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Graduate Legal Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Assistant General Counsel

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Provide sound legal guidance on range of matters that affect theorganization: contracts and leases ... Must be a graduate of an accredited law school and licensed to practice lawin the state of Illinois ...

Medical Assistant

Hammond, IN · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

... legal regulations, and fostering a sense of teamwork. • Keeps supplies ready by inventorying ... Graduate of an accredited medical assistant program or actively working towards completion

Medical Assistant

Skokie, IL · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Prepares accurate, legal, and ethical documentation at all times. * Opens office in the morning and ... Graduate of a Medical Assistant program or equivalent experience preferred. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS ...

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Graduate Legal Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.8K

$49.7K

$76.2K

How much do graduate legal assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate legal assistant in Chicago, IL is $49,669.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,100.00 and $56,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate legal assistant?

Graduate Legal Assistants are entry-level legal professionals, often recent law school graduates, who support attorneys and legal departments with research, drafting documents, case preparation, and administrative duties. They work under the supervision of licensed attorneys and help with tasks such as preparing legal briefs, conducting legal research, and organizing case files. This role provides valuable hands-on experience for those considering a legal career or preparing to take the bar exam. Graduate Legal Assistants may work in law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate legal assistant?

To thrive as a Graduate Legal Assistant, you need a law degree or equivalent qualification, strong research abilities, and a solid understanding of legal terminology and procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management software, and document drafting tools is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills help you manage complex information and support legal teams effectively. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accuracy, maintaining compliance, and providing reliable assistance in a fast-paced legal environment.

What types of projects or cases can a graduate legal assistant expect to work on during their first year?

As a Graduate Legal Assistant, you’ll typically support attorneys with tasks like legal research, drafting documents, and organizing case files. In your first year, you might assist with case preparation for hearings or trials, help manage discovery processes, and interact with clients or witnesses under supervision. The work often involves collaborating closely with paralegals and junior lawyers, giving you a broad perspective on different areas of law. The variety of cases you'll support—ranging from civil litigation to corporate matters—provides valuable exposure and lays a strong foundation for career advancement.

How do I become a graduate legal assistant with no experience?

To become a graduate legal assistant with no experience, focus on obtaining a relevant bachelor's degree such as in paralegal studies or pre-law, and develop skills in legal research, writing, and organization. Internships or volunteer work at law firms or legal clinics can provide practical experience and improve employability for entry-level positions.

Is it worth being a graduate legal assistant?

A graduate legal assistant role provides valuable experience in legal research, document preparation, and case management, which can enhance future career prospects in law. It often offers exposure to legal procedures and may require familiarity with legal software, making it a useful stepping stone for aspiring lawyers or legal professionals.

What degree do I need to be a graduate legal assistant?

A graduate legal assistant typically needs at least a bachelor's degree, often in fields such as paralegal studies, legal studies, or pre-law. Some positions may require or prefer candidates with a master's degree or paralegal certification, along with strong research and organizational skills.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Legal Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Graduate Legal Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Legal Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Legal Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Graduate Legal Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Graduate Legal Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Legal Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,669 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Legal Administrative Specialist

Attorney | ICE

Chicago, IL

$43K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Organizational Location: These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), in various locations.
Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.Qualifications:Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Minimum Qualification requirements as noted below.
Minimum Qualifications for GS-07:
Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service that included performing at least 2 of the following:
  1. Performing a variety of legal administrative support activities for attorneys involved in litigation or other law related activities;
  2. Assisting with tracking court dockets, cases, hearings, depositions and/or other legal administrative matters; and
  3. Assisting with the preparation and maintenance of case files.
OR
Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
OR
Superior Academic Achievement: Successful completion of all the requirements for a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement. In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled. Superior Academic Achievement is based on:(1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR (2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.; OR (3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/).
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Minimum Qualifications for GS-09:
Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service that included performing at least 3 of the following:
  1. Providing legal support in drafting, reviewing, and processing of legal documents;
  2. Gathering, organizing, or analyzing data to support the litigation of a variety of cases or the provision of legal advice to clients and other entities; and
  3. Performing a variety of legal administrative support activities for attorneys involved in litigation or other law related activities.
OR
Education:
Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.
NOTE: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER