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 summer 2026 and the 2026-2027 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.

Responsibilities of Position

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.

Required Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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.

Other Information

The City of Champaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to promoting a work environment and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion. Women, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Contact the Human Resources Department at (217) 403-8770 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you require an accommodation to complete this application or during any phase of the application, interview, or employment process. The following locations offer free Internet access and assistance: Champaign Public Library, Champaign Public Library Douglass Branch, and the Illinois WorkNet Center.

Our mission is to provide responsive, caring, cost-effective service in partnership with our community.

These Values Guide Our Work

Personal Integrity

We act in the best interests of the City

We behave in an ethical and legal manner

We are open and honest

We follow through on commitments

We are loyal to the City

Responsibility

We anticipate issues, problems, and opportunities

We take initiative

We act to prevent and solve problems

We take responsibility for the outcome of our actions and decisions

We hold ourselves and others accountable

Respect

We treat others in a fair, courteous, and equitable manner

We actively listen and seek understanding

We provide a direct response

We embrace ethnic and cultural diversity in the community and our workplace

We are positive and cooperative

We are willing to apologize

Teamwork

We know and respect our roles and responsibilities

We ask who needs to be involved and we involve others appropriately

We define and agree upon the goals

We collaborate to achieve organizational goals

We help others accomplish their goals

We share authority, responsibility, and credit

Results

We take pride in our work

We complete assignments and projects on time and within budget

We evaluate outcomes and seek feedback on our performance

We learn from our mistakes

We innovate

This position is eligible for paid leave. Leave is accrued at .025 hours for each hour worked on a bi-weekly basis up to a maximum of 40 hours. This leave can be used for any reason but is not payable upon separation from the City. It can be used with permission and authorization of your supervisor.

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City of Champaign jobs

Law Clerk