OCJ - Law Clerk II - Domestic Violence Division

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois•Chicago, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

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. In collaboration with the Senior Division Attorney, the Law Clerk assists judges in resolving matters before the court and in courtroom proceedings. This role involves providing legal research, preparing legal updates, drafting correspondence and orders, consulting with judges, monitoring legislation, assisting self-represented litigants, and analyzing data. The duties are not exhaustive and may include other assignments as required.

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.

Responsibilities

Assists judges in resolving matters before the court and in courtroom proceedings.
Provides legal research to all Division judges, including responding to immediate questions of law, preparing bench memos, drafting administrative and judicial orders and opinions, proofreading the judge's orders and opinions, verifying citations.
Prepares legal updates to the judges, including case summaries of published appellate cases in the 1st District, unpublished opinions that relate to domestic violence or relevant family law across the state (Rule 23 orders) on a monthly basis.
Assists in drafting and disseminating professional correspondence, public information documents, and court rules.
Consults with judges regarding interpretation and application of law to issues and cases.
Monitors pending and proposed legislation and policy issues impacting the division; compiles and distributes legislative updates on a quarterly basis.
Assists in connecting self-represented litigants with legal aid agencies, accurate self-help resources and social services as necessary.
Assists in preparation and analysis of monthly data for judges and quarterly data reports for others, and in identifying trends that have potential impact on Division policy and operations.
Assists with other miscellaneous matters as required by the judges or supervising Senior Division Attorney.
Maintains confidentiality while performing duties.
Performs such other duties as may be assigned.