Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office
Michael Lawton is an experienced legal professional currently serving as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office since May 2024, following a tenure as a Law Clerk from March 2022 to December 2023. Prior to this, Lawton gained valuable experience through various law clerk positions, including at the Law Office of Russell D. Knight and Iyer Law Firm, where responsibilities included preparing legal documents, conducting client intakes, organizing discovery, and researching case law in Illinois and Florida. Lawton's background also includes internships with the United States Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, where significant skills in legislative research, correspondence management, and constituent interaction were developed. Lawton holds a Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from the University at Buffalo.
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.