Assistant State's Attorney

Illinois State Bar Association; Vandalia (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The State’s Attorney’s Office is seeking an Assistant State’s Attorney to join a busy prosecutorial team. The role offers opportunities to handle a broad range of criminal matters, gain substantial courtroom experience, and serve the community by seeking justice while protecting victims, defendants, and the public.

The successful candidate must be able to work independently in a high-volume environment, make sound decisions under pressure, and manage multiple cases with competing deadlines.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed attorney in the State of Illinois.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload and work effectively under pressure.
• Excellent judgment, integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical legal practice.

Responsibilities

• Review, evaluate, and prosecute felony and misdemeanor criminal cases.
• Conduct arraignments, bond hearings, preliminary hearings, motions, status hearings, and trials.
• Prepare charging documents, motions, pleadings, discovery, and other legal documents.
• Analyze police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and other investigative materials.
• Communicate professionally with law enforcement, victims, witnesses, defense counsel, judges, and justice-system partners.
• Meet with victims and witnesses and provide information regarding the prosecution process.

Skills

Legal research

Writing

Analytical thinking

Oral advocacy

Caseload management

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Position Overview:

The State’s Attorney’s Office is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated Assistant State’s Attorney to join our busy and fast-paced prosecutorial team. This position offers an opportunity to handle a broad range of criminal matters, gain substantial courtroom experience, and serve the community by seeking justice while protecting the rights of victims, defendants, and the public. The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently in a high-volume environment, making sound decisions under pressure, and managing multiple cases and competing deadlines. Strong communication skills, professionalism, sound legal judgment, and a commitment to ethical prosecution are essential.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Review, evaluate, and prosecute felony and misdemeanor criminal cases.
• Conduct arraignments, bond hearings, preliminary hearings, motions, status hearings, and trials.
• Prepare charging documents, motions, pleadings, discovery, and other legal documents.
• Analyze police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and other investigative materials.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with law enforcement, victims, witnesses, defense counsel, judges, and other justice-system partners.
• Meet with victims and witnesses and provide appropriate information regarding the prosecution process.
• Conduct legal research and prepare written and oral arguments.
• Negotiate plea agreements consistent with office policies, applicable law, and the interests of justice.
• Manage a substantial and diverse caseload while meeting statutory and court-imposed deadlines.
• Maintain accurate case files and comply with discovery and disclosure obligations.
• Participate in trial preparation and present cases in court.
• Exercise independent judgment while working collaboratively with prosecutors, investigators, and support staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the State’s Attorney or supervisory attorneys.

Qualifications Required:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed attorney in the State of Illinois
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload and work effectively under pressure.
• Excellent judgment, integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical legal practice.
• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, law enforcement, court personnel, victims, witnesses, and members of the public.

Preferred:

• Prior criminal prosecution or criminal defense experience.
• Trial or significant courtroom experience.
• Experience handling high-volume litigation.
• Knowledge of criminal procedure and evidence.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.