Deputy State Public Defender

• Location
  Springfield, Illinois
• Office
  Office of State Public Defender
• Posted Date
  October 5, 2026
• Benefits
  An attractive benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as deferred compensation and generous leave time.
• Salary
  $166,332 to $197,520

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 Deputy State Public Defender develops, oversees, and evaluates agency-wide strategies and programs within the Office of State Public Defender (OSPD), following the State Public Defender’s leadership and acting on their behalf as required. This position provides strategic oversight of complex legal, operational, and resource management issues and supervises all legal staff within assigned divisions. The Deputy State Public Defender works with considerable independence and exercises professional judgement under the general supervision of the State Public Defender.

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 $166,332 to $197,520.

Current Available Shift:

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

OSPD Summary of Benefits

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Partner with the State Public Defender to define, design, and consistently implement policies, procedures, programs, and strategies that support the agency’s mission and achieve long-term organizational goals.
• Identify high-level problems, recommend corrective actions, and suggest changes to policies, procedures, and resource distribution.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on budget, labor, litigation, and policy matters.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with agencies throughout the State to ensure compliance with all relevant statutes and ensure delivery of high-quality legal services.
• Advise the State Public Defender on complex legal issues, engagement of Advisory Boards, and partnership with local public defense practitioners and the private bar.
• Provide strategic leadership and guidance, in alignment with OSPD’s values, to empower managers in fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement among employees.
• Prepare, review, and maintain resources to support the agency’s training responsibilities.
• Represent OSPD in State Public Defender Commission and intergovernmental meetings.
• Act in the State Public Defender's stead when requested, providing leadership and decision-making in their absence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate (JD).
• Five (5) years as a practicing attorney in a public defense practice area or directly related experience.
• Three (3) years of previous management or supervisory experience.
• A license to practice law in the State of 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 (7) years as a practicing attorney in a public defense practice area.
• Five (5) years of previous management or supervisory experience.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive understanding of criminal and juvenile law, national trends in indigent defense, and the operations of the criminal and juvenile court systems in Illinois.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
• Ability to connect with diverse groups and foster positive working relationships.
• Ability to perform under pressure and make sound decisions.
• Experience with change management and process improvement.
• Ability to assess internal and external environments with sensitivity to controversial issues of a political/bureaucratic nature.
• Ability to travel to various work assignments throughout the State.
• Flexible and responsive to evolving needs.

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 here. All jobs vacancy announcements and application links are also available here or 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 here.

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