Cook County Public Defender
Legal ServicesIllinois, United States501-1000 Employees
The Cook County Public Defender provides legal representation in criminal and child protection matters for residents of Cook County, Illinois. As one of the largest public defense operations in the country, it staffs courtrooms throughout the Circuit Court of Cook County and employs a substantial team of attorneys and staff to ensure due process and protection of fundamental rights for those charged with offenses. Based in Chicago, the organization operates within the legal services industry with a mission to safeguard liberty and dignity by delivering comprehensive defense services. The Public Defender is led by Sharone R. Mitchell Jr., with attorneys and staff supporting this mission as his assistants. In recent developments, the office has undertaken initiatives such as launching Know-Your-Rights educational series, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve access to information about rights and legal processes.