Court law clerk

• Location
  Ottawa, Illinois
• Office
  Third District Appellate Court
• Posted Date
  09/23/25
• Closing Date
  Application materials must be received no later than Friday, October 10, 2025.
• 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
  $101,070 per year

Justice Joseph P. Hettel of the Illinois Appellate Court, Third District, is seeking a full-time law clerk for his chambers in Ottawa, Illinois. Illinois residency is required or willingness to obtain upon job offer. The position is currently available but will end December 6, 2026. The opportunity to work remotely is negotiable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Conducts legal research and assists in drafting memoranda, orders, and opinions. Other duties include reviewing and editing the work of other clerks, assisting with the preparation of the Justice for oral arguments, and performing tasks related to committees on which the Justice serves. In addition, the law clerk performs administrative tasks, including corresponding with the courthouse and other chambers, processing mail and paying bills, maintaining case files, and tracking the status of cases.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Applicants must be graduates of an ABA-accredited law school and possess a law license in good standing. A strong academic record and superior research, writing, and communication skills are essential. Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications is encouraged. Preference will be given to applicants with an Illinois law license and prior experience as a judicial law clerk or legal practitioner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time. This is a professional office working environment requiring telephone usage and the ability to process written documents.

Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest, résumé, professional writing sample of no more than fifteen pages, and three references to [email protected].

Application materials must be received no later than Friday, October 10, 2025.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER