Job Description

• Location
  Springfield, IL
• Posted Date
  12/18/25
• Closing Date
  This position will remain open until filled. However, those individual submitting materials by January 15, 2026, will be given first consideration.
• Division
  Fourth District, Illinois Appellate Court – Legal Research Division
• 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. Please refer to the Benefits Information Sheet for additional details.
• Salary
  $83,528

DESCRIPTION: The Fourth 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 Fourth District Research Attorney provides necessary and valuable assistance to the Justices of the Fourth 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 Fourth 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. Fully remote work possible for Illinois residents with prior Illinois appellate court research attorney or Illinois appellate/supreme court clerking experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time.

Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest, a resume, a self-edited professional writing sample, a law school transcript, and three references, via e-mail, to:

AC_District4_Clerk@illinoiscourts.gov

This position will remain open until filled. However, those individual submitting materials by January 15, 2026, will be given first consideration.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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