Assistant State’s Attorney, Child Protection Division

Cook County State's Attorney's Office•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to the Child Protection Division manages a daily court call and handles all aspects of a caseload of child protection matters. These matters include adjudication of abuse, neglect, and dependency petitions; termination of parental rights trials; extensive motion practice; and permanency hearings. The position is full-time, on-site, and based at 1100 S. Hamilton Avenue, 6th Floor, Chicago, Illinois. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the office does not sponsor work visas. The role involves reviewing records and documentation concerning child abuse and neglect, preparing cases and witnesses for trial and related hearings, and litigating child protection proceedings. The attorney regularly works with court participants, families, public agencies, professionals, and community providers to support outcomes for children and families. The position reports directly to the Child Protection Supervisor and collaborates with division and bureau leadership and other partners. The position requires a Juris Doctor from an accredited institution and at least three years of experience as a licensed attorney. Candidates should have prior litigation experience, significant legal writing experience, or prior work in child welfare or social work; a strong interest in child protection and/or family law; and an understanding of and commitment to family reunification principles. Physical requirements are classified as light work, including lifting up to 20 pounds, frequent lifting or carrying of objects up to 10 pounds, and potentially substantial walking or standing. The listed salary range is $101,509–$162,348. Salary ranges are provided by law, and individual compensation depends on factors such as skills and the years and quality of experience. Any salary offered is non-negotiable. The employer does not provide relocation assistance.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited institution.
At least three years of experience as a licensed attorney.
Prior litigation experience, significant legal writing experience, or prior work in the child welfare or social work field.
Strong interest in child protection and/or family law.
Understanding of and commitment to family reunification principles.
Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the employer does not sponsor work visas.
Ability to perform light work, including lifting up to 20 pounds at a time and frequently lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds; the role may involve substantial walking or standing.

Responsibilities

Manage the daily court call and handle a caseload of child protection matters.
Review DCFS and social service agency documentation, as well as medical, psychiatric, school, and law enforcement records related to child abuse and neglect petitions.
Interview and prepare witnesses and develop child protection cases for trials and related hearings.
Conduct regular litigation, including motion practice, adjudication trials, termination of parental rights trials, and permanency hearings throughout child protection proceedings.
Interact in and outside of court with victims, DCFS investigators, social workers, foster care caseworkers, judges, law enforcement, family members, foster parents, service providers, clinicians, community representatives, and medical and mental health professionals to achieve the best outcomes for children and families.
Collaborate regularly with the Child Protection Supervisor, Child Protection Division Chief, Juvenile Justice Bureau Chief, fellow division attorneys, DCFS personnel, juvenile courthouse partners, and community service providers.
Represent the mission, vision, and values of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office as an advocate and emissary.