The Fifth District Appellate Court is seeking new graduates and experienced attorneys with a passion for legal writing and a strong interest in appellate law for the position of Appellate Court Research Attorney. A Fifth District Research Attorney provides necessary and valuable assistance to the Justices of the Fifth District Appellate Court. Please note, this is a full-time in-person position located at the Fifth District Courthouse in Mt. Vernon, IL.

The Appellate Court Research Attorney performs legal research, analysis, and writing and reviews and assists in the drafting of judicial orders, opinions, and other legal documents for the Justices in matters before the Fifth District Appellate Court.

Candidates must be graduates of law schools accredited by the American Bar Association. Candidates must possess superior research, analytical, and writing skills. Candidates must have strong information technology skills including proficiency with commonly used office software such as Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Acrobat. Competence in the use of web-based case management software and the ability to perform electronic legal research is also required. Practicing attorneys and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Interested individuals should submit – via email – a letter of interest, resume, law school transcript with GPA, three references (no letters of recommendation required), and three writing samples to: AC5@illinoiscourts.gov

This position will remain open until filled. However, those individual submitting materials by  Wednesday, December 31, 2025, will be given first consideration.