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Appellate Attorney | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

Appellate Attorney

  • Location
    Mount Vernon, IL
  • Posted Date
    09/03/24
  • Closing Date
    This position will remain open until filled. However, those individuals submitting materials by September 13, 2024, will be given first consideration
  • Benefits
    An attractive judicial branch benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as deferred compensation and generous leave time.
  • Salary
    $83,528 per year

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Appellate Attorney is responsible for assisting the justices of the Fifth District Appellate Court and the Clerk of the Appellate Court with a variety of legal and procedural issues relating to the appeals filed with the Court. This position assists the Clerk of the Appellate Court and Chief Deputy Clerk with overseeing the management and day-to-day operations of the Clerk’s Office. Work is performed with considerable independence and latitude for professional judgment under the direction of the Clerk of the Appellate Court and is evaluated through conferences, observation of work in progress, and work completed. Please note, this is a full-time in-person position and does not allow for remote work.

FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

  • Processes all motions, Finley and Anders petitions and responses, and motions for late notice of appeals, and drafts orders for the Court.
  • Researches and analyzes law regarding issues addressed by parties or the Court.
  • Reports to the Court any issues with the content of motions and advises accordingly.
  • Responds to questions posed by the Court relating to all pro se motions and procedural issues.
  • Oversees the child custody docket and emergency motions filed with the Court.
  • Responds to questions presented by attorneys, and pro se litigants in person, over the phone, and by mail.
  • Assists in preparing a ready list of cases to be added to the Court’s docket.
  • Responsible for checking errors in the filing of new appeals and advises the Court.
  • Assists the Clerk of the Appellate Court and the Chief Deputy Clerk with overseeing the management and the day-to-day operations of the Clerk’s Office.
  • Assists the Clerk of the Appellate Court and the Chief Deputy Clerk in the hiring of staff.
  • Confers with the Clerk of the Appellate Court, judges, law clerks and other staff attorneys on assignments and corresponding analysis.
  • Studies current legal publications, recent opinions of the Illinois Supreme and appellate courts and other relevant state and federal cases, reviews recent legislation.
  • Conducts substantial empirical research for the Court on cases involving new laws.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

SELECTION FACTORS:

Knowledge and Skills

  1. Working knowledge of general law, state laws, established precedent and sources of legal reference.
  2. Working knowledge of court procedures and rules of evidence.
  3. Skill in analyzing legal issues and writing persuasively.
  4. Ability to apply legal principles and specialized knowledge to individual cases and problems.
  5. Ability to appraise and organize facts, evidence, and precedents.
  6. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, in particular, very strong in Work skills.
  7. Strong oral communication skills.
  8. Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  9. Use of independent judgment within established practice and procedural guidelines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Candidates must be graduates of law schools accredited by the American Bar Association. Candidates must possess superior research, analytical, and writing skills. Candidates must have strong information technology skills including proficiency with commonly used office software such as Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Acrobat. Competence in the use of web-based case management software and the ability to perform electronic legal research is also required. Practicing attorneys and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time. This is a professional office working environment requiring telephone usage and the ability to process written documents.

Interested individuals should submit a resume, letter of interest, professional writing sample, law school transcript, and three references, via e-mail, to:

AC5@illinoiscourts.gov

This position will remain open until filled. However, those individuals submitting materials by September 13, 2024, will be given first consideration

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