Law Clerk

Overview

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 summer 2026 and the  school year. The starting date for these positions is May 18, 2026. This position is part-time (up to 15 hours a week) during the school year with the possibility of up to 40 hours per week through the summer and during school breaks. Law Clerks hone and apply legal research and writing skills to a variety of topics related to municipal law.

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. You will 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.

• As a Law Clerk, you 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 your 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 a minimum of 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 the confidentiality of information.
• Interest or experience in public service.

The starting salary is $20.00 per hour. Applications, including cover letter, resume, writing sample that demonstrates your legal research and analysis ability, and three references (professional or academic), must be submitted online no later than Sunday, February 15, 2026. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of February 23, 2026, at the Champaign City Building, 102 N. Neil Street, Champaign.