Job Title: Paralegal I
Reports to: Office Manager
Level: Entry/Union/Full-Time
Salary: $55,058
Grade/Step 14
Location: Leighton Criminal Courthouse
Bureau: Administrative Services
Application Deadline: July 11, 2024
General Description: Responsible for the paralegal functions of the Assistant State’s Attorneys assigned to the Felony Trial Division
Working Environment: Low noise, working with others, hybrid work possible, onsite if court is required consistently. Length of shift.
Physical Requirements:
Light Work: 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.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Research cases for attorneys, using both online research (LEXIS) and library resources.
- Perform additional research using CRIMES, Clerks, Leads, Illinois Department of Corrections, and the Cook County Department of Corrections websites.
- Abstract transcripts and complex pleadings
- Proofread charging instruments and prepare redacted material.
- Assist in the preparation and filing of motions and other pleadings.
- Review and annotate digital media.
- Produce exhibits for litigation.
- Request, monitor the status of, and package discovery for tendering to the defense.
- Organize physical and digital files.
- Assist attorneys with the preparation and presentation of evidence at evidentiary hearings.
- Interact regularly with State’s Attorney’s Office employees and personnel of outside agencies.
- Maintain confidentiality of information and systems.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required
- The candidate must have an Associate’s degree or higher in paralegal studies or a similar field
- The candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task.
- Experience in clerical and research support services including but not limited to document preparation and review, interviewing clients and witnesses, research, investigations, and fact-checking, and trial preparation
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word applications and LEXIS required.
Preferred
- A Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved program.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 Suite, such as SharePoint, TEAMS, Outlook, Planner, and List, CRIMES, NICE Evidence Management Systems and Clerks preferred.
Equal Employment Opportunity
At the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO), we champion diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusivity! We are passionately committed to building a team that represents a wealth of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Our strength lies in our diversity, and we actively seek, develop, and cherish talent from all walks of life.
We're proud to say that we stand firmly against discrimination of any kind—whether it's based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. At CCSAO, everyone is welcome.
And, we're not just about saying it—we're about living it! If you’re a qualified individual who requires reasonable accommodation based on religion, disability, or pregnancy, please let us know. At CCSAO, we’re all about empowering our team to shine.
Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants that are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran may contact the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office coordinators via email at hr.sao@cookcountyil.gov and arrange for an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.
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.
Follow this link to the Cook County Benefits and this link to Cook County Pension Fund if you want to learn more about our amazing benefit coverage. The CCSAO does not provide relocation assistance.
Covid
Recent developments have allowed for the lifting of general orders related to COVID-19, however, all applicants if hired will need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit request for reasonable accommodation prior to the start of. Selected candidates may make a request for accommodation during the Pre-Boarding meeting, or at any time during the on-boarding process.