1

Contract Attorney Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Attorney information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$51.5K

$118.1K

$198.2K

How much do contract attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract attorney in Springfield, IL is $118,128.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,700.00 and $137,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Attorney vs Staff Attorney?

AspectContract AttorneyStaff Attorney
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), licensed to practice lawJuris Doctor (JD), licensed to practice law
Work EnvironmentTemporary, project-based, often remote or on-siteFull-time, permanent, typically office-based
Employer & Industry UsageLaw firms, corporations, government agencies for specific projectsLaw firms, legal departments, courts for ongoing legal work
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Contract Attorneys are hired for specific projects or durations, offering flexibility and specialized expertise. Staff Attorneys hold permanent positions within organizations, providing ongoing legal support. Both roles require a JD and legal licensure but differ mainly in employment type and work setting.

What Is a Contract Attorney?

A contract attorney conducts research, prepares legal documents, and represents clients in a court of law. Contract attorneys are not permanent employees of law firms; they handle cases on behalf of law firms on a case-by-case basis. Much like standard attorneys, contract attorneys may specialize in a specific legal area, such as corporate law, family law, or criminal law. Law firms expect contract attorneys to uphold the same legal standards as traditional attorneys.

What are contract attorneys?

Contract attorneys are legal professionals who are hired on a temporary basis to perform specific legal tasks or projects for law firms, corporations, or government agencies. They may handle duties such as document review, legal research, drafting contracts, or assisting with litigation. Unlike full-time associates, contract attorneys typically work on a project-by-project basis, offering flexibility for both the attorney and the employer. This role can be ideal for those seeking diverse experiences or a more flexible work schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Attorney, you need a solid understanding of contract law, strong legal research abilities, and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with bar admission. Proficiency with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, and familiarity with document management systems, are typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, negotiation skills, and clear written and verbal communication distinguish top performers in this field. These skills are crucial for drafting, reviewing, and interpreting complex contracts while protecting clients' interests and minimizing legal risks.

What are the typical challenges a Contract Attorney faces when managing multiple clients or cases simultaneously?

Contract Attorneys often juggle several assignments from various clients or law firms, which can present challenges in time management, prioritization, and maintaining clear communication. Each client may have different expectations, document management systems, and deadlines, making it essential to stay organized and proactive in scheduling. Developing strong project management skills and using legal technology tools can help Contract Attorneys efficiently track tasks, ensure confidentiality, and meet deliverables across diverse projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Attorney jobs in Springfield, IL? For Contract Attorney jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Attorney jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Attorney jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Contract Attorney jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Contract Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Attorney job openings in Springfield, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,128 per year, or $56.8 per hour.
Assistant Attorney General - General Law - Carbondale

Assistant Attorney General - General Law - Carbondale

Illinois Attorney General

Springfield, IL โ€ข On-site

$84K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Salary: $84,480.00 - $107,550.00 Annually
Location : Carbondale, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-AAG-GOV-GEN-CAR
Administration: Chief Deputy - Attorney General
Bureau: General Law
Opening Date: 09/23/2025
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities
The General Law Bureau of the Illinois Attorney General's Office represents the interests of the State of Illinois and its people in civil trial litigation. The Bureau functions as a defense law firm for the State of Illinois, its officers, agencies and employees. In addition to its defense functions, the Bureau routinely prosecutes certain types of proceedings, such as actions to enforce labor laws, actions to insure sound banking and insurance practices, actions to enforce licensing laws, and actions to collect certain revenues owed the State. Examples of the areas of law dealt with in defense cases include personal injury, property damage, and injunction cases, administrative hearings and reviews, declaratory judgment actions, federal and state civil rights cases, class actions, bankruptcy and employment discrimination matters, contract law, construction law, tort law, securities regulations, labor law, prisoner's rights, election law, license revocations, banking and constitutional law.
Qualifications
The General Law Bureau is seeking attorneys with sound judgment and excellent research and writing skills. A strong candidate will have a demonstrated interest in and enthusiasm for trial work, and a demonstrated commitment to public service. Candidates must be licensed in Illinois at the time of application.
Supplemental Information
Salary: Salaries are commensurate with number of years of practice as a licensed attorney and range from $ 84,480 to $ 107,550.
To ensure full consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a writing sample. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us:
Attn: Thor Y. Inouye
Office of the Illinois Attorney General
115 S. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 814-3695
(312) 814-5024 (Fax)
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: