defender, in his or her discretion, may potentially approve a hybrid work schedule.
An attractive benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as deferred compensation and generous leave time. Information about benefits provided by OSPD can be found here:
State Employee General Benefits - https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html
OSPD Summary of Benefits - https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01a05ec3aebc750d83c07bd1fd39845d
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
● Conducts legal research and prepares legal memorandums on a variety of areas of law, including criminal procedure, contracts, procurement, employment and confidentiality issues.
● Assists in reviewing public defender standards and practices to advise and determine compliance with state and federal legislation and case law.
● Serves as the principle legal policy advisor for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
● In coordination with the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, provides civil litigation support, such as drafting and reviewing motions, pleadings and discovery responses.
● Analyzes pending legislation and prepares bill summaries.
● Analyzes and interprets statutes, regulations and relevant case law, as directed.
● Assists with employment related legal matters such as wage garnishments, unemployment insurance, discrimination, wrongful termination, Family Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Labor Standards Act.
● Reviews OSPD policies, standards and practices to determine compliance with state and federal law.
● Assists with internal investigations by reviewing supporting documentation, interviewing witnesses, and summarizing findings as directed.
● Under the direction of the general counsel, reviews contracts, grant applications, grant agreements, procurement documents and leases.
● Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM
● A Juris Doctorate Degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
● Licensed to practice law in Illinois.
● Three or more years of practicing law.
● 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.
● Three years of experience with criminal procedure in Illinois or federal courts.
PREFERRED
● Five or more years of practicing law
● Five years of experience with legal research and writing.
● Five years of experience drafting, researching or analyzing legislation.
● Five years of experience with criminal procedure in Illinois or federal courts.
OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
● Effective oral and written communication, presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
● Ability to plan, organize, implement, and maintain a variety of functions and projects simultaneously and meet required deadlines and schedules.
● Ability to positively and professionally interact with co-workers.
● Demonstrated leadership skills including planning and priority setting, sound decision-making, problem-solving, and analytic and interpretive skills.
● Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
WORKING CONDITIONS/STRUCTURE
● Ability to sit for extended time periods.
● Professional office working environment requiring telephone usage and ability to process written documents.
● Ability to travel, including overnight stays, as required.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested individuals should submit a resume to https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01a05edff7f571af80349e7964f00cfd. All jobs vacancy announcements and application links are also available at www.ilosps.gov/join-our-team.
A judicial branch application is not required to apply, but it will be required before final hiring decisions are made. The application can be downloaded from the Illinois Courts website at https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/b0377255-a5e8-4c75-af0b-65925622d97b/Judicial Branch Employment Application.pdf.
This position will remain open until filled. However, those individuals submitting materials by November 6, 2026, will be given first consideration.
Any questions about this position or the application process can be submitted via email at the following address: HR@ilosps.gov
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Pay: $116,640.00 - $140,340.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $116,640 - $140,340