Working for the Public Defender's Office in Kane County
The mission of the Kane County Public Defender's Office is to provide high-quality legal representation to indigent individuals facing criminal charges or at risk of losing parental rights. The office handles cases ranging from traffic offenses and misdemeanors to felonies, child abuse/neglect cases, and juvenile offenses.
According to Kane County Public Defender Rachele Conant, the office currently employs both full-time and part-time staff members, including licensed attorneys, investigators, caseworkers, and support staff.
During the May meeting of the Kane County Board's Judicial/Public Safety Committee, Conant announced the hiring of three new attorneys. The starting salary for an assistant public defender $75,000.
“A good public defender is someone who is compassionate, resilient, and dedicated to upholding justice for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances," said Conant.
The office also welcomed six summer interns, who are first, second, or third-year law students. These interns gain practical experience through hands-on training in courtroom settings, assisting with court proceedings, client interviews, jail visits, research, writing tasks, and administrative duties. They also learn negotiation techniques and vigorously advocate during hearings and trials. Internships are voluntary and available in the felony, misdemeanor, or juvenile divisions of the Kane County Court system.
For more information about the responsibilities and services provided by the Kane County Public Defender's Office, visit their website at http://pdo.countyofkane.org/.
