United States Attorney's Office

- Dirksen Federal Bldg, 219 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60604

The legal landscape in the United States is comprised of many different offices and roles, each with a unique and important function. For the residents and communities of Illinois, one of the most significant legal entities is the United States Attorney's Office. This office represents the federal government in legal matters and is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes and handling civil litigation in which the U.S. is a party. This article aims to provide a clear, factual, and informative overview of the United States Attorney's Office in Chicago. Located in a prominent federal building in the heart of the city, this office plays a crucial role in upholding federal law and ensuring justice. We will explore its location, its primary functions, and the features that define this vital public institution, providing a valuable resource for anyone in Illinois who wants to understand its purpose and operations.

Unlike a private law firm that serves individual clients, the United States Attorney's Office serves the public interest on behalf of the federal government. Its work is essential for maintaining order and justice at the federal level within the Northern District of Illinois. The office's attorneys, often referred to as federal prosecutors, are tasked with a serious responsibility: to enforce federal laws impartially and with integrity. This overview is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice, but rather a guide to understanding the role and function of this important government entity. The information presented is based on public data and is designed to offer a factual look at this cornerstone of the federal legal system in Illinois.

The United States Attorney's Office in Chicago is located in a highly visible and significant landmark of the city: the Dirksen Federal Building. The address is 219 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60604, USA. This location places the office in the heart of Chicago's downtown Loop, a central hub for business, government, and legal institutions. The accessibility of this location is a key feature, as it is designed to be easily reachable by the public and by legal professionals. The building is just a short walk from several major CTA 'L' train stations, including stops on the Brown, Orange, Green, Pink, and Red lines, making it convenient for those traveling from various parts of the city and suburbs. Numerous bus routes also serve the area, providing additional transportation options. While the location is easily accessible by car, parking in the downtown area can be limited and costly. The central location not only provides logistical convenience but also places the office in close proximity to the federal courthouse, which is a necessary and practical arrangement for a public office of this nature. The accessibility of the location is reflective of its public-facing role and its importance within the federal legal system.

As the primary legal arm of the United States government for the Northern District of Illinois, the United States Attorney's Office performs a variety of critical functions. The main types of legal services and responsibilities of this office include:

• Criminal Prosecution: The office is responsible for prosecuting individuals and corporations that have committed federal crimes. This includes a wide range of offenses, such as terrorism, public corruption, financial fraud, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. The attorneys in this office work with federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF to investigate and bring charges.
• Civil Litigation: The office represents the United States government and its agencies in civil cases. This can involve defending the government against lawsuits, such as civil rights claims or tort actions, and initiating legal action on behalf of the government to recover funds or enforce regulations.
• District Attorney Role: The office, led by the U.S. Attorney, serves as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the district. In this capacity, the office works closely with local, state, and other federal law enforcement agencies to coordinate efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety.
• Enforcing Federal Laws: The attorneys are responsible for enforcing a wide array of federal laws that fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. government, ensuring that the rule of law is maintained across the district.

The work of the United States Attorney's Office is a cornerstone of the federal legal system. Its purpose is not to provide legal services to the general public in the same way a private attorney does, but rather to serve the public interest by upholding and enforcing federal law.

The United States Attorney's Office, as a public and government institution, is equipped with certain features that ensure it is accessible and functional for all visitors. These features are mandated to provide a welcoming environment to the public it serves:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The Dirksen Federal Building has an entrance that is fully accessible for individuals using wheelchairs. This is a crucial feature that ensures all members of the public can enter the building to conduct business.
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: The building is equipped with restrooms that are accessible for those using a wheelchair. This amenity further ensures the comfort and convenience of all visitors.
• Restroom Facilities: In addition to the accessible facilities, standard restrooms are available for the public's use.
• Appointments Recommended: As with most professional offices, it is recommended to have a pre-scheduled appointment when visiting. This ensures that the public can be received efficiently and that the necessary personnel are available to address their specific needs.

These features are important for any public building and reflect a commitment to providing a professional and accessible environment for all who need to interact with the office.

For official inquiries and communication, the United States Attorney's Office can be reached at the following contact points:

Address: Dirksen Federal Bldg, 219 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60604, USA

Phone: (312) 353-5300

The office is located within the Dirksen Federal Building, a well-known structure in downtown Chicago. The provided phone number is the primary contact for general inquiries. It is important to note that this is a government office and not a private law firm. Therefore, individuals seeking legal advice for personal matters should consult with a private attorney and not the United States Attorney's Office.

When considering the role of the United States Attorney's Office, it is important to understand its unique position in the legal system. For people in Illinois, this office is a crucial pillar of federal justice. Its value lies not in providing services to individuals in the way a private lawyer does, but in its unwavering commitment to upholding federal law for the good of all citizens. Its location in a central, accessible federal building in Chicago ensures that it is well-positioned to serve its purpose. The office’s clear and public role as the chief federal prosecutor and legal representative for the U.S. government distinguishes it from all other legal entities. While its function is not to act as a legal resource for the average person's private disputes, its work in prosecuting federal crimes and representing the government in civil matters is of profound public benefit. The office's commitment to accessibility, as evidenced by its wheelchair-friendly features, highlights its function as a public service institution. For anyone in Illinois, understanding the purpose and location of this office is key to comprehending the structure of the federal legal system in the region. Its existence is a testament to the framework of justice that operates at a federal level in the United States, and its operations in Chicago are critical for the administration of that justice.

United States Attorney's Office

Dirksen Federal Bldg, 219 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60604, USA