OCJ - Administrative Assistant - Criminal Division

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois is seeking an Administrative Assistant II in the Criminal Division to support the Presiding Judge and assigned judges.

The role requires strong communication and organizational skills, the ability to handle court procedures, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and the Odyssey Case Management System. This on-site position includes routine clerical duties, mail distribution, and backup coverage as needed.

Qualifications

• High school graduate, college degree preferred.
• Excellent communications skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Works well with others.
• Computer literate in email, Microsoft Office, and an ability to learn the Clerk’s Case Management System (Odyssey).
• Good typing skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support for the Presiding Judge and judges assigned to the Criminal Division.
• Answer the main phone line during court hours.
• Email lawyers and litigants for orders and other procedural matters; maintain timely email communications.
• Answer basic questions about Zoom and remote proceedings and provide meeting IDs/instructions.
• Communicate with the Clerk’s Office regarding orders and other court matters.
• Pick up and distribute mail.
• Maintain office supplies, copy machines, and related maintenance.
• Maintain paper files as needed.
• Assist judges, law clerks, and other staff as needed.
• Provide backup for other staff as required.

Education

High school diploma

College degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Odyssey CMS

Job description

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE
CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT II
DIVISION: CRIMINAL DIVISION
UNION: TEAMSTERS LOCAL 700
GRADE: 14
SALARY: ENTRY LEVEL: $57,688

Job Summary and Duties:

• Provide administrative support for the Presiding Judge and judges assigned to the Criminal Division;
• Answer the main phone line during court hours;
• Email lawyers and litigants for cases regarding orders and other procedural matters in the litigation, and maintain email communications in a timely manner;
• Answer basic questions about Zoom and remote proceedings, such as providing meeting ID numbers, and be able to communicate basic connection instructions or email the instructions to individuals;
• Answer basic questions about the judge’s procedural requirements for court calls (such as when courtesy copies are required, the time of the court call, courtroom number, Zoom information);
• Communicate with the Clerk’s Office regarding orders and other court matters;
• Pick up and distribute mail;
• Maintain office supplies, copy machines, and other office related maintenance;
• Maintain paper files as needed;
• Maintain familiarity with the basic court procedures in the division to be able to answer litigant procedural questions;
• Assist judges, law clerks, and other staff as needed;
• Provide backup for other staff as required;
• Perform such other duties as directed by the Court Administrator and assigned judges.

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:

• High school graduate, college degree preferred;
• Excellent communications skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Works well with others;
• Computer literate in email Microsoft Office, and an ability to learn the Clerk’s Case Management System (Odyssey);
• Good typing skills.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time 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 a telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis;
• Walk short distances.

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 Employment Opportunities | Circuit Court of Cook County.

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: October, 2026