Third Year Law Student - 2026 Bar Takers Application

Third Year Law Students

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 an 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:

• Application

• A signed and dated Release Form (found at the end of the application)

• Official or /un-official transcript (self-prepared transcripts will not be accepted)

• Resume

• One legal writing sample (not to exceed 5 pages)

• Cover letter

Deadline to apply is September 30, 2025

Applicants must sit for and pass the July 2026 Bar Exam to remain with the office. The expected start date for this role is August 2026. This is a full-time role with benefits.

The current salary for Bar Takers is $58,939. The current salary for new ASAs (after passage of the bar exam and admission to the IL Bar) is $88,434. Employment with the office is contingent on successfully passing the July 2026 Bar Exam and being admitted and sworn into the Illinois Bar.

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