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Chicago Paralegal Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Chicago Paralegal information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$33.2K

$70.7K

$107.5K

How much do chicago paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for chicago paralegal in Springfield, IL is $70,742.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $88,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Chicago paralegal?

Chicago paralegals are legal professionals who assist attorneys in law firms, corporations, government agencies, or other organizations within the city of Chicago. They perform a variety of tasks, such as conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and preparing for court proceedings. While paralegals are not licensed to practice law, they play a crucial role in supporting lawyers and improving the efficiency of legal services. In Chicago, paralegals may also specialize in areas such as litigation, real estate, corporate law, or immigration. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the size and focus of the employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chicago paralegal?

To thrive as a Chicago Paralegal, you need strong legal research, document preparation, and case management skills, typically supported by a paralegal certificate or degree. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency with case management software are commonly required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing deadlines and supporting attorneys. These abilities are essential for ensuring accuracy, compliance, and the efficient operation of legal processes in a fast-paced legal environment.

What unique challenges might a paralegal face working in a Chicago law firm?

Paralegals in Chicago often work in fast-paced legal environments, which can involve balancing multiple cases and tight deadlines due to the city's active court system. They may also encounter complex cases involving local, state, and federal laws, requiring strong research and organizational skills. Collaboration with attorneys, clients, and court staff is frequent, and adapting to diverse legal practices—ranging from corporate to criminal law—is common. The variety of cases and clients in Chicago can provide valuable experience, but it also means paralegals must be detail-oriented and adaptable.

What is the difference between Chicago Paralegal vs Chicago Legal Assistant?

AspectChicago ParalegalChicago Legal Assistant
CredentialsAssociate's degree or paralegal certificateHigh school diploma or associate's degree, less formal training
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, courtsSimilar settings, often overlapping roles
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, document preparation, case managementAdministrative support, document handling, client communication
Employer UsageLegal professionals, law firms, courtsLaw firms, legal departments, government agencies

Chicago Paralegals and Chicago Legal Assistants often perform similar tasks, but paralegals typically have more formal legal training and handle more complex legal work. Legal assistants focus more on administrative support. Both roles are vital in legal settings, but paralegals usually require specific certifications and have a broader scope of legal responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Chicago Paralegal jobs in Springfield, IL?

For Chicago Paralegal jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chicago Paralegal jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Chicago Paralegal jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Chicago Paralegal jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Chicago Paralegal job openings:

Infographic showing various Chicago Paralegal job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,742 per year, or $34 per hour.

Paralegal II 25-31

Springfield, IL • On-site

Illinois Attorney General
11 - 50 employees

$57K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Salary : $57,192.00 - $70,128.00 Annually
Location : Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-31
Administration: Deputy Chief - Administration
Bureau: Criminal Appeals Division
Opening Date: 07/14/2025
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities
Provides paraprofessional support and enhances attorney effectiveness by providing information; independently conducting extensive research, investigations, and compliance reviews; and preparing in-depth legal documents at the direction of an attorney. Obtains information by contacting witnesses, attorneys, claimants, and others; developing questions; reviewing files and documents; and conducting legal and factual research. Provides information by answering questions and requests; serving as a resource in areas of general and/or specialized knowledge; attending meetings; assisting in preparation of public education materials. Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information, using independent judgement in the analysis, preparation and summarization of legal documents and/or pleadings. Provides support to attorneys by preparing case docket; coordinating preparation of reports; analyzing data; identifying solutions; identifying deficiencies; explaining remedies through correspondence and written instruction; clarifying customer complaints; expediting correction or adjustment; following up to ensure resolution; reviewing additional submissions or materials for completion; preparing exhibits; preparing subpoenas; preparing witnesses for testimony; preparing trial briefs and other legal memos; preparing motions; preparing jury instructions; and preparing summons and complaints. Complies with federal/state/local legal requirements by reviewing and evaluating documentation, contracts, and financial statements; enforcing adherence to requirements; and studying existing and new legislation/rules. Provides recommendations by reviewing and evaluating applications; analyzing programs and services; verifying documentation; studying performance requirements; analyzing and evaluating evidence; keeping abreast of trends; and maintaining historical context. Processes claims/registrations by reviewing data for deficiencies; resolving discrepancies by using standard procedures or returning incomplete documents to team leader for resolution. Completes research projects by establishing project objective; designing and developing mathematical, statistical, and other models; determining data collection methods; directing the collection of data; synthesizing data; interpreting results. Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending workshops and educational seminars; reviewing appropriate publications. Trains and/or assists in the training of other paralegals; accomplishing related results in a cooperative and collaborative manner.
Qualifications
Requires at least an Associate Degree (Bachelor Degree preferred) in business law or legal studies, or related field, or completion of an A.B.A. approved paralegal training program and three (3) years of paralegal experience and must have served satisfactorily as a paralegal in the OAG for at least two (2) years or an equivalent combination of training education and experience. Lexis and Internet research skills preferred. Familiarity with law library resources essential. Ability to communicate effectively; excellent verbal and written skills required; evaluate and interpret contracts, financial statements, and other complex documentation; and work within budgetary constraints needed. Minimal typing may be required. Word Processing skills required. Attendance is an essential function of this position. Ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with other employees and the general public required.
Supplemental Information
Position requires in office attendance.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
As an employee of the Illinois Attorney General's Office, you'll have access to many great benefits. Join the legal team responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and the people of Illinois!
  • Health and Dental insurance along with free Vision insurance*
  • Pension Benefits through the State Employees'; Retirement System
  • Deferred Compensation: supplemental retirement savings program-457k
  • Commuter Savings Program: pre-tax transportation program
  • Flexible Spending: Medical and Dependent pre-tax savings program
  • Life insurance benefit: free with option to purchase additional (up to 8 x your annual salary) at low cost. Spouse and child life insurance available
  • Disability coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program through ComPsych
  • Holidays: 13 1/2 paid
  • Vacation days: minimum of 12 days, maximum of 27 days, prorated
  • Personal days: 4 annually
  • Floating Holiday: 1 annually
  • Sick days: 1 per month
  • For attorneys, office provided Continuing Legal Education
  • Semi-monthly payroll

*Health and Dental cost ranges: for single: $131.00 - $314.00 monthly; for family: $299.00 - $653.00 monthly
For more information on benefits: