associate attorney

administrative assistant

attorney

administrative services

law clerk

Cook County States Attorneys Office

Summary: While the Cook County State's Attorney Office offers commendable benefits and the company of approachable colleagues, the experience is somewhat diminished by rigid management practices and a significant age difference within teams. This generational divide could potentially alienate younger employees seeking a relatable and collaborative work environment. Management could benefit from actively bridging this gap and fostering an inclusive atmosphere that leverages the strengths of a diverse workforce.

Pros:
•	The organization offers competitive benefits, which is a significant consideration for potential employees.
•	Many colleagues are great people, contributing to a more pleasant (yet superficial) day-to-day work experience.

Cons:
•	The office culture strongly favors adherence to established protocols, with little encouragement to explore alternative, potentially more effective problem-solving methods. This approach can limit the use of employees' expertise in preemptively addressing foreseeable issues, resulting in inefficiencies and frustrations when challenges arise that could have been mitigated or avoided.
•	Resistance to change is marked, with new ideas and approaches typically meeting with delay and reluctance, leading to a slow and often frustrating process for innovation and improvement.
•	The work culture is marred by a superficial veneer of friendliness that does not translate into genuine collegial support or emotional intelligence from leadership.
•	A noticeable disconnect between the leadership's jovial demeanor and the actual enjoyment and inclusion of the broader staff creates an environment that can feel disingenuous.
•	The organization has a notably seasoned workforce, which often means that younger employees may find themselves navigating a significant generational divide. In my experience, this has sometimes led to a feeling of disconnect from my colleagues, as common ground on interests and perspectives can be scarce. This generational gap can create a sense of disconnection, as finding relatable topics and shared perspectives may be more challenging, affecting the overall sense of belonging and team dynamics.


Assistant State's Attorney.  Senior Trial Attorney within the Public Interest Bureau.  Responsible for prosecuting putative fathers in paternity actions.  Responsible for the establishment of orders of parentage and orders of support.  Responsible for enforcement of orders of support in paternity and post-divorce proceedings.  Lead Attorney at several branch courts, which included training newly hired Assistant State's Attorneys.  Excellent litigation experience, including jury trials in first-chair capacity, bench trials, motion practice, and extensive oral and written discovery.  Undefeated in jury trial prosecution.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office is a wonderful place to work.  Immediate Court room exposure, including pretrial motions, discovery proceedings, access to private investigators and full blown jury trials.  WOW!  Excellent Training! 

Later, I was the sole Assistant State's Attorney assigned to the newly created Modification Review Unit, a Federal Demonstration Project, wherein the Cook County State's Attorney's Office collaborated with the Illinois Department of Public Aid (IDPA) to review and modify existing child support orders.  Close collaboration with the Managing Attorney for the IDPA MRU, as we essentially ushered in a new division for our respective offices.  Extensive income verification, including the use of private investigators.  Daily Courtroom hearings, frequently with opposing counsel, before the Presiding Judge.  The revenues generated from this Federal Demonstration Project greatly exceeded projections. Undefeated

The main issue affecting the work environment at the CCSAO is the wide age disparity in its workforce. The median age of the work force is in the 50s. There are so many older people in upper management and management in general it makes it hard to form connections and build good relationships with managers who are so out of touch with reality.  Then you factor in this weird divide between Assistant State’s Attorneys and administrative staff it’s hard to get anything done that crosses the barriers between the two. ASAs or at least the executive team above them have this “holier than thou” mentality and constantly belittle and look down on administrative staff when we’re just trying to do the essential functions outlined in the job description when we applied. But no…as soon as anyone on the ASA leadership side feels you’ve stepped out of line they try to secretly get you in trouble and begin targeting you over the littlest of mistakes. 


- Worked typical 9-5 job and had various responsibilities through out each day. Attended court every Monday and Wednesday and had special responsibilities during that time. Spoke to judges during court, filed paperwork for court, spoke to lawyers about specific cases, scheduled appointments, etc. 

- I learned more than I ever could have imagined. The responsibilities I was given reflected the hard work I put into the job. 

- The management was superb. Everything was in order and made me feel like I had a structured environment.

- My co-workers were the best part of the entire internship. Working with ASA's and then the forfeitures unit staff was incredible. They were all so welcoming and provided me with hands on experience.

- The most difficult part about the job was writing and creating five money laundering complaints.

- The most enjoyable part of the job, and I am completely serious, was absolutely everything.

timesheets, mail, telephone handling incoming and outgoing, assisting investigators/assistant state's attorneys, typing reports, handling background check for attorneys, putting data in database, receptionist. there were times we had no office manager we had to learn independence, I was considered the lead assistant, hardest part of the job was learning to multi-task, cross trained after a lay off most enjoyable part of at the end of the day the satisfaction of knowing that you had a part in keeping our operation going despite the challenges.

I work with some very intelligent and compassionate people who care about their role in the judicial system. I am proud to work at the State's Attorney's Office and being of service to others especially helping in my small way justice for those who don't have a voice in our society, the victims of crimes especially murders and sex crimes. 
It is a great place to learn many office skills and life skills. I would most definitely recommend the office to anyone who wish to serve their community.

What is the best part of working at the company?
My years in the Officer were the most fulfilling. I couldn't have imagined get as much well rounded and diverse experience in another law enforcement agency. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Working in the greater Chicago Metro area. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Overall, the work environment was positive, however, could become somewhat hectic at times. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Each day was different. In my years in the Office, no two days were alike.

A typical day at the office would begin with me preparing a speech referring to the laws in Cook County for the general public and a cup of coffee.
I learned management skills and overall leadership skills that can be carried on to my next employer.
Management was professional.
Co-workers were fun, efficient and respectable.
Honestly there was nothing hard about my job.  I loved doing it (motivational speaking).
The most enjoyable would have to be the positive response I received after I would give a speech to a room of 3,000 students, parents and faculty.

My experiences at the State Attorney's Office was an extremely positive one, I got a real sense that everyone who worked there contributed and was appreciated for their help. The type of work I did as a intern was done by both myself as well as my coworkers and supervisor, showing that even the most basic of tasks there such as copying or filling out paperwork was done by everyone in the office.

As an Assistant State's Attorney, a typical day consists of managing a court call, reviewing evidence, filing criminal charges, working with the Chicago Police Department in an investigative capacity, and, generally, maintaining and managing a personal caseload.  A typical day may include litigation such as felony trials, motions, and other pre and post-trial hearings.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Associate attorney 21 salaries reported	$124,655 per year
Administrative assistant 18 salaries reported	$57,835 per year
Attorney 5 salaries reported	$96,600 per year
Administrative services 6 salaries reported	$55,760 per year
Law clerk 4 salaries reported	$20.75 per hour

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