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Cook County Judge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois

IL · On-site

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COURT REPORTING SERVICES Job Title : OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER 2 Union: IBEW, LOCAL 134 Salary : $76,336.16 Location: COOK COUNTY ...

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How much do cook county judge jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook county judge in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Cook County Judges?

Cook County Judges are elected or appointed officials who preside over cases within the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. They are responsible for ensuring fair and impartial proceedings in both civil and criminal matters, interpreting and applying the law, and rendering decisions or verdicts. These judges handle a wide variety of cases, including family, probate, traffic, and felony cases. The Circuit Court of Cook County is one of the largest unified court systems in the world, and its judges play a crucial role in maintaining the administration of justice within the county.

What is the difference between Cook County Judge vs Cook County Prosecutor?

AspectCook County JudgeCook County Prosecutor
Required CredentialsLegal degree, Illinois Bar admission, judicial appointment or electionLegal degree, Illinois Bar admission, elected or appointed prosecutor
Work EnvironmentCourts, courtroom proceedings, judicial chambersProsecutor's office, courtrooms, legal investigations
Employer & IndustryGovernment, judiciaryGovernment, law enforcement, prosecution

Cook County Judges preside over court cases, ensuring justice is served in legal disputes, while Cook County Prosecutors handle criminal cases, representing the state. Both roles require legal credentials and operate within the judicial system, but judges focus on adjudication, whereas prosecutors focus on prosecution of crimes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cook County Judge, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook County Judge, you generally need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Illinois Bar, and extensive experience practicing law. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and court procedures is essential. Strong ethics, impartiality, critical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that distinguish successful judges. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure fair, efficient, and just legal proceedings in the Cook County judicial system.

What are some of the unique challenges a Cook County Judge may face in managing their courtroom and caseload?

Cook County Judges often handle a high volume of cases, which requires effective time management and organizational skills to ensure timely proceedings. They must balance impartiality with empathy, often making difficult decisions that impact individuals and communities. Judges also work closely with clerks, attorneys, and law enforcement, necessitating strong communication and collaboration skills. Additionally, staying updated on changes in state laws and legal precedents is essential for fair and accurate rulings.
What cities are hiring for Cook County Judge jobs? Cities with the most Cook County Judge job openings:
What states have the most Cook County Judge jobs? States with the most job openings for Cook County Judge jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cook County Judge jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cook County Judge jobs are:
Cook County Judge jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook County Judge job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

OCJ - Law Clerk II - Domestic Violence Division

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE, CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOISJOB DESCRIPTIONJOB TITLE:                 LAW CLERK II
                                      DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DIVISIONLOCATION:                555 W. HARRISON ST., CHICAGO, IL.
GRADE:                       16
SALARY:                     $85,130 (Law graduates pending Illinois license $75,213)
JOB SUMMARY AND DUTIES:    The Law Clerk II reports to the Presiding Judge of the Division or Municipal District of the Circuit of Cook County or as otherwise assigned.  The position requires a strong commitment to access to justice, a highly professional demeanor, and sound judgment.  In collaboration with the Senior Division Attorney, the Law Clerk:
 
  • Assists judges in resolving matters before the court and in courtroom proceedings.
  • Provides legal research to all Division judges, including responding to immediate questions of law, preparing bench memos, drafting administrative and judicial orders and opinions, proofreading the judge's orders and opinions, verifying citations.
  • Prepares legal updates to the judges, including case summaries of published appellate cases in the 1st District, unpublished opinions that relate to domestic violence or relevant family law across the state (Rule 23 orders) on a monthly basis.
  • Assists in drafting and disseminating professional correspondence, public information documents, and court rules.
  • Consults with judges regarding interpretation and application of law to issues and cases.
  • Monitors pending and proposed legislation and policy issues impacting the division; compiles and distributes legislative updates on a quarterly basis.
  • Assists in connecting self-represented litigants with legal aid agencies, accurate self-help resources and social services as necessary.
  • Assists in preparation and analysis of monthly data for judges and quarterly data reports for others, and in identifying trends that have potential impact on Division policy and operations.
  • Assists with other miscellaneous matters as required by the judges or supervising Senior Division Attorney.
  • Maintains confidentiality while performing duties.
  • Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the duties to be performed under the job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.
JOB REQUIREMENTS: 
  • Bachelor's degree, Juris Doctor degree, and active license to practice law in Illinois.
  • Knowledge of methods of legal research and analysis of applicable law.
  • Experience with computer applications for word processing, spreadsheet, database, and legal research/writing.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and organizational abilities.
  • Ability to work with others in a professional and collegial manner and collaborate with legal and non-legal personnel.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods in front of a computer screen
  • Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk
  • Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation
  • Strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds
  • Use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis

This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. 
Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.
Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page.
Please apply by filling out the application at our Career Page.
THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment.  No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
Revised:  January, 2025 [Salary updated June 2026]

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