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Entry Level Attorney Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Attorney information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$46.1K

$108.3K

$172.8K

How much do entry level attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level attorney in Champaign, IL is $108,318.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,100.00 and $130,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level attorney?

Entry level attorneys are recent law school graduates or individuals who have recently passed the bar exam and are beginning their legal careers. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced attorneys and assist with research, drafting legal documents, and helping prepare cases. Entry level attorneys can work in various settings, including law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments. Their responsibilities often focus on learning practical legal skills and gaining experience in their chosen field of law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission in your practicing state, and a solid grasp of legal research, writing, and analysis. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in document management systems are typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and time management skills help you build client relationships and manage caseloads effectively. These competencies are crucial for providing sound legal advice, meeting deadlines, and establishing a successful legal career.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level attorneys in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing heavy workloads, adapting to the fast-paced environment of law firms, and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical legal skills. Navigating client expectations, learning firm protocols, and handling multiple assignments simultaneously can feel overwhelming at first. To overcome these challenges, new attorneys should proactively seek feedback, build strong relationships with mentors and colleagues, and prioritize effective time management. Open communication and a willingness to continuously learn are key to successful integration and professional growth in the early stages of a legal career.

What is the difference between Entry Level Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectEntry Level AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting legal documents, client consultationsLegal research, document preparation, case organization

Entry Level Attorneys and Paralegals often work in similar environments and share some responsibilities, but attorneys require a JD and bar admission to practice law, while paralegals support attorneys without needing a law license. The roles differ mainly in legal authority and scope of work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in Champaign, IL?

The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Attorney jobs in Champaign, IL?

For Entry Level Attorney jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Attorney jobs in Champaign, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Attorney jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Entry Level Attorney jobs?

Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Entry Level Attorney job openings:

Entry Level Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Attorney job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,318 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Assistant States Attorney - Entry Level

Champaign County

Urbana, IL • On-site

$30.82 - $39.85/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Champaign County (Illinois) rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Position Type:
Champaign County/Assistant State`s Attorney (State`s Attorney)
Date Posted:
7/8/2026
Location:
101 E. Main Street (Courthouse)
Date Available:
ASAP
Closing Date:
Until Filled
Job Title: Assistant State's Attorney
Department: State's Attorney's Office
Summary
Preferred applicants must be skilled in trial advocacy, communication, organization, and technology, demonstrate good judgement and the ability to make decisions, and be able to professionally represent the office in court and with the public. This includes, but is not limited to, exercising primary responsibility for the preparation of jury and bench trials, motion practice and plea negotiations in all types of criminal cases of normal to advanced complexity, and working cooperatively with victim advocates and with law enforcement in criminal prosecutions including preparing search warrants. Other duties may be assigned by the State's Attorney.
Qualifications
  • Holds a current license to practice law in the State of Illinois.
  • Have professional experience and demonstrated professional interest in:
  • Prosecution
  • Litigation
  • Criminal Law
  • Social Services
  • Other related fields

Compensation
  • Wage Range: $30.82 - $39.85 per hour depending on experience and qualifications.
  • Champaign County is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, health insurance, life insurance, and employer contributions to a defined-benefit retirement plan. Benefit details can be found on the Champaign County Jobs page.????

How To Apply
  • Submit an application online by visiting the Champaign County Open Positions page.
  • Submit resumes and references by mail to Julia Reitz, Champaign County State's Attorney, 101 E Main Street, Urbana, Illinois, 61801
  • Submit resumes and references by email to Jessica Pickett at jpickett@champaigncountyil.gov

What Champaign County (Illinois) employees say

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