State Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office (CCSAO) is a diverse and dedicated team of professionals committed to justice and safety for over five-million residents. As the second-largest prosecutor's office in the U.S., the CCSAO prosecutes criminal and regulatory violations across six bureaus and four units with a staff of over 1,200.

To uphold justice and public safety in Cook County by fairly, ethically, and effectively prosecuting crime, supporting victims, and protecting the rights of all residents.

We are seeking individuals who share our passion for justice, diversity, and the well-being of the community. Whether you are a legal professional, an investigator, or an administrative specialist, we value dedication, integrity, and a commitment to our values of accountability, respect, and fairness. Join our team if you are ready to make a tangible impact, work collaboratively, and uphold the principles of justice with unwavering dedication. At the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, your skills and values will help shape a safer and stronger Cook County.

Assistant State's Attorney, Criminal Division - Experienced

Job Title: Assistant State's Attorney – Experienced 5 + years, Criminal Prosecutions Bureau, Special Victims Bureau, Multi Jurisdiction Bureau

Reports to: Supervisor and Deputy Supervisors of the various Bureaus

Location: Criminal Prosecutions Bureau, Special Victims Bureau, Multi Jurisdiction 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, Special Victims Bureau, Multi Jurisdiction Bureau

Division/Unit: Varies

Note: The Cook County State's Attorney's Office does not sponsor H1-B work visa petitions or provide letters of support for employment. Employees must be able to work in the United States, without support, from the date of offer.

Note: This position is on-site, in-person.

Salary: $106,635 - $170,483. 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 non-negotiable.

General Description:

The Cook County State's Attorney Office is seeking experienced attorneys to join the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau, Special Victims Bureau, and the Multi Jurisdiction Bureau.

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 been a licensed attorney for 5-10 years
• Must have 2-5 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:

• 3-6 years of criminal practice
• 2-6 years of prosecutorial practice
• 2-6 years trial experience either at the misdemeanor or felony level
• Ability to run a daily court call

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 detention 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.

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.

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.

We are dedicated to ensuring fair treatment for all and fostering a diverse, professional, respectful workplace that reflects the communities of Cook County.