Principal Assistant State's Attorney - Felony

Lake County, Illinois; Waukegan (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling

Remote work 1 day/week

Job summary

Lake County Government seeks an experienced attorney for the Criminal Division of the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. The role focuses on felony trials, plea negotiations, and complex motions, with remote work available one day per week.

Qualified candidates will be licensed in Illinois with a JD from an ABA-approved school and at least three years in criminal law. The office emphasizes collaboration, research, and mentorship of junior attorneys.

Qualifications

• Requires JD from ABA-accredited law school.
• Licensed attorney in Illinois.
• Minimum 3 years of criminal law experience, preferably prosecutorial background.
• Must be able to analyze facts, use sound judgment, and litigate in court.

Responsibilities

• Conduct felony bench and jury trials.
• Manage felony court call and schedule.
• Perform felony motion practice and research.
• Mentor less experienced attorneys in the office.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Tech literacy

Education

Juris Doctorate

Illinois Bar license

Tools

Courtroom technology

Courtroom presentations

Job description

General Description

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package, and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

The Criminal Division of the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office is seeking an experienced attorney in our Felony Trial Division. Applicants should be prepared to handle a felony caseload that entails managing status hearings, plea negotiations, motion practice, and trials. Criminal trial experience is required for this role. The State’s Attorney’s Office offers flexible scheduling and the ability to work remotely one day per week.

Essential Functions

• Conducts felony bench and jury trials.
• Manages a felony court call.
• Takes direction from supervisors.
• Conducts felony motion practice.
• Performs comprehensive research.
• Works with SAO victim/witness counselors, preparing victims, witnesses, and law enforcement.
• Interacts effectively with law enforcement agencies, colleagues, and Judges.
• Handles post-conviction petitions.
• Maintains time management skills and is self-motivated.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must, at a minimum, meet the following qualifications:

• Licensed for a minimum of three years with significant experience in criminal law. Prior work in prosecution is preferable.
• Comprehensive knowledge of criminal law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
• Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment, determine appropriate case resolutions, and litigate in a courtroom.
• Willingness to mentor less experienced attorneys in the office.
• Ability to understand and utilize technology including, but not limited to, computer knowledge, courtroom technology, and courtroom presentations.

Competency: To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies.

• Candidates must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, and be able to practice strategic thinking.
• Organization, attention to detail, and sound judgment are required.
• Candidates must take initiative and be adaptable to changes in the work environment.
• Dependability and punctuality are imperative for success in this role.

Education and/or Other Requirements:

• Completion of a Juris Doctorate program from an American Bar Association-approved law school.
• Licensed Attorney in the State of Illinois.
• Licensed for a minimum of three years with significant experience in criminal law. Prior work in prosecution is preferable.

Supplemental Information

Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform the essential functions. This job description describes a general category of jobs. In order to meet the needs of Lake County Government or its departments, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those described above, and any duties are subject to change at any time.

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit ourProspective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening and drug testing.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.