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Appellate Court Law Clerk | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

Appellate Court Law Clerk

Vacancy Announcement

  • Location
    Chicago, Illinois
  • Office
    First District Appellate Court
  • Posted Date
    05/09/25
  • Closing Date
    This position will remain open until filled. However, those individuals submitting materials by Friday, May 30, 2025, will be given first consideration.
  • Division
    Chambers of the Honorable Aurelia Pucinski
  • 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. Please refer to the following Benefits Information Sheet for additional details.
  • Salary
    $106,672 per year, commensurate with experience

Applicant may be required to submit additional material or complete job specific tests for the position.

Justice Aurelia Pucinski of the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, is seeking an Appellate Court Law Clerk to perform legal research, analysis, and writing, and to review and assist in the drafting of judicial opinions, orders, and other legal documents.

FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

  • Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda of law providing legal and procedural advice on a variety of issues before the Court.
  • Assist in drafting opinions, orders and other memoranda.
  • Edit and cite check final draft orders, opinions, dissents or special concurrences.
  • Advise the Justice on research of court rules and points of law on pending legal cases.
  • Research law regarding issues addressed by parties or the court.
  • Assist the Justice in preparation for an educational conference or speaking engagement.
  • Study current legal publications, recent opinions of the Illinois Supreme and Appellate Courts, and other relevant state and federal cases; stay apprised of recent legislation.
  • Assist the Justice in her committee work.
  • May supervise the work of law school externs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  • Working knowledge of, and ability to apply, federal and state laws and court decisions
  • to pending legal cases.
  • Working knowledge of, and ability to apply, court procedures and rules of evidence.
  • Skill in providing legal research and preparing memorandum of law providing legal and
  • procedural advice.
  • Skill in analyzing legal issues and writing persuasively.
  • Skill in applying legal principles and specialized knowledge to individual cases and
  • problems.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to apprise the Justice of new statutes and recent legislation changes.
  • Ability to work with the Court, colleagues and the public the public in a pleasant, courteous and helpful manner.
  • Ability to comport oneself in a manner which is cognizant of the Court’s ethical responsibilities.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school and licensed or eligible for admission to the Illinois bar. Applicant should possess excellent research, case analysis, and writing skills. Experience as a law clerk in a reviewing court is strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant must possess the ability to travel throughout the state, including overnight stays as required. This position requires a valid driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance to operate a personal vehicle on state business, and a safe driving record. Applicant may be required to submit additional materials and/or complete job-specific tests for the position. The position will permit some degree of remote work but work on a totally remote basis is not preferred.

Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest, resume, professional writing sample, an official transcript of law school grades, and three references electronically to:

courtemployment@illinoiscourts.gov

This position will remain open until filled. However, those individuals submitting materials by Friday, May 30, 2025, will be given first consideration.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER



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