55 ILCS 5/3-4003

Any 2 or more adjoining counties of this State that are within the same judicial circuit, may by joint resolution of the several county boards involved, create a common office of Public Defender for the counties so joined. The person appointed to such office shall be known as the Public Defender. No person shall be eligible to or hold such office unless he or she is duly licensed as an attorney at law in this State. (Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-300) Sec. 3-4003. Chief County Public Defender in adjoining counties. Any 2 or more adjoining counties of this State that are within the same judicial circuit may, by joint resolution of the several county boards involved, create a common Office of Public Defender for the counties so joined or allow representation in one county by the public defender appointed in the collaborating county. The person appointed to the Office shall be known as the Chief County Public Defender. No person shall be eligible to or hold the Office unless he or she is duly licensed as an attorney in this State.