Assistant State's Attorney, Behavioral Health

Cook County State's Attorney Office • Chicago, IL

9d

About The Position

An ASA in the Behavioral Health Unit is responsible for the prosecution of violent crimes involving mental health related issues, including cases specifically assigned to the ASA, as well as cases assigned in collaboration with the Felony Trial Division and Special Victims Unit of the CCSAO. In addition to criminal matters, the ASA also conducts civil involuntary treatment and involuntary commitment hearings and assists in the filing and presenting of writs of detention and examination and firearms restraining orders in mental health court.

Requirements

• J.D. and be licensed to practice law in Illinois
• Significant trial experience
• 7 years criminal, civil, or mental health litigation experience.
• Superior time management skills
• Excellent judgment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in both civil mental health litigation and criminal litigation.
• Working knowledge of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code and the Criminal Code, with special attention to the Fitness and Sanity statutes.
• Working knowledge of the Firearms Restraining Order and Writs of Examination and Detention statutes.

Responsibilities

• Assigned throughout Cook County to prosecute Murder and Class X felonies on cases involving fitness, sanity and mental health related issues, including post NGRI litigation
• Assigned to partner with ASAs throughout the County in the Felony Trial Division and Special Victims Unit on cases involving fitness, sanity and mental health related issues, including post NGRI litigation
• Provide guidance to ASAs throughout the CCSAO on fitness, sanity, post NGRI and other mental health related issues
• Provide training to CCSAO personnel on fitness, sanity, post NGRI and other mental health related issues
• Provide on call assistance to Felony Review on cases involving fitness, sanity or other mental health related issues
• Manage weekly Cermak mental health proceedings and provide updates to ASAs assigned to related criminal matters
• Litigate Involuntary Treatment and Involuntary Commitment Petitions/Hearings
• Prepare and present filings and hearings on writs of Examination and Detention and Firearm Restraining Orders
• Mentor and train ASAs in the BHU
• Other duties as assigned

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: No Education Listed