In the Community

Collaboration. Accessibility. Agency.

Community is at the heart of public defense.

The Law of the Cook County Public Defender works to strengthen trust between our office and the communities we serve. Through a dedicated Community Engagement Team, we are building relationships and coalitions with community through outreach, collaboration, education, and deep listening. Our Office is committed to being present in neighborhoods across Cook County—not just in courtrooms. We meet people where they are—because public defense is stronger when it reflects the people it protects.

With our attorneys, investigators, case workers and other staff volunteers, the Community Engagement team hosts mentorship programs, community legal education presentations, healing circles, workshops on pretrial reform, youth justice, and legal empowerment, and participates in community events, parades and festivals. With the goal of preventing incarceration, reducing recidivism, and encouraging equitable representation, we also partner with schools, churches, advocacy groups, and grassroots organizations for a holistic approach to supporting individuals and their families. Our outreach and education campaigns include information about the following topics:  

• Know Your Rights with police 
• How immigration and criminal law intersect 
• The do’s and don’ts of legal gun possession 
• Know Your Rights with cannabis use and possession  

To request a workshop, to invite us to your event or school, or to provide community feedback to our office, please contact pdevents@cookcountyil.gov. 

To learn more about our efforts, please follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. 

To hear Public Defenders in their own words, check out the Cook County Public Defender Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.