Assistant State�s Attorney, Clinical Forensics and Behavioral Health Unit

Cook County State's Attorney Office • Chicago, IL

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Clinical Forensics and Behavioral Health Unit (CFBHU) is seeking an Assistant State's Attorney to prepare and litigate emergency orders of detention and examination, prosecute civil petitions for involuntary commitment and involuntary treatment, and provide trainings on mental health law and available resources to the public, law enforcement, and medical personnel. Assistant State's Attorneys assigned to the CFBHU will report directly to the Deputy Supervisor of the Unit and will work in conjunction with all members of the CFBHU. The primary responsibility of the Behavioral Health section of the CFBHU is to prepare and litigate civil mental health cases. Other responsibilities include working collaboratively with hospitals, police departments, mental health service providers, and civilians involved in the mental health court system. The CFBHU unit also provides training and community outreach on mental health services provided by our office. This assignment includes litigating civil mental health cases. In this role, the ASA will be expected to vertically prosecute cases and will therefore be responsible for coordinating with hospitals to provide patient updates to the court on involuntary commitment and involuntary treatment cases filed in Cook County, reviewing medical records and related documents in preparation for trial on involuntary commitment and involuntary treatment cases, conducting witness interviews to ascertain facts of case, preparing lay and expert witnesses for hearing, assembling case files, litigating pre-trial hearings, filing or responding to pre-trial motions, and handling all related court matters including subpoenas, testimony, and hearings to completion. The role also involves drafting legal documents including memorandums, motions, responses, petitions, orders, and briefs, coordinating with crisis intervention trained law enforcement officers, social workers, and Mental Health Service Provider partner agencies on cases when appropriate, and providing community outreach and citizen trainings on issues of mental health.

Requirements

• Must possess a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
• Must be a member in good standing with the Illinois bar
• Must have six to ten years of experience
• Must uphold the law, support victims, and protect the rights of all-fairly, ethically and effectively

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience working on cases involving mental health issues
• Experience interviewing witnesses and medical professionals
• Significant trial experience

Responsibilities

• Prepare and litigate emergency orders of detention and examination
• Prosecute civil petitions for involuntary commitment and involuntary treatment
• Provide trainings on mental health law and available resources to the public, law enforcement, and medical personnel
• Work collaboratively with hospitals, police departments, mental health service providers, and civilians involved in the mental health court system
• Coordinate with hospitals to provide patient updates to the court on involuntary commitment and involuntary treatment cases
• Review medical records and related documents in preparation for trial on involuntary commitment and involuntary treatment cases
• Conduct witness interviews to ascertain facts of case
• Prepare lay and expert witnesses for hearing
• Assemble case files
• Litigate pre-trial hearings
• File or respond to pre-trial motions
• Handle all related court matters including subpoenas, testimony, and hearings to completion
• Draft legal documents including memorandum, motions, responses, petitions, orders and briefs
• Coordinate with crisis intervention trained law enforcement officers, social workers and Mental Health Service Provider partner agencies on cases when appropriate
• Provide community outreach and citizen trainings on issues of mental health

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Robust Paid Time Off (PTO) program, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 13 paid holidays
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program eligibility
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential counseling and referral services)
• Pension plan through Cook County

What This Job Offers

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