Court Operations Assistant

November 7, 2025

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

First District Appellate Court

Chicago, Illinois

Applicant may be required to submit additional material or complete job specific tests for the position.

POSITION:

Court Operations Assistant

DIVISION:

First District Appellate Court - Administrative Support

SALARY:

$41,852 per year, commensurate with experience

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 following Benefits Information Sheet for additional details.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Court Operations Manager

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The Court Operations Assistant performs court operation duties including photocopying and proofreading of court-related documents for the First District Appellate Court, Administrative Support Unit. As needed, maintains a security presence in the Appellate Court Courtroom during oral arguments.

FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

• Prepares the courtroom for oral arguments, provides audio and video during oral arguments when requested; retrieves and sets out records and briefs.
• Assists judges in maintaining order and decorum during court proceedings; seats spectators in specific areas of the courtroom.
• Performs court duties as assigned; inspects courtroom for cleanliness, orderliness, supplies and proper heat, light, ventilation and sound equipment; opens court by announcing the entrance of the judges during oral arguments.
• Responsible for recording oral arguments and documenting recording times for each case.
• As needed, monitors security for judges and other court personnel during oral arguments and prepares incident reports as needed.
• Sorts and distributes mail; picks up and delivers messages and supplies, requisitions, court records and briefs from the Clerk’s Office for distribution to and from judges.
• Notifies court personnel, attorneys, and parties when to be present in the courtroom.
• Operates photocopying equipment to reproduce Appellate Court opinions and other court materials.
• Responsible for the maintenance of photocopying equipment; loads copy paper, orders supplies and reports any malfunctions to the Court Operations Manager.
• Proofreads Appellate Court Opinions, Rule 23 Orders and Summary Orders; reviews placement of judges names, headings, dates, paragraph numbers, case numbers, periods and commas.
• Receives, relocates, and/or delivers ordered supplies; assists with packing and relocating judges' chambers when requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Completion of a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma; and at least one year of general office, clerical, operations, or similar experience required.

REQUIREMENTS:

The position requires the ability to control access to courtrooms by verifying visitor authorization, maintaining order and decorum during proceedings, and preparing the courtroom for sessions, including performing bailiff duties as needed. The role also involves accurately sorting and distributing mail and packages, answering office telephones courteously, and operating photocopy equipment. The incumbent must be able to sit for extended periods, move between floors to retrieve and deliver records and briefs, and lift up to 25 pounds. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to interact pleasantly and professionally with employees and the public, as well as the ability to effectively process verbal and written assignments. The ability to obtain an Illinois driver’s license, maintain automobile insurance for state business, and demonstrate a safe driving record is also required.

Interested individuals should submit - via email - a letter of interest, resume, and completed Judicial Branch Employment Application to:

dshaffer@illinoiscourts.gov

Application materials must be received no later than Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER