JOB TITLE: LAW CLERK II
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Law Clerk II, reporting to the Presiding Judge of the Division or Municipal District of the Circuit of Cook County or as otherwise assigned, has a critical role in supporting the judicial process. The responsibilities of the Law Clerk II include:
- Assisting judges in resolving matters before the court and during courtroom proceedings.
- Conducting research and analyzing legal issues presented for brief or argument based on statutes and case law.
- Searching for and studying legal records, documents, and law to obtain information and provide analysis applicable to the case under consideration.
- Preparing written memoranda and summaries based on research and analysis of legal issues.
- Assisting in drafting and proofreading opinions, administrative and judicial orders, professional correspondence, public information documents, and court rules.
- Consulting with judges regarding interpretation and application of law to issues and cases.
- Monitoring pending legislation as required.
- Assisting outside counsel with litigation in which judges or court employees are parties.
- Assisting with other miscellaneous matters as required by the judges or supervisor.
- Maintaining confidentiality while performing duties.
- Performing any other duties as may be assigned.
The duties listed are not exhaustive and are not intended to limit the assignment of work. They should not be construed as a complete list of the duties to be performed under the job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's usual line of work.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE INFORMATION:
Candidates for the position of Law Clerk II must possess a Bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctor degree. Additionally, an active license to practice law in Illinois is required, although entry-level salary is available for law school graduates pending Illinois licensure. Candidates should have:
- Knowledge of methods of legal research and analysis of applicable law.
- Experience with computer applications for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and legal research/writing.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills and organizational abilities.
- Ability to work with others in a professional and collegial manner and collaborate with legal and non-legal personnel.
Absent extenuating circumstances, employees in Law Clerk II positions must be licensed by the Illinois Supreme Court and in good standing within one year of starting employment.
SALARY INFORMATION:
The salary for the Law Clerk II position is $72,292. For law school graduates pending Illinois licensure, the salary is $62,332. Entry-level salary for law school graduates who are not yet licensed to practice law is currently $56,313.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The position requires the ability to:
- Sit at a desk for long periods in front of a computer screen on a continuous basis.
- Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding the desk.
- Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation.
- Lift files weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Use a telephone and computer keyboard daily.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check are mandatory.
- As a Drug-Free Workplace, the use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment.
- All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT:
The organization is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Discrimination in employment based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation is not tolerated.
Applicants are encouraged to apply by filling out the application at the organization's Career Page.
