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

Appellate Court Law Clerk

Vacancy Announcement

  • Location
    Rockford, Illinois
  • Office
    Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth District
  • Posted Date
    02/26/26
  • Closing Date
    Applications received by Friday, March 20, 2026, will receive first consideration
  • Benefits
    An attractive judicial branch benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, deferred compensation options, as well as vacation, sick and personal leave. Please refer to the following Benefits Information Sheet.
  • Salary
    $111,899

Justice Eugene G. Doherty of the Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth 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 provide legal and procedural advice on a variety of issues before the Court.
  • Assist in drafting opinions, orders and memoranda.
  • Edit and cite check final draft orders, opinions, or separate opinions.
  • Advise the Justice on 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 his 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 written legal analysis.
  • 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 in a pleasant, courteous, and helpful manner.
  • Ability to comport oneself in a manner which is consistent with the Court’s ethical responsibilities.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school and either 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. Substantial remote work attendance will be considered, 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:

Justice Eugene G. Doherty

edoherty@illinoiscourts.gov

Applications received by Friday, March 20, 2026, will receive first consideration.

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