Employment Opportunities | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

Appellate Court Law Clerk/Office Administrator

Vacancy Announcement

• Location
  Marion
• Office
  Chambers of Justice James R. Moore
• Posted Date
  06/11/24
• Closing Date
  This position will remain open until filled.
• Division
  Fifth District Appellate Court
• 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
  $91,761 (increased to $96,349 eff. July 1, 2024)

Justice James R. Moore is seeking an Appellate Court Law Clerk and Office Administrator for his chambers in Marion, Illinois. Approximately 75% of the work will be as a law clerk, and approximately 25% as the office administrator.

LAW CLERK DUTIES 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.
• Read and examine case law; determine relevant cases to be read; verify the jurisdiction of the court.
• Assist the Justice in preparation for educational conferences 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 his committee work, as needed.
• May supervise the work of law school externs.
• Draft case review summaries and questions in connection with oral argument.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR DUTIES INLCUDE:

• Answers telephone, accepts deliveries, coordinates with visitors to Justice’s office.
• Communicates with Appellate Courthouse in Mt. Vernon, and other Justices’ offices, via email, telephone, and internal computer system.
• Handles mail and email correspondence for Justice, as needed.
• Orders and maintains office supplies.
• Submits appropriate purchase orders, invoices, and vouchers.
• Other administrative 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, analyzing legal issues, and preparing written decisions.
• 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 legislative 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 cognizant of the Court’s ethical responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have graduated from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. It is preferred, but not required, that the candidate be a licensed attorney and admitted to the Illinois bar, as well as possess excellent research, case analysis, and writing skills. Individuals taking the July 2024 bar exam may apply.

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.

Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest, resume, professional writing sample, a transcript of law school grades, official or unofficial, and two (2) references to Luke Palmer: lpalmer@illinoiscourts.gov.

This position will remain open until filled.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER