Press Release

Cook County State's Attorney's Office Announces Paid 711 Clerkship Opportunity for Rising 3L Law Students

CHICAGO – The Cook County State's Attorney's Office (CCSAO) is excited to offer a unique and competitive paid 711 Clerkship opportunity for rising third year (3L) law students through the CCSAO Law Clerk Program. This program is designed to provide participants with hands-on, challenging, and relevant work experience in the legal field, making it a highly sought-after position.

711 Clerks will have the invaluable opportunity to work directly with an Assistant State’s Attorney within one of the criminal divisions of the Cook County Court System. The mentoring relationship formed will offer clerks guidance and insight into the complexities of criminal law, preparing them for future careers in the legal profession.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assisting with daily court calls and on-the-record proceedings.
  • Preparing research memos on pending legal issues and motions, answers, and other legal filings as required.
  • Assisting with discovery preparation, interviewing witnesses and law enforcement, and supporting bench and jury trials.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Applicants must be rising 3L law students at an ABA-approved law school or qualify for a 711 license through alternative law school programs.
  • Candidates must be in good standing with their law school and not subject to academic probation or similar sanctions.
  • Prior to the start of the clerkship, candidates must have or be able to obtain a 711 license.

Physical Requirements: The position is classified as sedentary work. While primarily a sitting job, occasional walking and standing are necessary for carrying out certain duties.

Application Note: Candidates seeking school credit for this clerkship must verify with their individual schools regarding policies on receiving monetary compensation.

The CCSAO is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage applications from students of all backgrounds to apply for this enriching and educational opportunity. Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, including a resume and cover letter, to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. Please refer to our website for more details on the application process and deadlines.

This clerkship represents a remarkable opportunity for law students to gain direct courtroom experience, engage in substantive legal work, and contribute to the justice system in Cook County. Don't miss your chance to make a difference and advance your legal career.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the CCSAO that applicants for employment are recruited, selected, and hired based on individual merit and ability, with respect to the position to be filled and potential for promotions or transfers which may be expected to develop. Applicants are recruited, selected, and hired without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), genetic information, citizenship, military service, marital status, parental status, and disability. Furthermore, personnel procedures and practices regarding training, transfer, compensation, demotion, layoff, or termination are to be administered with due regard to job performance, experience, and qualification, but without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or veteran/military status. EEOP information is available on the Cook County State’s Attorney website.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) is the nation’s second-largest prosecutor’s office and is led by Cook County’s first Black woman State’s Attorney, Kim Foxx. Foxx brings her vision to this office to fairly administer justice in the pursuit of thriving, healthy, and safe communities for every person who steps foot in Cook County, no matter their race, income, or zip code. Foxx has been recognized as one of the most progressive prosecutors through her forward-thinking, innovative strategies to intercept the cycles of violence and crime and bringing change to a criminal justice system rooted in systemic racism. Follow @SAKimFoxx on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and @CookCountySAO on Twitter and Facebook.