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

Appellate Court Law Clerk/JS

Vacancy Announcement

  • Location
    Springfield, Illinois
  • Office
    Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth District
  • Posted Date
    05/12/26
  • Closing Date
    This position will remain open until filled.
  • Division
    Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth District
  • 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
    $101,070

Justice Raylene Grischow is seeking a 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 engagements.
  • 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.
  • Perform daily office tasks and other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  1. Working knowledge of, and ability to apply, federal and state laws and court decisions to pending legal cases.
  2. Must possess superior research, analytical, and writing skills and be able to assist in preparing legal memorandum of law providing legal and procedural advice.
  3. Skill in analyzing legal issues and writing persuasively.
  4. Skill in applying legal principles and specialized knowledge to individual cases and problems.
  5. Working knowledge of, and ability to apply, court procedures and rules of evidence.
  6. Must have strong information technology skills including proficiency with commonly used software such as Microsoft Office, Excel, Power Point, Adobe Acrobat and Zoom.
  7. Competence in the use of web-based case management software and the ability to assist in daily tasks in managing an office.
  8. Ability to communicate effectively.
  9. Ability to apprise the Justice of new statutes and recent legislation changes.
  10.  Ability to work with the Court, colleagues, and the public in a pleasant, courteous, and helpful manner.
  11.  Ability to comport oneself in a manner which is cognizant of the Court’s ethical responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Applicants must be a licensed attorney and admitted to the Illinois bar. Preference will be given to those with prior experience as a judicial law clerk and/or appellate lawyer, or as a legal practitioner. All applicants with superior research, analysis, and writing skills, as well as an outstanding academic record will be considered. Law journal experience is beneficial but not required.

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. Some degree of remote work is possible contingent upon qualifications and preference of the Justice.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant must possess the ability to travel within the state. 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.

Submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three (3) references to:

Honorable Raylene Grischow at

clawando@IllinoisCourts.gov

This position will remain open until filled.

However, applications submitted by June 12, 2026, will be given first consideration.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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