Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office

State's Attorney, Eileen O’Neill Burke took the oath of office Monday and she's been busy since, working to uphold her vision of a safer Cook County.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2024 Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Releases Comprehensive Review of State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s Eight-Year Tenure Chicago– Today, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office released two pivotal documents: the Final Report of State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s administration and an Eight Year Data Summary. These publications provide a comprehensive overview of the substantial reforms and impacts achieved during State’s Attorney Foxx’s transformative tenure from beginning in December 2016 through November 2024, which have profoundly influenced the criminal justice landscape in Cook County and set new standards nationwide.   Key Highlights from the Final Report and Eight-Year Data Summary include: • Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA): The implementation of this landmark legislation has significantly altered the pretrial detention framework, emphasizing justice and equity. • Wrongful Convictions: The office has corrected 250 wrongful convictions thanks to the work of the Conviction Review Unit (CRU), formerly the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU), over the past eight years, rectifying serious miscarriages of justice and highlighting the commitment to integrity and due process. • Community Engagement: Maintained direct connections with the community through thousands of touchpoints, including meetings, forums, and award events. • Data Transparency Evolution: Before State’s Attorney Foxx, detailed open data on felony cases was not available; her initiatives now ensure transparency for over 30,000 felony cases reviewed annually, setting a new standard in prosecutorial accountability across the country.  • Cannabis Convictions Overturned: More than 15,000 cannabis-related convictions have been expunged, aligning with statewide efforts to address the consequences of prior drug policies. • Investment in Staff: The office implemented a $10,000 retention bonus program for front-line ASAs and conducted a comprehensive salary review, resulting in an average salary increase of five percent, reflecting a commitment to competitive compensation.   “Reflecting on the past eight years, I am immensely proud of the hard work and dedication of our team who have tirelessly worked to enhance the scales of justice and equity in Cook County,” said State’s Attorney Foxx. “This final report and data summary not only highlight our achievements but also set the stage for continued advancement of fair and just prosecutorial practices. It has been an honor to serve the people of Cook County, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have led such meaningful changes in our community.”   The Final Report and Eight-Year Data Summary are available for public review. They serve as a testament to the enduring efforts of the State’s Attorney’s office to foster a transparent, just, and inclusive Cook County.

What a special day this was! Earlier this month, Cook County State's Attorney, Kim Foxx, swore-in 48 new assistant state's attorneys to the SAO. Former First Assistant, Andrea Zopp served as keynote speaker, and State's Attorney-Elect, Eileen O'Neill Burke was our special guest.

We are excited to share that the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has posted our PAID law clerk application recently. This is the third year in a row that we will be paying summer law clerks who have a 711 law license to work in specified courtrooms and getting invaluable litigation experience. All of our clerkship applications are below including the PAID one. Please share with your law school connections! Deadlines are approaching soon. Paid Summer 2025 711: https://lnkd.in/g6yZ9Gnm Unpaid Winter/Spring 2025: https://lnkd.in/gVt4vfi4 Unpaid Summer 2025: https://lnkd.in/gRTACQPi  

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office is proud to announce the onboarding of one of the largest and most diverse classes of bar takers in recent years, welcoming 72 new employees this week. This milestone reflects the Office’s ongoing commitment to being a premier employment destination under the leadership of State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. Are you a third-year law student or know one who would like to make an impact in one of the country’s largest criminal justice systems? The application for third-year law students is open until Monday, September 30! See the application hyperlinked below. https://lnkd.in/gv9V39Zn

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office is proud to announce the onboarding of one of the largest and most diverse classes of bar takers in recent years, welcoming 72 new employees this week. This milestone reflects the Office’s ongoing commitment to being a premier employment destination under the leadership of State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. Are you a third-year law student or know one who would like to make an impact in one of the country’s largest criminal justice systems? The application for third-year law students is open until Monday, September 30! See the application hyperlinked below. https://lnkd.in/gv9V39Zn

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office communications intern program is a great opportunity for college students interested in criminal justice reform and becoming policy and comms pros to help highlight the great work the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office does in one of the largest and most complex court systems in the country. Deadline is Friday, April 26. Apply today! https://lnkd.in/edrRDDpn

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office 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. Click on the below link to apply! https://lnkd.in/gURQxyX5

News Release: Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx Honors Recipients of 2024 C.F. Stradford Awards. https://lnkd.in/g4esw58t

Join us in honoring community leaders making a difference at the C.F. Stradford Awards. We'll celebrate those demonstrating exceptional commitment and positive impact through their service. Online registration is now available at https://lnkd.in/eQViTtUt