Assistant Public Defender

General Description Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package, and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment. The Civil Division of the State’s Attorney’s Office offers a rewarding work environment for attorneys. ASAs in the Civil Division act as lead attorneys in handling their own docket of cases representing County employees and elected officials in employment, civil rights, tax, land use, and environmental litigation. Each Civil Division attorney is assigned as corporate counsel to client departments and/or elected officials on their unique legal issues. A Principal Assistant State’s Attorney typically handles their caseload independently, but with ample support and collaboration opportunities with colleagues. Our attorneys work hard, but also put significant emphasis on work‑life balance. Essential Functions The following list of essential functions is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all the duties and responsibilities performed. Conducts complex litigation in all stages, including filing, discovery, settlement negotiations, and trial. Manages state and federal cases independently, including any resulting appeals. Provides legal advice and legal opinions and support to elected officials and clients. Assists other assistant state’s attorneys in the division in areas of expertise. Assists in preparing and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents. Takes direction from supervisors. Performs comprehensive research utilizing Westlaw and other electronic legal research software. Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required Preferred Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Experience in one or more areas of law strongly preferred: experience handling Section 1983 litigation, labor and employment matters, employment litigation, labor arbitrations, transactional work, drafting legislative enactments or ordinances, experience advising clients on the OMA or FOIA, work related to taxing bodies, and/or environmental litigation. Comprehensive knowledge of Illinois and Federal law, local court procedures, rules of civil procedure and the rules of evidence. Considerable knowledge of federal and state appellate procedures Strong research, analytical, and negotiation skills. Ability to clearly communicate legal recommendations to clients and elected officials. Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and to present such materials effectively Demonstrated ability to provide professional and persuasive court presentations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use a computer. Good knowledge of PC operations and software (word processing, spreadsheet, and document scanning, editing, and management system, i.e., Acrobat/Adobe) is required. Familiarity with federal and state e‑filing systems. Good typing skills are also required. Competency Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Uses intuition and experience to complement the analysis. Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions. Case Management – Develops case management plan; Coordinates case management with co‑workers; Communicates case progress and status periodically. Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings. Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. Change Management – Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Monitors transition and evaluates results. Quality Management – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values. Strategic Thinking – Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Adapts strategy to changing conditions. Judgement – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision‑making process; Makes timely decisions. Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; Develops realistic action plans. Professionalism – Tactfully approaches others; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Monitors own work to ensure quality. Quantity – Completes work in a timely manner; Strives to increase productivity. Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; Uses equipment and materials properly. Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time. Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments. Initiative – Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent action. Education and/or Other Requirements Completion of a Juris Doctorate degree program from an American Bar Association-approved law school. A minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a licensed attorney; alternatively, a similar amount of experience working with and representing local governments is preferred. Licensed Attorney in the State of Illinois. Supplemental Information Physiological Factors: While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Psychological Factors: Ability to maintain pleasant working relationships with judges, attorneys, co‑workers, elected officials, county clients and the public. Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform the essential functions. This job description describes a general category of jobs. In order to meet the needs of Lake County Government or its departments, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those described above, and any duties are subject to change at any time. Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening and drug testing. Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (EOE). #J-18808-Ljbffr