Assistant State’s Attorney, Conflicts Counsel

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office (CCSAO) is a diverse and dedicated team of professionals committed to justice and safety for over five-million residents. As the second-largest prosecutor's office in the U.S., the CCSAO prosecutes criminal and regulatory violations across six bureaus and four units with a staff of over 1,200.Our MissionTo uphold justice and public safety in Cook County by fairly, ethically, and effectively prosecuting crime, supporting victims, and protecting the rights of all residents.Who We Are Looking ForWe are seeking individuals who share our passion for justice, diversity, and the well-being of the community. Whether you are a legal professional, an investigator, or an administrative specialist, we value dedication, integrity, and a commitment to our values of accountability, respect, and fairness. Join our team if you are ready to make a tangible impact, work collaboratively, and uphold the principles of justice with unwavering dedication. At the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, your skills and values will help shape a safer and stronger Cook County.Assistant State’s Attorney, Conflicts CounselReports to: Supervisor, Conflicts CounselGrade/Step: AYN/103 - AYN/119Salary: $97,568-$114,799 Salary range is provided by law; however, individual compensation is based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, years and quality of experience. Any salary offered is determined by the Chief of Staff and is non-negotiable.Location: Daley Center, 50 W. WashingtonBureau: Conflicts CounselDivision: CivilApplication Deadline: September 22, 2025Note: The Cook County State's Attorney's Office does not sponsor H1-B work visa petitions.Position Description: The Conflicts Counsel Unit (CCU) of the Cook County State’s Attorney(CCSAO) is seeking an Assistant State’s Attorney (ASA) to litigate a variety of civil lawsuitsincluding, but not limited to Section 1983 Civil Rights, employment, tort, medical malpractice,complex class actions, and the Freedom of Information Act cases. Primarily, the position willinvolve defending Cook County, its agencies, and its employees in a variety of civil matters inboth state and federal court. This is a full-time bargaining unit exempt position.Working Environment & Reporting Structure: The ASA reports directly to the Supervisorof the CCU and is expected to work collaboratively with their fellow ASAs, CCU clients andagency representatives.Duties/Requirements:ASA is expected to manage a full case load of matters in both federal and state court, as well as before Illinois state agencies, such as the Illinois Department of Human Rights.ASA opens new files; reviews laterally transferred files; investigates claims; obtains and reviews documents; prepares client communications; communicates with clients and witnesses; files appearances; obtains and reviews documentary evidence and records; prepares internal legal memorandum; prepares case summaries for clients; drafts, reviews and files pleadings; prepares motions, conducts written and oral discovery including depositions and expert depositions; argues in the trial court; prepares dispositive motions; prepares for and conducts settlement conferences; prepares for and tries jury trials and arbitrations in state and federal court and, if necessary, defends and prosecutes appeals.The ASA is also called upon to work on various special projects, often involving complex matters in various courts and divisions of the Cook County Circuit Court and the Northern District of Illinois.Minimum Qualifications:Three (3) or more years of litigation experience in federal and/or state court whether at the trial or appellate level.Knowledge of both federal and state civil practice and procedure. Some experience dealing with complex legal issues, preferably involving constitutional issues and/or municipal law.Excellent judgment and discretion in matters of great importance and sensitivity.Strong verbal and written communication skills, a solid work ethic, attention to detail, accountability, and interpersonal skills.Must have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and be licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.Additionally, the candidate should be eligible to be admitted to the General Bar and Trial Bar of the Northern District of Illinois.Preferred Qualifications:Five (5) or more years of litigation experience in federal and/or state court whether at the trial or appellate level.Familiar with various areas of law practiced in the CCU. These areas include tort litigation; civil rights; federal and state constitutional law; class actions; labor and employment law; medical malpractice; worker’s compensation and civil governmental practice;Substantial experience in fast-paced, high-profile litigation; and/orExperience drafting pleadings and briefs in state and/or federal court.Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act and the Illinois Attorney General’s training and guidelines to FOIA.Physical Requirements:Light work. Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may be very little, a job is in this category when it requires a good deal of walking or standing, or when it involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls. To be considered capable of performing a full or wide range of light work, you must have the ability to do substantially all these activities. If someone can do light work, we determine that he or she can also do sedentary work, unless there are additional limiting factors such as loss of fine dexterity or inability to sit for long periods of time.The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) is an equal opportunity employer, which seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The CCSAO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Upon request, the CCSAO will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals due to a disability or pregnancy. The EEOP report can be found on our website at Cook County, we believe in investing in you, our valued employee. We understand that your well-being directly impacts the quality of service we provide to our community. That's why we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial stability, and work-life balance. Here's a snapshot of what we offer: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.We are dedicated to ensuring fair treatment for all and fostering a diverse, professional, respectful workplace that reflects the communities of Cook County. Click below to learn more. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-22