Law Clerk

City of Champaign; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Champaign is seeking a Law Clerk to apply theoretical legal principles to municipal law topics such as real estate, planning, labor, contracts, and public safety.

The position is part-time (up to 15 hours/week during the school year) with potential for up to 40 hours/week during school breaks, starting around November 2, 2026. This role involves research, drafting pleadings, and potential courtroom appearances under supervision in the City Attorney's Office.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of federal and state law.
• Knowledge of legal reference works and methods of legal research.
• Ability to seek, analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to complete tasks timely with minimal supervision.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Apply legal research and writing to municipal law topics.
• Prepare pleadings and internal memos with research summaries and recommendations.
• Appear in court for civil matters or act as prosecutor under supervision.
• Transfer documents to/from courthouse and assist with administrative tasks including customer service.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Confidentiality

Analytical thinking

Professional judgment

Time management

Oral communication

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree + two law school semesters

Job description

Are you looking for an exciting and engaging opportunity to apply theoretical legal principles to a variety of real-world situations? Do you have a passion for public service? If so, then consider applying to be a Law Clerk in the City of Champaign Legal Department.

Current openings are for the remainder of the 2026-2027 school year. The starting date for this position will be on or around November 2, 2026. This position is part-time (up to 15 hours a week) during the school year with the optional possibility of up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.

Responsibilities of Position

Law Clerks develop and apply legal research and writing skills to a variety of topics related to municipal law. Clerks delve into research topics relating to municipal law such as real estate, planning and economic development, labor and employment, public safety issues, contracts, and municipal finance. Clerks then use that research to prepare pleadings that may be filed with the court as well as internal legal memos providing research summaries and recommendations for City attorneys or other City Departments. City Law Clerks may appear in court in civil matters advocating the City’s interests or as the City’s prosecutor in court under the supervision of the City Attorney, the Deputy City Attorney, or the Assistant City Attorneys. Law Clerks also transfer documents to and from the courthouse as another way to increase exposure to members of the local legal community and may assist with administrative tasks in the Legal Department including providing customer service in-person or by phone.

• A bachelor’s degree and have completed the first two semesters of law school at the time of employment.
• Basic knowledge of federal and state law.
• Knowledge of legal reference works and methods of legal research.
• The ability to seek, analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence, and precedents.
• The ability to exercise professional judgment and maintain confidentiality of information.
• The ability to accomplish assigned tasks in a timely fashion with minimal supervision.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.

• Experience working or volunteering in an office setting.
• Experience providing customer service.
• Experience maintaining confidentiality of information.
• Experience in public service or public sector work.

The starting salary is $25.52 per hour. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of October 12, 2026 , at the Champaign City Building, 102 N. Neil Street, Champaign.