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Attorney By Attorney Career Profiles of the Profession Who? David A. Bonoma Chief of Staff, Cook County State's Attorney's Office dbonoma@cookcountygov.com What? Primary Practice Area & Subspecialty Fields: Government relations; legislation; criminal and juvenile justice. When? Years in Practice Area: Since 1991 Years in the Legal Profession: Since 1988 Where? Employer: Cook County State's Attorney's Office www.statesattorney.org Size/Sector: 930 attorneys/ Government sector City/State: Chicago, IL Law School: Loyola University of Chicago School of Law Undergraduate School/Degree: Marquette University/Bachelor of Arts, Honors Certificate Diploma Why? Pluses/Challenges of Practice Area: The most rewarding aspect of working at the State's Attorney's Office is knowing that you are working at an office that has such a meaningful impact on people's lives. Working in an office dedicated to seeking justice and establishing policy priorities that will have an impact on the quality of life in our community is a real privilege. Core Skills/Key Knowledge Needed in Your Practice Area: My position requires a combination of many skills including an understanding of the criminal justice system, an understanding of the government process and an ability to work with people from many different backgrounds. The legal issues are complex and rarely have a simple answer. Therefore, thorough analysis and a willingness to consider all points of view and their respective implications are critical. Advice to Lawyers and Law Students Interested in Your Practice Area: If you are considering a career in public service and particularly in the area of criminal law, there is no better place to work. The job is difficult, but tremendously rewarding (although not in a financial sense.) Our assistants get unmatched experience from their first day on the job. If you are serious about a career in this office, you should seriously consider first clerking here. If you are considering a career in the area of government relations, there are many different offices to work in at the state and local level to gain some understanding of the process. You will need to learn how to work within the government system to be effective. How? Career Path to Current Position: My career path is not typical. I worked first as litigator in a large law firm, gained experience in handling cases and gradually became more involved in government relations matters. Over time, I began to focus more exclusively on government relations in the private sector at the local and then state level. I left private practice to work in the public sector at this office to gain more experience from the inside. For a career in the criminal justice system, it is very important that you get involved while still in law school if at all possible through clerkships that will expose you to the criminal justice system. You should also take whatever trial advocacy classes you can. Influences and Mentors: State's Attorney Richard A. Devine is my most influential mentor. I worked for Mr. Devine as a law student and eventually as a licensed attorney. I observed his work ethic, professional demeanor and dedication to public service. Eventually, I left private practice to join his team at the State's Attorney's Office. Suggested Reading About Your Practice Area: There are many books relating to the criminal justice system, although most are too "Hollywood" to recommend. However, a book called the El Murders by local Chicago author Bill Granger is somewhat true to life, although based upon the criminal justice system, as it existed 25 - 30 years ago. Job Search Techniques Used in Finding Your Position(s): I cannot emphasize enough the importance of seeking a clerkship with the State's Attorney's Office if you are interested in a career in the area of criminal law. If seeking a government relation's job, look for law firms that have a reputation for handling matters relating to legislation, land use and public finance. They will expose you to the different aspects of government practice. You should also seriously consider a job as a staff attorney at a government office (for example, in Springfield working for one of the House or Senate committees) to learn more about the process from the inside. Bar Affiliations and Activities: I am on the Board of Directors Task Force for a not-for-profit theater group called Child's Play Touring Theatre which works with kids to develop reading and writing skills along with self esteem. Recent Professional Publications: I recently learned that I have been awarded a fellowship by the prestigious German Marshall Fund following a competitive interview and writing process. The "Marshall Memorial Fellowship" is a program in which emerging leaders are selected from thirteen states to travel to Europe for nearly a month of intensive educational and policy oriented meetings and lectures with high-ranking European leaders. The goal of the program is to expose future policy makers from the United States to economic, political and government institutions and issues affecting the European Union. Memorable Career Moment: Working to draft and obtain passage of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 1998 was a very rewarding accomplishment. I have also had the privilege of working in the office during a time of great change as we have moved into the 21st century.