Criminal Division - Experienced - Assistant State's Attorney

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Who We Are

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.

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

Bureau: Criminal Prosecution’s Bureau

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.

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.

At the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO), we champion diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusivity! We are passionately committed to building a team that represents a wealth of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Our strength lies in our diversity, and we actively seek, develop, and cherish talent from all walks of life.

We're proud to say that we stand firmly against discrimination of any kind—whether it's based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. At CCSAO, everyone is welcome.

And, we're not just about saying it—we're about living it! If you’re a qualified individual who requires reasonable accommodation based on religion, disability, or pregnancy, please let us know. At CCSAO, we’re all about empowering our team to shine.

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.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ensures fair treatment for all, fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace that reflects Cook County's diverse communities.