Should you have any questions concerning: 

The Administrative Services Bureau, please call 312-603-1880 

or email to HRCC.SAO@cookcountyil.gov

Legal hiring for State Attorneys can be directed to

atty.hire@cookcountyil.gov

 
Careers At Cook County State's Attorney Office

Welcome to the Cook County State's Attorney Office Job Board. As one of the largest legal services providers in the nation employing over 700 attorneys, we are committed to not only upholding the law and safeguarding the rights of all citizens, but also fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the community we serve.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your career, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office provides a wealth of opportunities to make a difference and serve the community. We are looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about justice, equity, and public service.

Our Job Board is regularly updated with opportunities across a range of roles, from legal and administrative to investigative. Each role is integral to our mission and contributes significantly to our office's effectiveness.

By joining our team, you will be part of a dynamic workforce that values integrity, professionalism, and collaboration. You will have the chance to work on meaningful cases, learn from experienced colleagues, and contribute to creating a safer and more just Cook County.

Explore our current openings below and find where you fit in our mission to pursue justice and serve the public.

Our Mission
To do justice in the pursuit of thriving, healthy, and safe communities.

Our Vision:
We're committed to creating a safer, stronger Cook County. That means approaching every case with integrity, demanding accountability, and increasing our presence in the community. Our success is not measured convictions. We believe in doing what's right - fighting for the best, fairest outcomes, whatever form that takes. It's our responsibility to address the historic inequities in our justice system. Everyone deserves a fair shot at justice, regardless of their zip code, paycheck, or the color of their skin.


Clicking on the links below will redirect you to ClearCompany for application submission.


 

 

February 2027 Bar Taker

Department: Bar Taker
Office: 69 W. Washington
Location: Chicago, IL
Reports to:
Classification:
Entry Range:

This application is for law students who plan to graduate at the conclusion of the Fall 2026 semester and plan to sit for the February 2027 Bar Exam

If you are looking to devote your career to working with a nationally recognized litigation team, apply to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office as a future Assistant State’s Attorney (ASA). The Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney is the second largest county prosecution office in the country — employing more than 700 lawyers.

The legal staff is diverse and reflective of the community it serves. CCSAO is looking for candidates with varied experience. Some factors we may consider are:

  • Favorable Academic Standing (GPA of 2.5 and above) at an ABA-accredited law school
  • Excellent Writing Ability
  • Law School Activities- i.e. Mock Trial Competition or Moot Court, Trial Team
  • Course Selections - i.e., Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, Trial Advocacy, Appellate Advocacy, Clinical courses, etc.
  • Documented interest in public service and/or criminal law
  • Highest standards of professional and personal integrity

A completed application consists of:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Official or un-official transcript (self-prepared transcripts will not be accepted)
  • One legal writing sample (not to exceed 5 pages)

Deadline to apply is September 30, 2026.

Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis through the end of the Fall 2026 semester. Written offers may not be sent out until December 2026.

Applicants must sit for and pass the MPRE and February 2027 Bar Exam to remain with the office. The start date for this role is March 2027. This is a full-time role with benefits.

The current salary for Bar Takers is $61,320. The current salary for new ASAs (after passage of the bar exam and admission to the IL Bar) is $96,608. Employment with the office is contingent on successfully passing the MPRE and February 2027 Bar Exam as well as being admitted and sworn into the Illinois Bar.

Assignments are made based upon the staffing needs of the office. Bar Takers may be assigned to suburban courthouses or a Chicago branch court outside of their commuting preferences. Applicants must be prepared to be assigned to any CCSAO location in Cook County and must arrange transportation, either by car or by public transportation, to that assignment if necessary.

The CCSAO does not provide relocation assistance.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office does not sponsor H1-B work visa petitions.

Physical Requirements: (a) Sedentary work. Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally, and other sedentary criteria are met.

Equal Employment Opportunity: 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 www.cookcountystatesattorney.org.

 

 

 

Any problems with your application can be directed towards HRCC.SAO@Cookcountyil.gov

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