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Entry Level Lawyer Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Lawyer information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$46.6K

$99.7K

$136.8K

How much do entry level lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level lawyer in Springfield, IL is $99,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level lawyers during their first year at a law firm?

Entry-level lawyers often face challenges such as managing heavy workloads, adapting to the fast-paced environment, and quickly learning firm-specific procedures. Balancing multiple cases or assignments while meeting tight deadlines can be demanding, and new attorneys may need to develop strong organizational and time-management skills. Additionally, building professional relationships with senior lawyers and clients requires effective communication and a willingness to seek feedback for continuous improvement.

What Does an Entry-Level Lawyer Do?

An entry-level lawyer performs a range of research, writing, and legal services duties for a law firm. As an entry-level attorney, you typically work on cases as part of a larger team of lawyers, and your responsibilities may focus on specific aspects of the case, such as interviewing witnesses, working with paralegals to sort out legal research and find relevant casework, or filing documents with the court or opposing counsel. You also assist more senior lawyers with administrative tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Lawyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, successful completion of the bar exam, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research tools such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, and proficiency in document management systems are typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and time management are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure effective client representation, accurate legal work, and the ability to manage multiple cases in a dynamic legal environment.

What are entry level lawyers?

Entry level lawyers are recent law school graduates or newly licensed attorneys who are starting their legal careers. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced lawyers, assisting with research, drafting legal documents, and supporting cases. Entry level lawyers may work in law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments. Their primary focus is to gain practical experience and develop foundational legal skills while working toward greater responsibilities.

What is the difference between Entry Level Lawyer vs Paralegal?

AspectEntry Level LawyerParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), passing the bar examAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, practicing law under supervisionSupporting legal work, assisting lawyers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level legal roles, career pathLegal support roles, legal assistant positions

Entry Level Lawyers are licensed legal professionals who have completed their JD and passed the bar exam, allowing them to practice law under supervision. Paralegals assist lawyers with legal research, document preparation, and case management but are not licensed to practice law. While both roles work in legal environments, Entry Level Lawyers have a broader scope of practice and legal authority compared to Paralegals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lawyer jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Lawyer jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lawyer jobs in Springfield, IL? For Entry Level Lawyer jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lawyer jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lawyer jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Entry Level Lawyer jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Entry Level Lawyer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lawyer job openings in Springfield, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,732 per year, or $47.9 per hour.
Paralegal II, Medicaid Fraud, 26-14, Chi

Paralegal II, Medicaid Fraud, 26-14, Chi

Illinois Attorney General

Springfield, IL โ€ข On-site

$57K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Salary : $57,192.00 - $70,128.00 Annually
Location : Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-14
Administration: Deputy Chief - Administration
Bureau: Medicaid Fraud
Opening Date: 03/24/2026
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: