OCJ - Law Clerk II - Law Division

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:              LAW CLERK II
FLSA EXEMPT
GRADE:                      16
SALARY:                    $83,906
                                      Law school graduates pending Illinois licensure:  $73,738

JOB SUMMARY AND DUTIES: The Law Clerk II reports to the Presiding Judge of the Division or Municipal District of the Circuit of Cook County or as otherwise assigned. The position requires a strong commitment to access to justice, a highly professional demeanor, and sound judgment. The Law Clerk:

• Assists judges in resolving matters before the court and in courtroom proceedings.
• Researches and analyzes legal issues presented for brief or argument based on statutes and case law.
• Searches for and studies legal records, documents, and law to obtain information and provide analysis applicable to case under consideration.
• Prepares written memoranda and summaries based on research and analysis of legal issues.
• Assists in drafting and proofreading opinions, administrative and judicial orders, professional correspondence, public information documents, and court rules.
• Consults with judges regarding interpretation and application of law to issues and cases.
• Monitors pending legislation as needed.
• Assists outside counsel with litigation in which judges or court employees are parties.
• Assists with other miscellaneous matters as required by the judges or supervisor.
• Maintains confidentiality while performing duties.
• Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to 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 normal line of work.

 

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree, Juris Doctor degree, and active license to practice law in Illinois.**
• Knowledge of methods of legal research and analysis of applicable law.
• Experience with computer applications for word processing, spreadsheet, database, 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.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods in front of a computer screen
• Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk
• Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation
• Strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds
• Use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis

** 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 start of employment. Entry level salary for law school graduates who are not yet licensed to practice law is currently $73,738.

This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check.  Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, 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.
Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page .

Please apply by filling out the application at our 

THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Revised: September , 2024 [Salary updated 5/14/26]