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Assistant State Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IL · On-site

$75K - $78K/yr

Description About the Job The Saint Clair County State's Attorney's Office is looking for qualified applicants to serve as Assistant State's Attorneys. St. Clair County is located in the St. Louis ...

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Assistant State Attorney information

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$53K

$86.4K

$138.5K

How much do assistant state attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant state attorney in the United States is $86,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $95,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant State Attorney vs Prosecutor?

AspectAssistant State AttorneyProsecutor
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admissionJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtroomsGovernment agencies, courts
Employer & IndustryState or local government, legal systemGovernment agencies, legal system
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Assistant State Attorneys and Prosecutors are legal professionals working within the criminal justice system, often in government settings. An Assistant State Attorney typically refers to a lawyer working under a State Attorney, handling criminal cases, and representing the government in court. A Prosecutor is a broader term that can include Assistant State Attorneys and other legal officials responsible for prosecuting criminal cases. The roles overlap significantly, with the main difference being that 'Prosecutor' is a general term, while 'Assistant State Attorney' specifies a particular position within the state's legal system.

What are Assistant State Attorneys?

Assistant State Attorneys are licensed lawyers who work for the government, typically under the direction of a State Attorney, to prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the state. They are responsible for reviewing evidence, filing charges, presenting cases in court, and working with law enforcement to ensure justice is served. Their duties may also include negotiating plea deals and advising police on legal matters. Assistant State Attorneys play a crucial role in upholding the law and protecting public safety within their jurisdiction.

What are some common challenges Assistant State Attorneys face when managing a heavy caseload?

Assistant State Attorneys often handle a large number of cases simultaneously, which requires exceptional time management and organizational skills. Balancing court appearances, legal research, witness preparation, and negotiations can create pressure, especially when deadlines overlap. Working closely with law enforcement, victims, and defense counsel also demands clear communication and adaptability. Successful attorneys rely on teamwork, available resources, and strategic prioritization to ensure each case receives the necessary attention.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant State Attorney, and why are they important?

To excel as an Assistant State Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the state bar, and a solid understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with case management software, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and electronic filing systems is typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and negotiation skills help you effectively advocate in court and collaborate with law enforcement. These competencies ensure fair and efficient prosecution, uphold justice, and maintain public trust in the legal system.
What cities are hiring for Assistant State Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Assistant State Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Assistant State Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant State Attorney jobs include:
Assistant State's Attorney, Criminal Division - Experienced

Assistant State's Attorney, Criminal Division - Experienced

Cook County State's Attorney's Office

Chicago, IL • On-site

$92K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Assistant State's Attorney - Experienced 6-10 years, Criminal Division
Reports to: Supervisor and Deputy Supervisors of the Criminal Division
Location: Criminal Prosecutions Bureau, Chicago, IL municipal courts and surrounding suburban districts including Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, and Markham. All interested candidates must be prepared to be assigned to any CCSAO location in Cook County.
Bureau: Criminal Prosecution's Bureau
Division/Unit: Felony Trial Division
Application deadline: Rolling
Note: The Cook County State's Attorney's Office does not sponsor H1-B work visa petitions.
Salary: $92,587-$167,934. Salary ranges are provided by law; however, individual compensation is based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, years and quality of experience. Any salary offered is determined by the Chief of Staff and is non-negotiable.
General Description:
The Criminal Prosecutions Bureau of the Cook County State's Attorney Office is seeking an experienced Assistant State's Attorney in the Felony Trial Division.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Will be assigned to cover geographical areas (e.g., Chicago, Suburban Courthouses, etc.) in Cook County.
  • Will be prosecuting under the Criminal Code of the State of Illinois.
  • Expected to work closely with multiple law enforcement agencies and represent the People of the State of Illinois in hearings and trials
  • Able to work well with people from diverse communities, work independently, have excellent time management skills and be self-initiating.
  • Able to effectively communicate the mission and values of the CCSAO to members of the community.
  • Will litigate motions, petitions, bench and jury trials and all functions related to the aforementioned trials
  • Work with witnesses and victims to prepare for testimony
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:
  • Applicants must possess a law degree (J.D.) from an accredited law school
  • Be either a member in good standing with the Illinois bar, or eligible for admission to Illinois bar on Motion (reciprocity)
  • Must have 6-10 years of criminal law experience
  • Must have 3-5 years of criminal trial experience
  • Must understand and meet all deadlines
  • Knows and understands the elements of felony offenses and evidentiary rules
  • Excellent legal research and legal writing abilities
  • Demonstrate the ability to articulate sound legal arguments both orally and in writing, as well as articulate the rationale for decisions made
  • A solid work ethic and show attention to detail and accountability
  • Ability to make appropriate charging decisions in felony matters through preliminary hearings or indictment before the Grand Jury of Cook County
  • Ability to work independently as well as be part of a team, including courtroom personnel
  • Managing Discovery

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:
  • 4-6 years of criminal practice
  • 3-6 years of prosecutorial practice
  • 3-6 years trial experience either at the misdemeanor or felony level
  • Ability to run a daily court call

Working Environment:
In this role, the Assistant State's Attorney will be assigned to cover geographical areas (i.e. Chicago, Suburban Courthouses, etc.) in Cook County. The Assistant State's Attorney will be prosecuting under the Criminal Code of the State of Illinois. The Assistant State's Attorney will be required to manage misdemeanor, felony and traffic caseloads. The Assistant State's Attorney will also handle preliminary hearings, grand jury indictments, and bond hearings for felony cases. The Assistant State's Attorney will be expected to work closely with multiple law enforcement agencies and represent the People of the State of Illinois in hearings and trials. The Assistant State's Attorney must be able to work well with people from diverse communities, work independently, have excellent time management skills and be self-initiating. The Assistant State's Attorney must be able to effectively communicate the mission and values of the CCSAO to members of the community.
Physical Requirements:
Light work. Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may be very little, a job is in this category when it requires a good deal of walking or standing, or when it involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls. To be considered capable of performing a full or wide range of light work, you must have the ability to do substantially all these activities. If someone can do light work, we determine that he or she can also do sedentary work, unless there are additional limiting factors such as loss of fine dexterity or inability to sit for long periods of time.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
EEO Message: The Cook County State's Attorney's Office (CCSAO) is an equal opportunity employer, which seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The CCSAO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Upon request, the CCSAO will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals due to a disability or pregnancy. The EEOP report can be found on our website at www.cookcountystatesattorney.org.
Benefits
At Cook County, we believe in investing in you, our valued employee. We understand that your well-being directly impacts the quality of service we provide to our community. That's why we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial stability, and work-life balance. Here's a snapshot of what we offer:
Choose from a variety of medical, dental, and vision plans to best suit your lifestyle and needs. We provide a robust Paid Time Off (PTO) program, including vacation, personal, and sick leave, as well as 13 paid holidays. As a public service employer, our employees may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Our Employee Assistance Program offers confidential counseling and referral services to help you navigate life's challenges. And of course, a pension plan through Cook County.
Follow this link to the Cook County Benefits and this link to Cook County Pension Fund if you want to learn more about our amazing benefit coverage. The CCSAO does not provide relocation assistance.