Principal Assistant State's Attorney - Felony

Lake County•Waukegan, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lake County Government’s Criminal Division of the State’s Attorney’s Office is seeking an experienced attorney for its Felony Trial Division. The role handles a felony caseload involving status hearings, plea negotiations, motion practice, and trials. Criminal trial experience is required. The office offers flexible scheduling and the ability to work remotely one day per week. The position conducts felony bench and jury trials, manages a felony court call, performs felony motion practice and comprehensive legal research, and handles post-conviction petitions. The attorney works with victim/witness counselors to prepare victims and witnesses, including law enforcement witnesses, and interacts with law enforcement agencies, colleagues, and judges. The role also takes direction from supervisors and may include mentoring less experienced attorneys. Candidates must be licensed to practice in Illinois and have at least three years of licensure with significant criminal-law experience. A Juris Doctor from an American Bar Association-approved law school is required. Prior prosecution experience is preferred. Successful candidates demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, strategic-thinking, organizational, and time-management skills, sound judgment, initiative, adaptability, dependability, and punctuality. They must be able to use technology, including courtroom technology and presentation tools. Employment offers are contingent on successful completion of background screening and drug testing. Lake County is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association-approved law school.
License to practice law in the State of Illinois.
At least three years of licensure with significant experience in criminal law.
Criminal trial experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of criminal law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
Ability to analyze facts, exercise sound judgment, determine appropriate case resolutions, and litigate in a courtroom.
Ability to understand and use technology, including computer and courtroom technology and courtroom presentations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent oral and written communication; strategic thinking; organization; attention to detail; initiative; adaptability; dependability; and punctuality.

Nice To Haves

Prior work in prosecution is preferable.

Responsibilities

Conduct felony bench and jury trials.
Manage a felony court call and felony caseload, including status hearings and plea negotiations.
Conduct felony motion practice.
Perform comprehensive legal research.
Work with State’s Attorney’s Office victim/witness counselors to prepare victims and witnesses, including law enforcement witnesses.
Interact effectively with law enforcement agencies, colleagues, and judges.
Handle post-conviction petitions.
Take direction from supervisors.
Mentor less experienced attorneys in the office.
Maintain effective time management and self-motivation.