Summer Law Clerk

Summer 2026 Law Clerk Program - St. Clair County, IL State's Attorney's Office

This position is for law school students in good standing for summer semester, 2026 (mid-May through mid-August, and will vary with each student's semester schedule). Be an active participant in the criminal justice system. Gain invaluable experience working with experienced attorneys seeking justice on behalf of the People of the State of Illinois. Opportunities in both the Civil and Criminal Divisions. Opportunities for 711-licensed students to handle their own cases under the supervision of an Assistant State's Attorney. Gain hands-on courtroom experience. Interesting and challenging research and writing assignments. Experience working in a high-volume prosecutor's office.

About The Office: Three Divisions: Criminal Bureau- Traffic/Misdemeanor Division, General Felony Division, Domestic Violence and Special Victims Unit, Violent Crimes Unit, and Problem-Solving Courts (Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Veteran's Court, and the Adult Redeploy Initiative) Children's Justice Division- Felony and misdemeanor crimes against children, juvenile delinquency cases, child abuse and neglect cases, and child support enforcement. Governmental Affairs Division- County General Counsel, and general civil litigation. The St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office is located in the St. Clair County Courthouse in Belleville, Illinois, which is approximately 15-20 minutes from St. Louis, Missouri. The County has approximately 260,000 residents and includes the cities of Belleville, O'Fallon, Fairview Heights, and East St. Louis, among others. The County also encompasses Scott Air Force Base, which houses the Air Force's U.S. Transportation Command, Air Mobility Command, and the Army's Surface Deployment and Distribution Command.

Law Clerks: Our summer and semester-long clerk program provides the opportunity to gain invaluable litigation, research, and writing experience in a challenging and fast-paced work environment. Ideal candidates have demonstrated high academic achievements in undergraduate and law school coursework, possess strong research and writing skills, and have a passion for public service. Opportunities in all Divisions of the Office. Past Clerks have: Performed legal research and writing on topics including motions to suppress, pre-trial motions, and responses to Post-Conviction Petitions. Assisted in the review of cases for charges. Presented cases to the Grand Jury under the supervision of an Assistant State's Attorney. Appeared in court on behalf of the People of the State of Illinois at preliminary hearings, motion hearings, bench trials, and jury trials. Worked closely with Assistant State's Attorneys as they perform the day-to-day activities of a prosecutor. Clerks are unpaid but course credit may be available, depending on your institution.

To request an application and background check form, and for any questions regarding the program, please email: View email address on click.appcast.io. Complete applications should be submitted through the link available at the St. Clair County website.

Job Requirements

This position is for law school students in good standing for summer semester, 2026.

How to Apply

A complete application consists of the following items: Current resume; One letter of recommendation from a professor or employer; Unofficial transcript; Writing sample (not to exceed 8 pages). All applicants must complete a background check and drug test prior to beginning their summer or semester placement. An application form, which includes providing information for background check, will be needed of candidates who are offered clerkships.

Deadline: For summer 2026 law clerk positions, please submit applications by April 3, 2026. Positions may be filled prior to application deadline. If you wish to be considered for a law clerk position for spring or fall semester, 2026, please inquire via email: View email address on click.appcast.io.