Skip to Main Content

Employment Opportunities | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

Paralegal 1 - Appellate

Vacancy Announcement

  • Location
    Mount Vernon, IL
  • Posted Date
    07/22/24
  • 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
    Starting salary $43,818; salary at hire to be commensurate with experience

 DESCRIPTION: The Paralegal 1 - Appellate reviews, edits, and cite checks dispositions drafted by the Appellate Court for grammatical errors, accuracy, and adherence to rules and standards prior to publication.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Reviews legal opinions, orders, special concurrences, and dissents for grammatical errors, citation accuracy, and adherence to rules and standards prior to publication.
  • Provides initial and final edits of all draft dispositions prepared by research attorneys.
  • Intakes and assigns all cases submitted to the Research Department for disposition.
  • Monitors workflow and assists in training new entry level staff.
  • Assists with training new attorneys on the court writing and citation styles.
  • Maintains internal docket to track case status and assists the Clerk’s office with the court docket.
  • Provides suggestions on the rules of syntax, grammar, punctuation, diction, rhetoric, semantics, style, legal content, and citation of authority.
  • Provides guidance on appellate procedure and writing style.
  • Performs legal research to keep abreast of the law and related trends to edit opinions correctly.
  • Provides research materials and assists court personnel in doing research on opinions.
  • Attends meetings and training as required.
  • May act as a liaison between the Reporter of Decisions’ office and the Court on matters pertinent to the publication of opinions.
  • Keeps office personnel, billing, and building records.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

 

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: Paralegal Certificate and five (5) years of experience in a legal field, law firm, or law department. Two (2) years professional paralegal or legal editing experience may substitute for the Paralegal Certification.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  1. Extensive knowledge of the rules of syntax, grammar, punctuation, diction, rhetoric, semantics, style, legal content, and citation of authority.
  2. Knowledge of the Bluebook and Style Manual.
  3. Skill in using personal computers, telephones, reference materials and the Internet.
  4. Skill in performing legal research.
  5. Ability to analyze legal issues.
  6. Ability to solve problems and work efficiently as part of a team.
  7. Ability to organize work efficiently and meet assigned deadlines.
  8. Ability to associate with employees, Judges and the public in a professional manner.
  9. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

This position requires the ability to sit for extended time periods and the ability to travel throughout the state, including overnight stays, as required.

APPLICATION PROCESS:  

Interested individuals should submit a cover letter, resume, and three references, via email, to:

courtemployment@illinoiscourts.gov

Applications must be received by Friday, August 16, 2024.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

More Opportunities