Assistant State's Attorney, Criminal Division - Experienced

Cook County State's Attorney's Office•Chicago, IL
•$106,635 - $170,483•Onsite

About The Position

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office is hiring experienced attorneys for its Criminal Prosecutions Bureau, Special Victims Bureau, and Multi Jurisdiction Bureau. The Assistant State’s Attorney will be assigned to geographical areas in Cook County, including Chicago and suburban courthouses, and must be prepared to work at any CCSAO location in the county. This is an on-site, in-person position prosecuting cases under the Criminal Code of the State of Illinois. The role includes managing misdemeanor, felony, and traffic caseloads; handling preliminary hearings, grand jury indictments, and felony detention hearings; and litigating motions, petitions, bench trials, and jury trials. The attorney will work closely with law enforcement agencies, witnesses, and victims, and represent the People of the State of Illinois in hearings and trials. The position requires effective communication with diverse communities, independent judgment, time management, initiative, and the ability to communicate the CCSAO’s mission and values. The listed salary range is $106,635–$170,483. Individual compensation depends on factors including the candidate’s skill set and the years and quality of experience; any salary offered is non-negotiable. The CCSAO does not sponsor H-1B work visa petitions or provide employment-support letters, and employees must be able to work in the United States without support from the date of offer. The office does not provide relocation assistance.

Requirements

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
  • Must be a member in good standing of the Illinois Bar or eligible for admission to the Illinois Bar on motion (reciprocity).
  • Must have been a licensed attorney for 5–10 years.
  • Must have 2–5 years of criminal trial experience.
  • Understand the elements of felony offenses and evidentiary rules.
  • Excellent legal research and legal writing abilities.
  • Ability to articulate sound legal arguments orally and in writing, and explain the rationale for decisions.
  • Solid work ethic, attention to detail, and accountability.
  • Ability to make appropriate charging decisions in felony matters through preliminary hearings or grand jury indictment.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to manage discovery and meet deadlines.
  • Strong time-management skills, initiative, and ability to work effectively with people from diverse communities.

Nice To Haves

  • 3–6 years of criminal practice.
  • 2–6 years of prosecutorial practice.
  • 2–6 years of trial experience at the misdemeanor or felony level.
  • Ability to run a daily court call.

Responsibilities

  • Cover assigned geographical areas in Cook County, including Chicago and suburban courthouses.
  • Prosecute cases under the Criminal Code of the State of Illinois.
  • Manage misdemeanor, felony, and traffic caseloads.
  • Handle preliminary hearings, grand jury indictments, and detention hearings for felony cases.
  • Litigate motions and petitions, and conduct bench and jury trials and related trial functions.
  • Work closely with multiple law enforcement agencies.
  • Represent the People of the State of Illinois in hearings and trials.
  • Work with witnesses and victims to prepare them for testimony.
  • Make appropriate charging decisions in felony matters through preliminary hearings or Cook County grand jury indictment.
  • Manage discovery and meet all deadlines.
  • Communicate the CCSAO’s mission and values to members of the community.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

  • Medical insurance plans.
  • Dental insurance plans.
  • Vision insurance plans.
  • Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave.
  • 13 paid holidays.
  • Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
  • Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling and referral services.
  • Cook County pension plan.

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What This Job Offers

Job Type

Full-time

Career Level

Senior

Education Level

Ph.D. or professional degree

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