Assistant State�s Attorney, Post-Conviction Unit

Cook County State's Attorney Office • Chicago, IL

8d • $127,376 - $171,292 • Onsite

About The Position

The Criminal Prosecutions Bureau of the Cook County States Attorneys Office is seeking an experienced Assistant States Attorneys at a 2nd chair or higher level, with felony review trial supervisor to litigate post-conviction matters assigned to courthouses through Cook County. This is a full-time bargaining unit exempt position.

Requirements

• Possess a J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Felony Second Chair or higher equivalent experience.
• Successfully completed a rotation as a trial supervisor in the Felony Review Unit.
• Significant criminal trial or civil litigation experience.
• Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent legal writing ability, a strong work ethic, accountability, and sound judgement.
• Must uphold the mission and values of the CCSAO at all times and support fellow ASA in doing the same.

Nice To Haves

• Prior post-conviction litigation experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Manage a case load of felony criminal and civil matters seeking collateral relief from criminal convictions and sentences imposed by the trial court.
• Conduct appropriate investigations, file written pleadings, present oral arguments, and conduct evidentiary hearings under the guidance of the Post Conviction Unit Supervisor and senior post-conviction ASAs.
• Investigate constitutional claims such as actual innocence, ineffective assistance of counsel, police misconduct, and prosecutorial misconduct.
• Review collateral claims of constitutional violations in criminal prosecutions including due process/actual innocence, ineffective assistance of trial and appellate counsel, police misconduct, juvenile sentencing, and discovery violations to determine whether claims have substantive merit
• Investigate allegations by working with investigators to interview potential witnesses, contacting former defense attorneys and prosecutors, locating surviving victims and/or family members of deceased victims and keeping them informed of court proceedings
• Research legal issues and draft motions to dismiss, answers, and other relevant legal pleadings
• Present oral arguments to the trial court as well as collaborate with courtroom ASAs and ASAs in other Bureaus in preparing and presenting evidence at evidentiary hearings.
• Be an effective advocate and emissary of the mission, vision and values of the Cook County States Attorneys Office both with ASAs as well as criminal justice stakeholders and partners.

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
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree