Chief public defender going to immigration firm

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When Marion County’s chief public defender steps down in February, he plans to work for an immigration and naturalization firm in Indianapolis.

David E. Cook, who’s been the county’s top public defender since 1995, submitted his resignation in December to the Marion County Public Defender’s Office. He’s continuing in the post until mid-February to allow time for a replacement to be found.

On Feb. 18, the 61-year-old attorney plans to join Gresk & Singleton in a new office being built at 10th and Delaware streets. The firm currently has an office on Meridian Street near the immigration office and will be relocating, Cook said.

Cook will focus on criminal defense at the firm, helping clients who may need some aspect of criminal law help that’s intertwined with immigration or naturalization issues, he said. He will likely represent clients on criminal issues, and also work with immigration attorneys on post-conviction or other related issues that arise.

“It’s been their experience that a high percentage of these cases have some type of criminal aspect, whether presently or in the past,” Cook said. “That can have immigration consequences.”

Partners at Gresk & Singleton couldn’t be reached by Indiana Lawyer Daily deadline.

The county agency’s public defender board of director’s is searching for Cook’s successor. A status meeting is scheduled for next week to discuss the process and applicants, who have until Feb. 1 to apply for the chief public defender position, Cook said. He added that about three names have been submitted so far, but he would not release those names.

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