Policy and Legislative Intern - Assistant State's Attorney

Job Title:Policy and Legislative Intern

Department: Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office

Location: 69 W Washington, Chicago IL 60602

Duration: Spring Intern

Reports to: Policy Advisor and Legislative Liaison

Objective: The Policy and Legislative Intern will provide essential support to the Office of the State’s Attorney by assisting with research, analysis, and policy development related to criminal justice. This internship offers an excellent opportunity for students interested in gaining practical experience in the field of public Policy and Legislative affairs.

Responsibilities:

1. Legislative Tracking
   • Track and conduct research on current legislation being proposed in the Illinois legislature during the spring legislative session that may impact the CCSAO.
   • Prepare summaries of relevant bills and Legislative updates.
2. Policy Development
   • Assist in the development and drafting of policy proposals for the CCSAO including on the topics of Hate Crimes, Immigration, and Alternative Prosecution.
   • Research other criminal justice stakeholders’ (such as other prosecutors’ offices and criminal justice nonprofits) positions, trends, and ideas across the nation to improve the work of the CCSAO.
   • Help plan and organize policy-related events, such as roundtable discussions, town halls, or policy forums.
   • Develop educational materials or presentations to inform the public about the office's policy positions.
   • Evaluate the effectiveness of current implemented policies and recommend improvements.
   • Attend meetings, hearings, and events as needed to represent the office’s interests.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, PhD, or law school program in a relevant field, such as Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or a related discipline.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with legislative processes and public policy development is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits:

• Exposure to real-world Policy and Legislative work.
• Networking opportunities within the legal, legislative, and public policy community.
• Mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Hybrid position.
• Potential for academic credit, if applicable.

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit their resume, a cover letter, a letter of recommendation, and a writing sample. Please send applications to atty.hire@cookcountyil.gov by 11/30/23.

Working Environment: Low noise, working with others, hybrid work possible, onsite if court is required consistently. Length of shift.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO), we champion diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusivity! We are passionately committed to building a team that represents a wealth of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Our strength lies in our diversity, and we actively seek, develop, and cherish talent from all walks of life.

We're proud to say that we stand firmly against discrimination of any kind—whether it's based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. At CCSAO, everyone is welcome.

And, we're not just about saying it—we're about living it! If you’re a qualified individual who requires reasonable accommodation based on religion, disability, or pregnancy, please let us know. At CCSAO, we’re all about empowering our team to shine.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants that are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran may contact the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office coordinators via email at hr.sao@cookcountyil.gov and arrange for an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.

Benefits

At Cook County, we believe in investing in you, our valued employee. We understand that your well-being directly impacts the quality of service we provide to our community. That's why we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial stability, and work-life balance. Here's a snapshot of what we offer:

Choose from a variety of medical, dental, and vision plans to best suit your lifestyle and needs. We provide a robust Paid Time Off (PTO) program, including vacation, personal, and sick leave, as well as 13 paid holidays. As a public service employer, our employees may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Our Employee Assistance Program offers confidential counseling and referral services to help you navigate life's challenges. And of course, a pension plan through Cook County.

Follow this link to the Cook County Benefits and this link to Cook County Pension Fund if you want to learn more about our amazing benefit coverage. The CCSAO does not provide relocation assistance.

Covid

1. developments have allowed for the lifting of general orders related to COVID-19. However, if hired, candidates will need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit a request for reasonable accommodation. Selected candidates may make a request for accommodation prior to employment or any time during their initial week of hire.