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Cook County State'S Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Cook County State S Attorney information

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How much do cook county state's attorney jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook county state's attorney in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cook County State's Attorney?

A Cook County State's Attorney is an elected official who serves as the chief prosecutor for Cook County, Illinois. This office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state, representing the county in civil legal matters, and providing legal advice to county government agencies. The State's Attorney plays a key role in ensuring justice, public safety, and fair legal processes within the county. They oversee assistant state's attorneys and staff who handle a wide range of legal cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

What is the difference between Cook County State's Attorney vs Cook County Public Defender?

AspectCook County State's AttorneyCook County Public Defender
Primary RoleProsecutes criminal cases on behalf of the governmentDefends individuals who cannot afford private attorneys
Work EnvironmentProsecutor's office, courtrooms, legal officesPublic defender's office, courtrooms, legal offices
Required CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, license to practice lawJurisdiction-specific law degree, license to practice law
EmployerCook County governmentCook County government

The Cook County State's Attorney and Cook County Public Defender both work within the criminal justice system but serve different roles. The State's Attorney prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the government, while the Public Defender provides legal defense for those unable to afford private attorneys. Both positions require a law degree and legal licensure, and they operate within the same government environment, but their responsibilities are distinct.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cook County State's Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook County State's Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Illinois Bar, and a strong foundation in criminal and civil law. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and courtroom technology is essential. Exceptional communication, integrity, and decision-making skills help you stand out in this demanding legal role. These skills are crucial for ensuring effective prosecution, upholding justice, and maintaining public trust in the legal system.

What are some typical challenges faced by Assistant State's Attorneys in Cook County, and how can new hires successfully navigate them?

Assistant State's Attorneys in Cook County often face high caseloads and fast-paced court schedules, which can be challenging when balancing thorough case preparation with tight deadlines. New hires may also encounter complex legal issues and emotionally charged cases, requiring strong resilience and attention to detail. Successful adaptation involves proactive time management, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and maintaining open communication with investigators, victims, and other stakeholders. Building strong organizational skills and a supportive professional network within the office can help new attorneys excel and manage these challenges effectively.
What cities are hiring for Cook County State'S Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Cook County State'S Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Cook County State'S Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Cook County State'S 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.