OCJ - Senior Division Attorney - Domestic Relations Division

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Division Attorney reports to the Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations Division. The position requires a strong commitment to access to justice, a highly professional demeanor, and sound judgment. Responsibilities include providing legal research to judges, coordinating legal updates, monitoring legislation, and acting as a community liaison to improve division services and assist self-represented litigants.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree and active Illinois law license required.
Experience in and demonstrated understanding of the law and practice applicable to matters heard by the judges of the division.
An understanding of the role, function, and working of the Circuit Court
Ability to work in a fast- paced environment
Highly collegial and demonstrated ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Prior law clerkship, clinical or 7-11 practical experience preferred, with subject matter experience strongly preferred.
1-2 years’ professional experience strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Supervises and coordinates the division law clerks in providing legal research to all Division judges, including responding to immediate questions of law, preparing bench memos, drafting orders and opinions, proofreading the judge's orders and opinions, verifying citations.
Coordinates the preparation by the division law clerks of legal updates to the judges, including case summaries of published appellate cases in the 1st District, unpublished opinions that relate to domestic Relations or relevant family law across the state (Rule 23 orders) on a monthly basis.
Monitors pending and proposed legislation impacting the division; compiles and distributes legislative updates on a quarterly basis.
Presents case updates and legislative updates at regular Division judge meetings, on a schedule to be determined by the Presiding Judge. Assists Division Judges who wish to present case briefings on novel or complicated issues presented recently in their courtrooms.
Works with Presiding Judge to facilitate planning seminars, stakeholder conferences, and other committees related to improving Division services.
Assists in connecting self-represented litigants with legal aid agencies, self-help resources and social services as necessary. Maintain accurate resource packets in coordination with the Domestic Relations Division Court Administrator.
Assists judges in ensuring self-represented litigants understand orders as entered. Assists judges in monitoring or responding to communication from self-represented litigants were permissible and appropriate.
Coordinates with on-site legal aid agencies where appropriate to ensure accuracy in resources provided to self-represented litigants.
Coordinates with Clerk of the Circuit Court staff to ensure resources provided self-represented litigants are accurate, accessible and reflect common issues or concerns raised in courtrooms.
In coordination with the Presiding Judge and the Administrator, assesses training needs on an ongoing basis; develops and presents relevant subject matter training that adheres to best practices for judicial and non-judicial court personnel.
Such other duties as may be assigned by the Presiding Judge