Entry-Level Assistant State’s Attorney – Prosecution

Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 97,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO (vacation, sick)

PSLF program

Employee Assistance Program

Pension plan

13 paid holidays

Job summary

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in Chicago seeks an entry level Assistant State’s Attorney to join the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau, Special Victims Bureau, and Juvenile Justice Bureau. You will prosecute misdemeanors, traffic and juvenile delinquency cases and support the People of the State of Illinois in hearings and trials.

This in-person role requires a J.D. from an accredited law school, admission to the Illinois bar by Nov 2026, and strong legal research and writing abilities.

Qualifications

• Must possess a law degree (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Be a member in good standing with the Illinois bar or scheduled for admission to the Illinois bar in November 2026.
• Excellent legal research and legal writing abilities.
• Demonstrate the ability to articulate sound legal arguments both orally and in writing.
• A solid work ethic and show attention to detail and accountability.
• Ability to work independently as well as be part of a team, including courtroom personnel.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute matters under the Criminal Code of the State of Illinois.
• Manage misdemeanor, traffic, and juvenile delinquency caseloads; review evidence for felony charges; handle preliminary hearings, grand jury indictments, and detention hearings.
• Work closely with multiple law enforcement agencies and represent the People of the State of Illinois in hearings and trials.
• Work well with people from diverse communities, work independently, have excellent time management skills and be self-initiating.
• Effectively communicate the mission and values of the CCSAO to members of the community.
• Litigate motions, petitions, bench and jury trials and all functions related to the aforementioned trials.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Independent work

Team collaboration

Time management

Communication skills

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Illinois bar admission by Nov 2026

Job description

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in Chicago seeks an entry level Assistant State’s Attorney to join the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau, Special Victims Bureau, and Juvenile Justice Bureau. You will prosecute misdemeanors, traffic and juvenile delinquency cases and support the People of the State of Illinois in hearings and trials.

This in-person role requires a J.D. from an accredited law school, admission to the Illinois bar by Nov 2026, and strong legal research and writing abilities.