Freedom of Information Act; FOIA Officer

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office (CCSAO) is a diverse and dedicated team of professionals committed to justice and safety for over five-million residents. As the second-largest prosecutor's office in the U.S., the CCSAO prosecutes criminal and regulatory violations across six bureaus and four units with a staff of over 1,200.

To uphold justice and public safety in Cook County by fairly, ethically, and effectively prosecuting crime, supporting victims, and protecting the rights of all residents.

We are seeking individuals who share our passion for justice, diversity, and the well-being of the community. Whether you are a legal professional, an investigator, or an administrative specialist, we value dedication, integrity, and a commitment to our values of accountability, respect, and fairness. Join our team if you are ready to make a tangible impact, work collaboratively, and uphold the principles of justice with unwavering dedication.

At the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, your skills and values will help shape a safer and stronger Cook County.

Job Title: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer

Reports to: FOIA Supervisor

Grade: 20 (Full-Time/Non-Union)

Location: 50 W Washington/Daley Ctr/27 th floor

Bureau: Administrative Services

Division/Unit: FOIA

Final date to receive applications: February 11, 2026

Working Environment: Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Primary Function:

The Cook County State’s Attorney (CCSAO) is seeking a FOIA Officer for the Freedom of Information Act Team to work alongside the CCSAO’s FOIA Officers in processing requests made under the Freedom of Information Act.

Duties and Responsibilities
:

• Log incoming FOIA requests and track their due dates.
• Review FOIA requests to determine what records are being sought from the requestor.
• Work with individuals in the bureaus and branches throughout the CCSAO to locate responsive records and order all files, or otherwise gather, all necessary records.
• Work with the Civil Division when necessary.
• The FOIA Officer will respond to correspondence in accordance with the Act and handle correspondence with the appropriate skill and care that ensures legal compliance.
• Scan records (in the event we only possess hard copies of the requested records), review them for FOIA exemptions, and produce to requestor.
• Draft response letters to each FOIA request that will be submitted with the records upon delivery to the requestor
• Uphold the mission and values of the SAO at all times
• Exhibit strong attention to detail.
• Exercise integrity and decorum in all situations
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as needed or required

Qualifications:

Required:

• A bachelor’s or associate’s degree in any liberal arts, criminal justice, law, legal studies, or another related field.
• Exceptional organizational, case management and time management skills.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Experience in managing large-scale projects.
• Excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to promote team building and be a self-starter.
• Proficient use of Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.

Preferred:

• Three (3) or more years of FOIA experience.
• Law Degree from an accredited law school.
• Experience responding to the Public Access Counselor.
• Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act and the IL Attorney General’s training and guidelines to FOIA.
• Experience with GOVQA

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 kcountystatesattorney.org.

We are dedicated to ensuring fair treatment for all and fostering a diverse, professional, respectful workplace that reflects the communities of Cook County. Click below to learn more.