Paralegal I - Leighton Courthouse

Job Title: Paralegal I (#455)

Reports to: Office Manager

Level: Entry/Union/Full-Time

Salary: $79,894 (This may vary for current employees)

Grade/Step: 18

Location: 26^th & California/Leighton Courthouse

Bureau: Administrative Services

Division/Unit: Felony Trial

Application Deadline: June 11, 2026

General Description: Responsible for the paralegal functions of the Assistant State’s Attorneys assigned to the Felony Trial Division.

Working Environment: Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.

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

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.