The Office of the State Appellate Defender seeks a mission-driven Assistant Appellate Defender for the 5th District, Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Duties and responsibilities include providing criminal appellate representation to indigent clients in the Illinois Appellate Court and Illinois Supreme Court by reading records, conducting research, drafting briefs and other documents, and presenting oral arguments. Criminal defense experience is a plus, but not a necessity. 

The starting salary is between $88,000 and $98,240, depending on the candidate’s relevant experience. Relevant qualifying experience includes employment as a law clerk for a reviewing court, and as an attorney in a criminal appeals office and/or public defender’s office.

Interested individuals should submit a resume and cover letter to the OSAD Human Resource department at osadhr@osad.state.il.us by August 7, 2026.