Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office
Meriel Coleman's work experience includes serving as the Chief Ethics Officer at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office since 2019. Prior to that, they worked as an Attorney at the ARDC: Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois from 2000 to 2019. Meriel also worked as an Attorney at the Cook County Office of the Public Guardian from 1994 to 2000.
Meriel Coleman obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Mississippi State University. Meriel attended the university from 1987 to 1990. Later, they pursued their Juris Doctor (JD) degree in Law at the University of Dayton School of Law, where they studied from 1990 to 1993.
Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office
With more than 700 attorneys, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office is the second largest prosecutor's office in the nation. The CCSAO is responsible for the prosecution of all misdemeanor and felony crimes committed in Cook County, one of the largest counties in the United States. The CCSAO also serves as legal counsel for the government of Cook County and county office holders and employees, litigating Plaintiff and Defense oriented cases and providing legal counsel on a range of matters. Led by State’s Attorney Kimberly M. Foxx, the first African American elected to the office, the CCSAO’s team of prosecutors has a passion for public service and has earned a national reputation for excellence in the pursuit of justice for the people we serve. The CCSAO offers many rewarding and exciting opportunities in the following areas: Criminal Prosecutions • Felony Trial • Sex Crimes Unit • Special Prosecutions Bureau • Juvenile Justice Bureau • Narcotics Bureau • Appeals Unit Civil Actions Bureau • Civil Rights • Constitutional Law • Labor and Employment • Medical Malpractice • Plaintiff-Side Torts • Municipal Litigation • State and Federal Litigation Our program is highly competitive due to the hands-on, challenging and relevant work experience. There are opportunities for Assistant State's Attorneys, undergraduate interns, legal interns earning a paralegal certificate, law clerks and recently graduated Secondments or Fellows. Please visit our careers page to download an application and learn more about applying to be part of the office.