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Appellate Court Research Attorney | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

Appellate Court Research Attorney

Vacancy Announcement

  • Location
    Elgin
  • Office
    Second District, Illinois Appellate Court
  • Posted Date
    11/25/24
  • Closing Date
    This position will remain open until filled. However, those individuals submitting materials by Wednesday, January 15, 2025, will be given first consideration.
  • Division
    Legal Research Division
  • Benefits
    The Judicial Branch offers an attractive benefits package that includes pension, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, deferred compensation, and generous leave time.
  • Salary
    $83,528

DESCRIPTION: The Second District Appellate Court is seeking new graduates and experienced attorneys with a passion for legal writing and a strong interest in appellate law for the position of Appellate Court Research Attorney. A Second District Research Attorney provides necessary and valuable assistance to the Justices of the Second District Appellate Court.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Appellate Court Research Attorney performs legal research, analysis, and writing and reviews and assists in the drafting of judicial orders, opinions, and other legal documents for the Justices in matters before the Second District Appellate Court.

FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

  • Analyze issues raised by the parties on appeal.
  • Review briefs and appellate records, verify appellate jurisdiction, and research applicable law.
  • Draft proposed dispositions, memoranda, and other legal documents.
  • Confer on a regular basis with Justices, Law Clerks, and other Appellate Court
    Research Attorneys on assignments and corresponding analysis.
  • Make recommendations to the Research Director and Justices.
  • Edit final draft orders, opinions, dissents, and special concurrences.
  • Remain current on recent opinions of the Illinois Supreme and Appellate Courts, other relevant state and federal cases.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Candidates must be graduates of law schools accredited by the American Bar Association. Candidates must possess superior research, analytical, and writing skills. Candidates must have strong information technology skills including proficiency with commonly used office software such as Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Acrobat. Competence in the use of web-based case management software and the ability to perform electronic legal research is also required. Practicing attorneys and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time. Professional office working environment requiring telephone usage and the ability to process written and electronic documents.

Interested individuals should submit – via email – a letter of interest, resume, law school transcript with GPA, three references (no letters of recommendation required), and three writing samples to:

courtemployment@IllinoisCourts.gov

Applicants may be required to take an in-home writing test.

This position will remain open until filled. However, those individuals submitting materials by Wednesday, January 15, 2025, will be given first consideration.

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