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State Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Deputy State's Attorney

Sturgis, SD · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

State's Attorney Posting: #26-06 Posting Type: Internal & Open Announcement Closing Date: Open Until Filled Starting Wage: $85,513.17 Wage Grade 22 Full-time position with Benefit Package JOB SUMMARY ...

Deputy State's Attorney

Sturgis, SD · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

State's Attorney Posting: #26-06 Posting Type: Internal & Open Announcement Closing Date: Open Until Filled Starting Wage: $85,513.17 Wage Grade 22 Full-time position with Benefit Package JOB SUMMARY ...

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State Attorney information

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$53.5K

$118.9K

$193K

How much do state attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for state attorney in the United States is $118,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a State Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a strong foundation in criminal and civil law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management systems, is typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and negotiation skills help distinguish outstanding State Attorneys. These competencies are crucial for effectively prosecuting cases, upholding justice, and ensuring the fair application of the law.

What are State Attorneys?

State Attorneys are public officials who represent the government in prosecuting criminal cases within a specific jurisdiction, usually at the county or district level within a state. They are responsible for deciding which cases to pursue, presenting evidence in court, and ensuring justice is served according to the law. State Attorneys work closely with law enforcement agencies, victims, and the courts throughout the legal process. Their role is critical in maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law within their communities.

What is the difference between State Attorney vs District Attorney?

AspectState AttorneyDistrict Attorney
CredentialsJurisdictions vary; typically require a law degree and state bar admissionSimilar requirements; law degree and state bar admission
Work EnvironmentHandles criminal prosecutions at the state level within a specific state or regionProsecutes criminal cases within a district or county
Employer & IndustryState government, legal systemCounty government, legal system
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared with District Attorney regarding jurisdiction and scope

The main difference between a State Attorney and a District Attorney lies in their jurisdiction. A State Attorney typically oversees criminal prosecutions across an entire state or large region, while a District Attorney focuses on prosecuting cases within a specific district or county. Both roles require similar legal credentials and work within the public sector, but their scope and jurisdiction differ.

What are some common challenges faced by State Attorneys when managing a high caseload?

State Attorneys often manage a large number of cases simultaneously, which requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Balancing court appearances, case preparation, and collaboration with law enforcement can be demanding, especially when cases are complex or high-profile. Time management and adaptability are crucial, as new information or urgent matters may require shifting attention quickly. Developing efficient workflows and relying on support staff or colleagues for casework collaboration can help alleviate some of these pressures.
More about State Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for State Attorney jobs? Cities with the most State Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of State Attorney jobs? The most popular types of State Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most State Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for State Attorney jobs include:
Assistant State's Attorney, Civil Actions Bureau

Assistant State's Attorney, Civil Actions Bureau

Cook County State's Attorney's Office

Chicago, IL • On-site

$94K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Assistant State's Attorney, Civil Actions Bureau
Reports to: Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor of relevant section
Location: Daley Center
Bureau: Civil Actions Bureau
Division/Section: Placement in a particular section is dependent on level of experience and the needs of the Bureau.
Salary: $94,714-$171,292. Salary is provided by law; however, individual compensation is based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set and years and quality of experience. Any salary offered is determined by the Chief of Staff and is non-negotiable.
Note: The Cook County State's Attorney's Office does not sponsor H1-B work visa petitions.
General Description: The Civil Actions Bureau of the Cook County State's Attorney's Office is seeking an experienced civil litigation attorney to join our Bureau as an Assistant State's Attorney (ASA). We represent Cook County officials and employees in a wide array of litigation matters. Practice areas include advice and counsel, civil rights and torts defense, constitutional claims, labor & employment, medical malpractice defense, real estate tax matters, revenue recovery efforts, statutory litigation (including FOIA and FOID litigation and defense of County ordinances), transactions, and workers' compensation litigation. All of our practice groups are highly collegial and collaborative. ASAs handle their own matters, but never without the training and support they need to be successful. The Civil Actions Bureau is a great place both for experts in their substantive area of practice and those who are just beginning to develop a specific litigation skillset.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Will be assigned to defend Cook County officials and employees in any civil action filed against them in their official capacity.
  • May be assigned to initiate civil litigation or intervene on behalf of the SAO, or any other Cook County elected official.
  • Will litigate motions, petitions, bench and jury trials in federal and state court, as well as in front of administrative bodies.
  • Expected to work closely with multiple county agencies and officials to represent the office and the interests of Cook County.
  • Able to work well with people from diverse communities, work independently, have excellent time management skills and be self-initiating.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
All sections require:
  • 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 at least 6 years of litigation experience.
  • Must have at least 3 years of civil litigation experience.
  • Must have excellent organizational skills and meet all deadlines.
  • Must have excellent legal research and writing abilities.
  • Must demonstrate the ability to articulate sound legal arguments both orally and in writing, as well as articulate the rationale for decisions made.
  • Must manage discovery effectively and efficiently, including filing appropriate objections including motions to quash.
  • Must have a solid work ethic and show attention to detail and accountability.
  • Must have the ability to work independently as well as be part of a team, including support staff and non-attorney clients.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Significant litigation experience in the areas of law and forums in which we practice.
  • Institutional knowledge of one or more parts of Cook County government.
  • Experience representing government clients.
  • Experience with evidentiary hearings and preliminary injunctions.
  • Experience working on appeals.
  • Achievements demonstrating creative thinking and legal analysis.

Working Environment: In this role, the Assistant State's Attorney will be assigned to the Daley Center in Chicago, Illinois and will be expected to attend court virtually and in person as required by individual federal and state court judges and ALJs. An Assistant State's Attorney in the Civil Actions Bureau typically handles their case load independently, but with plentiful training and support, and a wealth of opportunities for collaboration.
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.