Assistant State’s Attorney, Post-Conviction Unit

Assistant State’s Attorney, Post-Conviction Unit Job Title: Assistant State’s Attorney, Post-Conviction Unit Reports to: Deputy Supervisor, Post-Conviction Unit Grade/Step: AY2/101 to AY1/108L Salary: $129,924 – 174,718 (range if appropriate). Salary 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: Leighton Criminal Courthouse, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Municipal District Courthouses Bureau: Criminal Prosecutions Bureau Division: Post‑Trial Division Application Deadline: July 13, 2026 Note: This post is for a single open position as well as forming a pool of qualified candidates for future openings. Note: The Cook County State's Attorney's Office does not sponsor H1‑B work visa petitions. Position Description The Criminal Prosecutions Bureau is seeking an experienced Assistant State’s Attorney at the second chair or higher level to litigate post‑conviction matters assigned to courthouses throughout Cook County. This is a full‑time bargaining unit exempt position. Working Environment & Reporting Structure The Assistant State’s Attorney will manage a caseload of felony criminal and civil matters seeking collateral relief from criminal convictions and sentences imposed by the trial court. Responsibilities include conducting investigations, filing written pleadings, presenting oral arguments, and conducting evidentiary hearings under the guidance of the Post‑Conviction Unit Supervisor and senior post‑conviction attorneys. The ASA will directly report to the Deputy Supervisor of the Post‑Conviction Unit. Duties & Responsibilities Investigate constitutional claims such as actual innocence, ineffective assistance of counsel, police misconduct, and prosecutorial misconduct. Review collateral claims of constitutional violations in criminal prosecutions including due process/actual innocence, ineffective assistance of trial and appellate counsel, police misconduct, juvenile sentencing, and discovery violations to determine substantive merit. Investigate allegations by collaborating with investigators to interview potential witnesses, contacting former defense attorneys and prosecutors, locating surviving victims and/or family members of deceased victims, and keeping them informed of court proceedings. Research legal issues and draft motions to dismiss, answers, and other relevant legal pleadings. Present oral arguments to the trial court and collaborate with courtroom attorneys in preparing and presenting evidence at evidentiary hearings. Minimum Qualifications Possess a J.D. degree from an accredited law school. Second chair or higher equivalent experience. Significant criminal trial or civil litigation experience. Strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent legal writing ability, strong work ethic, accountability, and sound judgment. Commitment to uphold the mission and values of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Preferred Qualifications Prior post‑conviction litigation experience. Prior experience as a Trial Supervisor in the Felony Review Unit. Cover Letter Please address the following questions: Why are you interested in this particular role? What in your professional experience has prepared you to succeed in this role? How will you work to foster and maintain public trust in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office while upholding the mission, vision, and values of the Office in your dealings with attorneys, law enforcement partners, the judiciary, and other stakeholders? 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. The position requires a good deal of walking or standing, or involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls. The candidate must be capable of performing a full or wide range of light work. Equal Employment Opportunity The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office is an equal opportunity employer. We do 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, we will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals due to a disability or pregnancy. Benefits The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision plans; a robust paid time off program with vacation, personal, and sick leave, plus 13 paid holidays; eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness; an employee assistance program; and a pension plan through Cook County. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cook-County-State