Assistant Appellate Defender in Mt. Vernon

Assistant Appellate Defender – 5th District, Mt. Vernon

Position:
Assistant Appellate Defender. Status:
Full‑time, Hybrid Work Schedule.

The Office of the State Appellate Defender is a state agency created by the State Appellate Defender Act (725 Illinois Compiled Statutes, Act 105) to provide appellate representation to indigent persons in criminal cases when appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court, the Appellate Court or the Circuit Court. The Office is nationally recognized for excellence in criminal appellate services and is committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion, providing a congenial working environment, competitive compensation and an excellent benefits plan.

Services shall not be denied due to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, or disability.

• Provide criminal appellate representation to indigent clients in the Illinois Appellate Court and Illinois Supreme Court.
• Read records, conduct research, draft briefs and other documents, and present oral arguments.
• Bring exceptional written and oral advocacy skills, creativity and passion to the defense of clients.

• Graduated from an ABA‑accredited law school and licensed in Illinois, or licensed in another jurisdiction and eligible to obtain an Illinois license.
• Experience in criminal defense is a plus but not required.
• Strong research, writing and collaborative teamwork abilities.

Starting salary: $88,000–$98,240, depending on relevant experience. Salary corresponds to experience as a law clerk for a reviewing court and/or experience as an attorney in a criminal appeals office and/or public defender’s office.

Benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Further benefit details at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

September 16, 2026