Appellate Court Research Attorney

December 1, 2025

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Appellate Court Research Attorney

Fifth District, Illinois Appellate Court – Legal Research Division

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 following Benefits Information Sheet for additional details.

$83,528

Legal Research Director

The Fifth 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 Fifth District Research Attorney provides necessary and valuable assistance to the Justices of the Fifth District Appellate Court. Please note, this is a full‑time in‑person position located at the Fifth District Courthouse in Mt.

Vernon, IL.

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 Fifth District Appellate Court.

• 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.

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.

This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time. Professional office working environment requiring telephone usage and the ability to process written and electronic documents.

Interested individuals should submit – via email – a letter of interest, resume, law school transcript with GPA, three references (no letters of recommendation required), and three writing samples to: AC5

This position will remain open until filled. However, those individual submitting materials by Wednesday, December 31, 2025, will be given first consideration.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER