Deputy Supervisor, Forensic Science Unit

Job Title: Deputy Supervisor, Forensic Science Unit

Deadline: May 19th, 2025

Department: Office of the First Assistant

Grade/Step/Salary: AYS/101/ $172,110
This salary is provided by law; however, individual compensation is based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, years and quality of experience. Any salary offered is determined by the Chief of Staff and is non-negotiable.

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

Position Description
The Cook County State's Attorney's Office is seeking a Deputy Supervisor for the Forensic Science Unit (FSU). This Deputy Supervisor will oversee all aspects of the forensic science disciplines as they relate to criminal prosecutions. The Deputy Supervisor will be responsible for the oversight of all unit activities. This is a full-time bargaining unit exempt position.

Working Environment & Reporting Structure
The FSU Deputy Supervisor will oversee the work of all FSU attorneys, the Resource Specialist(s), and any assigned administrative staff. The FSU Supervisor will report directly to the Chief Deputy in the Office of the First Assistant.

Duties

The FSU serves to address the ever-increasing number of criminal cases involving DNA and other types of forensic science evidence. The FSU Deputy Supervisor assists trial attorneys with all stages of case development and trial preparation, including consultations, evaluation and submission of evidence for forensic testing, discovery, review of test results, preparation of expert witnesses, and motion practice. The FSU Deputy Supervisor acts as a liaison between the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and the Illinois State Police Forensic Science Center at Chicago, the Chicago Police Department's Forensic Services Unit, and other forensic laboratories involved in criminal cases. The FSU Deputy Supervisor also aids with writing and arguing legal motions related to recurring forensic issues, partners with other Assistants at trial on serious or complex forensic cases and vertically prosecute select cases on appeal or post-conviction. The FSU Supervisor must remain current on the evolving nature of the forensic science disciplines and legal trends concerning such, and is responsible for conducting national, state, local and in-house trainings on forensic science. Other specific duties include the following:

• Oversee the general operation of the FSU and the work of its personnel;
• Assign cases, projects, and training sessions to unit ASAs where appropriate;
• Monitor cases involving FSU personnel and provide support as needed;
• Review motions related to forensic science issues, prepare responses, and argue in court as necessary;
• Monitor recurring issues and develop response strategies;
• Provide training both in-house and to approved programs sponsored by outside agencies;
• Act as a liaison between SAO and forensic science laboratories and other agencies on forensic science matters;
• Participate in major case review with ISP and law enforcement as necessary regarding case testing priorities;
• Produce reports and statistics as required;
• Provide employee evaluations as required;
• Submit Significant Activity Reports when appropriate.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Must have a minimum of 12 years of litigation experience in criminal law with significant experience handling forensic science issues;
• Applicants must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited institution.
• Strong analytical, writing, and oral advocacy skills;
• Advanced case law and statutory knowledge in criminal law and procedure;
• Must be able to manage the needs of junior attorneys, including caseload management, case discovery, trial skill and strategy, and training needs while supporting the attorneys' long-term development and opportunities;
• Must consistently demonstrate sound judgment, critical thinking, dedication to work product, and effective time management, while also supporting junior attorneys in doing so;

Preferred Qualifications

• Must have completed at least one tour as a Trial Supervisor in the Felony Review Unit.
• Must have demonstrated strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate others.
  Prior formal supervisory experience in the Office is preferred.

In your cover letter, please include the following:

1. Why are you interested in this particular role?
2. What in your professional experience has prepared you to succeed in this role?
3. How will you work to foster and maintain public trust in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office while upholding the mission, vision and values of the Office in your dealings with the ASAs, law enforcement partners, the judiciary, and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system?

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.