What are the responsibilities and job description for the OCJ - Law Clerk II - Domestic Violence Division position at Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois?
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE, CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: LAW CLERK II
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DIVISION
LOCATION: 555 W. HARRISON ST., CHICAGO, IL.GRADE: 16
SALARY: $83,906 (Law graduates pending Illinois license $73,738)
JOB SUMMARY AND DUTIES: 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.
- 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- Prepares legal updates to the judges, including case summaries of published appellate cases in the 1st District, unpublished opinions that relate to domestic violence or relevant family law across the state (Rule 23 orders) on a monthly basis.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.
The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the duties to be performed under the job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.
JOB 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.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods in front of a computer screen
- Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk
- Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation
- Strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds
- Use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis
This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check.
Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.
Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page.
Please apply by filling out the application at our Career Page.
THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
Revised: January, 2025 [Salary updated May 2026]
Salary : $73,738 - $83,906