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Illinois Attorney information

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$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do illinois attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for illinois attorney in the United States is $98,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Illinois Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, successful completion of the Illinois Bar Exam, and a thorough understanding of state and federal law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as proficiency in legal drafting and case management systems, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These abilities are crucial for providing sound legal counsel, advocating effectively for clients, and ensuring compliance with complex legal requirements.

What does an Illinois attorney do?

An Illinois attorney is a licensed legal professional who advises and represents clients in legal matters in the state of Illinois. Their responsibilities can include providing legal counsel, drafting legal documents, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in court or before government agencies. Illinois attorneys may work in various areas of law, such as criminal, civil, family, corporate, or real estate law. To practice, they must pass the Illinois bar exam and comply with ongoing professional requirements.

What typical challenges do Illinois Attorneys face when managing heavy caseloads in both litigation and transactional matters?

Illinois Attorneys often juggle multiple cases simultaneously, requiring excellent time management and organizational skills. Balancing court deadlines, client communications, and document preparation can be demanding, especially when handling both litigation and transactional work. Attorneys must prioritize tasks effectively, stay updated on changes in Illinois laws, and leverage support staff or technology to streamline workflow. Regular collaboration with colleagues and clear communication with clients also play a key role in managing these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Illinois Attorney vs Illinois Paralegal?

AspectIllinois AttorneyIllinois Paralegal
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, passing the Illinois Bar ExamAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or related field
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, courts, law firms, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Roles & ResponsibilitiesProviding legal advice, representing clients, drafting legal documentsAssisting attorneys, preparing legal documents, conducting research

Illinois Attorneys are licensed legal professionals authorized to provide legal advice and represent clients in court, while Illinois Paralegals support attorneys by handling research and document preparation. Both roles work in legal environments but differ significantly in credentials and responsibilities.

More about Illinois Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Illinois Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Illinois Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Illinois Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Illinois Attorney jobs include:
Illinois Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Illinois Attorney job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,330 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Assistant Attorney General - Criminal Appeals - Chicago

Assistant Attorney General - Criminal Appeals - Chicago

Illinois Attorney General

Springfield, IL • On-site

$84K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Salary: $84,480.00 - $107,550.00 Annually
Location : Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-AAG-CRI-APP-CHI
Administration: Chief Deputy - Attorney General
Bureau: Criminal Appeals Division
Opening Date: 09/23/2025
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities
The Office of the Attorney General is seeking a motivated and skilled attorney to join its Criminal Appeals Division. This position provides an excellent opportunity to handle complex and impactful legal work on behalf of the State. The successful candidate will represent the State in criminal matters at all levels of the state and federal court systems. The Division cultivates a collegial environment where attorneys are encouraged to collaborate and share ideas. Attorneys enjoy considerable autonomy in briefing cases under the guidance of supervising attorneys.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Draft briefs and present oral argument in appeals before the Illinois Supreme Court and Illinois Appellate Court.
  • Represent the State in federal district court habeas corpus proceedings under 28 U.S.C. § 2254.
  • Brief and argue federal habeas corpus appeals before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
  • Independently manage a docket of active appeals and federal cases.

Qualifications
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have an interest in criminal and constitutional law and strong research and writing skills. At least two years of experience is preferred. 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 two writing samples. 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:

Apply