Assistant States Attorney

The Saint Clair County State's Attorney's Office is looking for qualified applicants to serve as Assistant State's Attorneys. St. Clair County is located in the St. Louis metropolitan area, and it is home to numerous municipalities and Scott Air Force Base.The State's Attorney's Office is responsible for representing the People of St. Clair County in all matters pertaining to the County both criminally and civilly. The Office seeks justice for the People of St. Clair County and in doing so seeks to uphold the highest ethical standards while vigorously prosecuting the guilty, protecting the innocent, advocating for victims, safeguarding the rights of all citizens, and working with law enforcement and community leaders to strengthen the communities we serve. 

The Office employs approximately 30 attorneys across various divisions. Primary duties and responsibilities depend on assignment within the office, but will generally include: preparing cases for court and handling cases during daily courtroom dockets; preparing pleadings; legal research; litigating motions; conducting various hearings; trying cases in jury and bench trials; communicating with law enforcement, various state and social service agencies, and members of the public; and performing other duties as assigned by the State’s Attorney.

Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois or eligible for licensure under reciprocity or through the transferring of MBE scores. 3Ls or law school graduates may be considered depending upon circumstances and if they possess a valid license under Supreme Court Rule 711 and will be sitting for the next bar exam.

The Office is looking for individuals who are driven, successful, and goal-oriented who are seeking to further their career and abilities as a litigator. Strong verbal and written communication skills are required. Applicants should also be "team-players" who want to contribute to the public good and understand that Illinois Rule of Professional Conduct 3.8 requires prosecutors "to seek justice, not merely convict."

Any individual hired to fill this position would have to pass a background check and drug test prior to beginning employment; this position will not have a St. Clair County residency requirement. 

Candidates are judged individually, and the following criteria may be given consideration for interviewing and hiring:

1) For recently licensed attorneys, law school academic standing and accomplishments as well as course selections focusing on criminal law and procedure, evidence, and practical skill and clinical courses.

2) Prior work experience and internships, both legal and non-legal, with a specific emphasis on courtroom and litigation experience.

3) Documented interest in and history of public service and/or volunteerism.

4) Recommendations and references regarding personal and professional integrity and capability.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary for entry-level attorneys is $75,000 per year with pay increasing commensurate with experience. All full-time positions include a robust benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as a pension plan through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. Employees are also eligible for other benefits including a health-savings account. Employees receive two weeks of paid vacation per year in addition to separate paid sick time and are afforded the opportunity to gain additional compensatory time. Leave amounts also increase with years of service. 

If you are interested in being considered for employment by the Office, please utilize St. Clair County’s online application system to forward a resume, cover letter, and list of references to the attention of James Gomric, State’s Attorney at #10 Public Square, Belleville, Illinois 62220. We ask that newly-licensed attorneys or recent graduates with a student practice license please include a transcript and writing sample.