Assistant State's Attorney, Conflicts Counsel

Cook County State's Attorney Office • Chicago, IL

11d

About The Position

The Conflicts Counsel Unit (CCU) of the Cook County States Attorney (CCSAO) is seeking an Assistant States Attorney (ASA) to litigate a variety of civil lawsuits including, but not limited to Section 1983 Civil Rights, employment, tort, medical malpractice, complex class actions, and the Freedom of Information Act cases. Primarily, the position will involve defending Cook County, its agencies, and its employees in a variety of civil matters in both state and federal court. This is a full-time bargaining unit exempt position.

Requirements

• Three (3) or more years of litigation experience in federal and/or state court whether at the trial or appellate level.
• Knowledge of both federal and state civil practice and procedure.
• Some experience dealing with complex legal issues, preferably involving constitutional issues and/or municipal law.
• Excellent judgment and discretion in matters of great importance and sensitivity.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, a solid work ethic, attention to detail, accountability, and interpersonal skills.
• Must have a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and be licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.
• Additionally, the candidate should be eligible to be admitted to the General Bar and Trial Bar of the Northern District of Illinois.

Nice To Haves

• Five (5) or more years of litigation experience in federal and/or state court whether at the trial or appellate level.
• Familiar with various areas of law practiced in the CCU. These areas include tort litigation; civil rights; federal and state constitutional law; class actions; labor and employment law; medical malpractice; workers compensation and civil governmental practice;
• Substantial experience in fast-paced, high-profile litigation; and/or Experience drafting pleadings and briefs in state and/or federal court.
• Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act and the Illinois Attorney Generals training and guidelines to FOIA.

Responsibilities

• ASA is expected to manage a full case load of matters in both federal and state court, as well as before Illinois state agencies, such as the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
• ASA opens new files; reviews laterally transferred files; investigates claims; obtains and reviews documents; prepares client communications; communicates with clients and witnesses; files appearances; obtains and reviews documentary evidence and records; prepares internal legal memorandum; prepares case summaries for clients; drafts, reviews and files pleadings; prepares motions, conducts written and oral discovery including depositions and expert depositions; argues in the trial court; prepares dispositive motions; prepares for and conducts settlement conferences; prepares for and tries jury trials and arbitrations in state and federal court and, if necessary, defends and prosecutes appeals.
• The ASA is also called upon to work on various special projects, often involving complex matters in various courts and divisions of the Cook County Circuit Court and the Northern District of Illinois.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree