Job Title: Assistant General Counsel
Reports to: General Counsel
Classification: Union Exempt
Job Location: 69 W. Washington, 32nd Flr. Chicago, IL
Grade / Step: AY1 101 – 108L (varies by experience)
Salary: $144,088 - $171,292. 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.
Application deadline: June 8, 2026
Note: The CCSAO does not sponsor H1-B work visa petitions.
Note: The CCSAO does not provide relocation assistance.
Job Summary
The Assistant General Counsel reports to the General Counsel, who also serves as an Ethics Officer. The Assistant General Counsel is responsible for providing quality and efficient legal services to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (“CCSAO”). This is a full-time bargaining exempt position.
Duties/Responsibilities
• Conducts legal research and completes tasks set forth by the General Counsel in an organized and thorough manner. Prioritization and deadlines will be established by the General Counsel.
• Assists the General Counsel in the management of litigation; monitors the CCSAO’s Civil Division, Special State’s Attorneys and outside counsel in litigation matters including the preparation, review and disclosure of all pleadings, discovery responses and materials, the coordination of witness preparation and deposition testimony, oversees all trial preparation, filings and litigation.
• Assists in reviewing responses to requests for records submitted by the public pursuant to FOIA and ensures that the CCSAO’s response to all requests are compliant with FOIA and state/federal laws. The Assistant General Counsel must successfully complete electronic FOIA training within 30 days after assuming the position. Thereafter, Assistant General Counsel must successfully complete the electronic training each year.
• May assists the FOIA unit with preparing written responses to the Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor (PAC)’s inquiries and formal Requests for Review.
• May assist the General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer in reviewing, updating and ensuring compliance with the CCSAO Ethics and/or Brady Giglio Policies.
• May assist with departmental disciplinary procedures and/or assists in establishing policies for employees.
• May assist in ensuring that internal CCSAO policies are in compliance with applicable regulatory rules, Cook County ordinances and statutes as required.
• Assists with contract compliance as it relates to CCSAO contracts, memorandum of understanding, intergovernmental agreements, and professional service agreements to ensure that the vendor and CCSAO are both complying with terms of the contract.
• May assist the Conflicts Counsel Unit as needed.
• Maintains confidentiality and ensure that the organization faithfully performs pursuant to federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, and ordinances. Adhere to the code of ethics and professionalism.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited institution. Must be licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.
• A minimum of five (5) years of legal experience and experience in the areas of both criminal and civil litigation.
Preferred Qualifications
• Seven (7) years of combined legal experience in the areas of Labor and Employment, Ethics, FOIA, Civil Litigation, Municipal, and/or Contract law.
• Previous experience with FOIA litigation or responding to FOIA requests.
• Knowledge of Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act laws, policies, and regulations.
• Experience working in the government contracts and procurement field.
• Labor and Employment Experience.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws.
Physical Requirements
The position requires the ability to stand or walk frequently, often for extended periods. You may need to lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 20 pounds regularly, and occasionally heavier items. The job may also involve a significant amount of walking or standing relative to sedentary roles.
Equal Employment Opportunity
EEO Message: 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.
Benefits
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.
Please consult the Cook County website for more information about Cook County Benefits and the Cook County Pension Fund website to learn more about our amazing benefit coverage.