Request for Qualifications(RFQ) Special Assistant State’s Attorneys for the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau
RFQ Memo: Click Here
Proposal Submission Document: Click Here
Application Deadline: Friday, February 16, 2024
The Criminal Prosecutions Bureau of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) invites qualified law firms to submit their qualifications for consideration as Special Assistant State’s Attorneys. These individuals and firms will play a vital role in representing the people of Cook County in criminal appellate matters pending in the Criminal Appeals Division.
About Us
As the second-largest prosecutor’s office in the country and the largest in Illinois, the CCSAO is responsible for prosecuting all criminal cases in Cook County. With a population of over five million people, Cook County presents a unique legal landscape. In 2021 alone, the CCSAO handled 22,368 new felony cases and 62,610 misdemeanor and DUI cases filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County. In addition to criminal cases, the SAO also handles civil cases related to juvenile abuse and neglect, delinquency, and mental health matters.
The Criminal Appeals Division is tasked with representing the people of Cook County in the Illinois Appellate Court when defendants appeal their convictions or other adverse final judgments. To ensure the efficient resolution of backlogged criminal appeals and the effective handling of all cases, the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau seeks the appointment of Special Assistant State’s Attorneys with the expertise to meet these demands.
Expertise We Seek
We are looking to establish a pool of qualified firms and individuals with expertise in the following areas:
- Criminal Appellate Advocacy: Individuals and firms with extensive experience in handling complex criminal appellate matters, including multi-issue cases and lengthy records.
- Criminal Prosecution – Trial/Post-Conviction Litigation: Proficiency in criminal trial and post-conviction litigation, particularly in cases involving serious violent crimes and large records.
Submission Requirements
To be considered, please submit a comprehensive proposal that includes the following:
- Relevant Experience: Provide detailed information about your firm's experience in the specified areas of practice. Include the resumes of the attorneys who would serve as outside counsel.
- Examples of Prior Matters: Describe the types of cases you have handled in each practice area, with a preference for matters on behalf of the People. Highlight your experience in criminal appellate advocacy and trial work.
- Approach: Outline your firm’s proposed approach to handling cases on behalf of the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau. Share insights on your human and technical resources to handle complex multi-defendant matters, including electronic document management.
- Rates: Specify your proposed billing rates for attorneys, paralegals, and law clerks. Include any additional fees for oral argument or supplemental briefing. Identify the lowest rate offered to any client, excluding non-profit and pro bono cases.
- References: Provide three professional references, with a preference for references from government entities, current or former prosecutors, and criminal defense attorneys.
- Proof of Professional Liability Insurance: Include proof of professional liability insurance and policy limits.
- Conflicts of Interest: Disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise in your representation.
- Professional Responsibility/Violations of Law: Identify any adverse determinations or legal violations involving your firm, partners, associates, employees, or agents.
- Diversity: Share your firm's diversity objectives and efforts in hiring, retaining, and promoting individuals from diverse backgrounds. Highlight the participation of women and minorities in your firm.
Selection Process
Upon the conclusion of the submission period, our Selection Panels, comprised of Criminal Prosecutions Bureau attorneys and CCSAO Executive Staff, will review and screen all proposals based on qualifications. Finalists will have the opportunity to participate in interviews.
Pre-qualified pools of counsel will be established, and selections for specific cases will consider factors such as case complexity, backlog, firm capacity, and past performance.
Additional Information
This RFQ process aims to enhance the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau’s efficiency and transparency in selecting outside counsel. While inclusion in the pre-qualified pool does not guarantee appointment, it allows us to consider your expertise when specific needs arise.
The CCSAO retains the authority to select the most suitable outside counsel for any given criminal appeal, whether or not pre-qualified through this process. We also reserve the right to terminate appointments at our discretion.
Participation in this RFQ process does not commit outside counsel to specific rates or billing structures. Engagements will be agreed upon based on mutually acceptable terms.
Minority, veteran, and women-owned firms are encouraged to submit their qualifications.
Proposal Submission
All submissions must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024. Please send electronic submissions in searchable PDF format to sao.submissions@cookcountysao.org
Thank you for your interest in serving as a Special Assistant State’s Attorney on behalf of the People of Cook County in Criminal Appellate matters.