Cook County Public Defender

Verified

Local government office

2.9(34 Google reviews)

69 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

Information last updated October 23, 2026

Practice Areas

Civil Litigation Criminal Defense Family Law

About Cook County Public Defender

The Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender, established in 1930, is one of the largest legal defense firms in the United States. With over 500 attorneys and more than 700 employees, the office is dedicated to protecting the fundamental rights, liberties, and dignity of each person whose case is entrusted to it by providing legal representation. The firm serves tens of thousands of Cook County residents annually, handling various criminal offenses and civil cases involving accusations of abuse and neglect.

The Public Defender's office provides services to individuals who have cases pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County and are not financially able to pay for private legal representation, with eligibility determined by a judge. The firm's attorneys, licensed in Illinois, range from recent law school graduates to those with up to 40 years of experience. They are supported by investigators, mitigation specialists, caseworkers, and support staff, all contributing to client representation.

The firm operates across 12 locations, including the George N. Leighton Criminal Court Building, First Municipal District, five suburban courthouses, and the Juvenile Justice facility. Its divisions include:

Homicide Task Force
Felony Trial Division
First Municipal Division
Suburban Divisions
Juvenile Justice Division
Family Defense Division
Arrest Response Division
Investigations Division
Forensic Science Division
Multiple Defendant Division

From the firm’s website

Attorneys: Sharone R. Mitchell, Jr — Cook County Public Defender
Services listed: Homicide Offenses, Misdemeanor Offenses, Preliminary Hearings, Juvenile Justice, Family Defense, Arrest Response
Founded: 1930
Fees: The Public Defender is appointed by a judge for people who cannot afford to hire a private attorney.
Offices: 2650 S. California Ave. Chicago, IL 60608
69 W. Washington St. Fl. 17 Chicago, IL 60602
5600 Old Orchard Rd. Skokie, IL 60077
2121 Euclid Ave. Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
1500 Maybrook Dr. Maywood, IL 60153

Source: cookcountypublicdefender.org · checked October 23, 2026. Lawyers Near Me hasn’t independently verified these details.

Hours of Operation

Monday: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Friday: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Details & Amenities

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entranceWheelchair accessible restroom

Cook County Public Defender — Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cook County Public Defender located?+

Cook County Public Defender is located at 69 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602. Use the "Get Directions" link on this page to navigate there.

What kind of cases does Cook County Public Defender handle?+

Cook County Public Defender handles Civil Litigation, Criminal Defense, Family Law. Confirm that they cover your specific legal matter during your first consultation.

How do I contact Cook County Public Defender?+

Call Cook County Public Defender at (312) 603-0600 or visit their website. Many firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.

Is Cook County Public Defender well rated?+

Cook County Public Defender has a 2.9-star rating based on 34 Google reviews. Ratings are sourced from Google and shown for reference.

Client Reviews

5 reviews

yolanda randolph· via Google
Can't reach a person no matter what time I call , and no return calls ,but I should never expect anything different . Most places that serve people or work for the people don't actively do either . I don't live in in Chicago otherwise I would've went and I know if I have to take a two+ hour drive ti ask one question....I'm not going to be a happy camper ,but looking at last weeks call log with no returns ...I may have to take that drive .
4 years ago
SeMperfi Patriot· via Google
I watched a vid of a young man going in for a FOIA request. That public defender David Dunn treated him as if he's a 2nd class citizen and not worth his time & effort. He was very rude, condescending, and utterly unprofessional. To think someone who's suppose to defend the people's rights to behave in this manner is disgusting. This man needs to be reprimanded if not terminated because he not only did this once but twice to the young man. Also he called the Police to have him trespassed and conspired against his rights‼️
5 years ago
Renie Parker· via Google
Absolutely disgusting behavior from David Dunn!!! And equally disgusting that your department pads reviews by putting in fake ones!!! Shame on all of you for treating the public in such an extremely offensive manner!! Get your crapola together and start acting in a respectful and helpful manner and stop putting up bogus reviews
5 years ago
Brent· via Google
I will give you more punishment if you keep it up, said my public defender when I had a panic attack. So upset I pleaded just so I could leave. How to make an innocent person plead guilty, give them a public defender.
3 years ago
Do You Know Me· via Google
Amy Episcop has got to be the worst public defender i have ever met and she has never even represented me. She drags out cases and could care less about her clients. She talks down to you like your stupid. She hates being put on the spot when shes wrong. Pay for a lawyer and stay away from her.
3 months ago

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