Mitigation Specialist
The Federal Public Defender for the Central District of Illinois is accepting applications for a Mitigation Specialist to support the Assistant Federal Public Defenders. The Federal Public Defender’s Office operates under the authority of the Criminal Justice Act 18 U.S.C. § 3006A to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court to individuals unable to afford counsel. Our office is committed to providing the highest level of representation for our clients.
Duties. The Mitigation Specialist is bound by the rules of professional responsibility that govern the conduct of counsel respecting work product, privilege, diligence, and loyalty to the client. The Mitigation Specialist is responsible for developing and analyzing mitigation evidence for court proceedings to aid the court in making decisions regarding pretrial release, trial, and sentencing. In furtherance of these duties the Mitigation Specialist will:
- Assist attorneys in investigating, analyzing, developing, and presenting mitigation evidence.
- Develop and maintain relationships with clients, their family members, local social service providers, pretrial service and probation officers, and other entities to support both the client and attorney.
- Interview clients and relevant persons in a culturally competent manner.
- Locate and conduct witness interviews to discover information to assist the attorney in advocating for pretrial release and develop all mitigating circumstances in the client’s life to assist at trial or sentencing.
- Obtain necessary client signatures and ensure all release forms are current and timely.
- Gather, investigate, validate, and report to attorney all aspects of client’s life history obtained from multiple sources including vital records, social services records, educational records, employment and personnel records, military records, medical/health records, arrest reports, institutional records, community records, and interviews with persons relevant to the client.
- Determine what experts might be consulted and potentially retained to evaluate the client for substance abuse or mental illness.
- Facilitate client’s entry into the necessary and available treatment, housing, educational, or vocational programs.
- Develop and maintain lists of inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, short-term/low-income/homeless housing, and vocational training and educational programs.
- Maintain sufficient knowledge of current research and trends in areas such as substance abuse, mental health, and effects of incarceration.
- Assist the attorney in court where requested, including preparing sentencing presentations and testifying.
Requirements. To qualify for this position, the applicant must:
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree. An advanced or graduate degree in Social Work is preferred.
- Have a minimum of two years of specialized experience, which includes: conducting ongoing, exhaustive, and independent investigations of every aspect of the client’s character, life history, record, and any circumstances of the offense, or other factors, which may provide a basis for a lesser sentence; and maintaining complete and accurate files.
- Be committed to providing quality representation to indigent defendants.
- Have a working knowledge of criminal justice and correctional systems, mental health and other social services, psychology, and psychological testing.
- Be able to locate, obtain, review, analyze, and summarize relevant records.
- Possess excellent interviewing and writing skills.
- Be courteous, friendly, and professional with staff and clients.
- Have a reputation for personal integrity.
- Work well independently and prioritize and multi-task effectively.
- Have strong organization, communication (verbal and written), and collaboration skills.
- Have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel across the Central District of Illinois, as duties involve significant travel.
Spanish-language proficiency is desired but not required.
Salary and Benefits. Starting salary will be commensurate with experience. This position also offers full federal benefits, including:
- Federal Employees Retirement System
- Thrift Savings Plan with matching
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Dental and Vision insurance
- Annual leave
- Sick leave
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
Conditions of employment. Employees of the Federal Public Defender’s Office are members of the judicial branch of government and are considered “at will” in the excepted service. Applicants must be United States Citizens or authorized to work in the United States. The successful candidate will be subject to a general background check as a condition of employment and may be subject to periodic updates. Direct deposit is required for payment of compensation to employees.
Application Instructions. Send the following, in one PDF document, to:
(1) letter of interest
(2) current and detailed resume
(3) writing sample that has not been edited by others
(4) names and contact information for three work references who may be contacted
(5) completed AO78 Application for Judicial Employment
This position is open until filled, with preference given to applications received by November 13, 2026.
An email confirming receipt of the application materials will be sent to all applicants. Only those selected for interviews will receive further communication. No telephone inquiries please. Costs associated with interviewing and relocation will not be reimbursed. All positions are subject to availability of funds. For more information about our office, visit http://ilc.fd.org.
The Federal Public Defender for the Central District of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity Employer.