The Public Defender in counties with a population under 1,000,000 shall have power to appoint, in the manner directed by the judges mentioned in Section 3-4004 the number of assistants, all duly licensed practitioners, that those judges deem necessary for the proper discharge of the duties of the office, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender. He shall also, in like manner, appoint the number of clerks and other employees necessary for the due transaction of the business of the office. The compensation of the assistants, clerks and employees shall be fixed by the County Board and paid out of the county treasury.
55 ILCS 5/3-4008