55 ILCS 5/3-4001

In each county of this State containing 35,000 or more inhabitants there is created the office of Public Defender and the person to be appointed to such office shall be known as the Public Defender. No person shall be eligible to or hold such office unless he is duly licensed as an attorney and counsellor-at-law in this State. (Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-300) Sec. 3-4001. Chief County Public Defender in counties over 35,000. In each county of this State containing 35,000 or more inhabitants there is created the Office of Public Defender and the person to be appointed to such office shall be known as the Chief County Public Defender. No person shall be eligible to hold such office unless he is duly licensed as an attorney in this State.