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Judicial Staff Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Staff Attorney

Aurora, IL · Remote

$118K - $178K/yr

... trials, judicial and administrative hearings and alternative dispute resolutions • Provide opinions to Managing Attorney, Assistant Managing Attorney, staff, clients and claims customers ...

Staff Attorney

Chicago, IL · Remote

$118K - $178K/yr

... at trials, judicial and administrative hearings and alternative dispute resolutions Provide opinions to Managing Attorney, Assistant Managing Attorney, staff, clients and claims customers ...

Staff Attorney

Chicago, IL · Remote

$118K - $178K/yr

... trials, judicial and administrative hearings and alternative dispute resolutions • Provide opinions to Managing Attorney, Assistant Managing Attorney, staff, clients and claims customers ...

Staff Attorney

$118K - $178K/yr

... at trials, judicial and administrative hearings and alternative dispute resolutions Provide opinions to Managing Attorney, Assistant Managing Attorney, staff, clients and claims customers ...

Staff Attorney

Naperville, IL · Remote

$118K - $178K/yr

... trials, judicial and administrative hearings and alternative dispute resolutions • Provide opinions to Managing Attorney, Assistant Managing Attorney, staff, clients and claims customers ...

Staff Attorney

Aurora, IL · Remote

$118K - $178K/yr

... at trials, judicial and administrative hearings and alternative dispute resolutions Provide opinions to Managing Attorney, Assistant Managing Attorney, staff, clients and claims customers ...

Staff Attorney

Naperville, IL · Remote

$118K - $178K/yr

... at trials, judicial and administrative hearings and alternative dispute resolutions Provide opinions to Managing Attorney, Assistant Managing Attorney, staff, clients and claims customers ...

Staff Attorney

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$79K - $122K/yr

Staff attorneys handle all functions related to casework, from initial intake through ... Knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence. * Ability to use ...

Staff Attorney

Frederick, MD · On-site

$79K - $122K/yr

Staff attorneys handle all functions related to casework, from initial intake through ... Knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence. * Ability to use ...

Staff Attorney

Peoria, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Staff attorneys at PSLS provide a wide range of legal services to some of the most vulnerable ... judicial proceedingsDevelop and maintain networking relationships with local bar associations and ...

Staff Attorney

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$79K - $122K/yr

Staff attorneys handle all functions related to casework, from initial intake through ... Knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence. * Ability to use ...

Staff attorneys handle all functions related to casework, from initial intake through ... Knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence. * Ability to use ...

Learn more about this agency Duties Help The staff attorney participates in the substantive policy ... Experience as a federal judicial law clerk. * Outstanding academic credentials and/or law review or ...

Showing results 21-40

Judicial Staff Attorney information

See salary details

$50.5K

$91.4K

$151.5K

How much do judicial staff attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for judicial staff attorney in the United States is $91,446.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $106,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a judicial staff attorney?

Judicial Staff Attorneys are legal professionals who assist judges by conducting legal research, drafting opinions, and providing recommendations on cases. They help analyze legal issues, review case files, and ensure that court decisions are well-founded and based on relevant law. These attorneys play a vital role in supporting the efficient functioning of the judicial system by ensuring judges have the necessary information to make informed rulings.

What are some typical challenges judicial staff attorneys face when supporting judges in legal research and case preparation?

Judicial Staff Attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, handling a high volume of complex cases, and ensuring thorough legal research under time pressure. They must quickly synthesize large amounts of information and draft clear, concise memoranda or proposed orders for the judge. Balancing impartiality while providing objective legal analysis is essential, and strong organizational skills are needed to prioritize tasks efficiently in a fast-paced, collaborative court environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a judicial staff attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Judicial Staff Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, excellent legal research and writing skills, and strong knowledge of civil and criminal law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as proficiency in case management systems, is crucial. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication help you interpret complex legal issues and present findings effectively. These skills and qualities are vital for providing judges with accurate, thorough legal analysis and supporting the efficient administration of justice.

What is the difference between Judicial Staff Attorney vs Judicial Clerk?

AspectJudicial Staff AttorneyJudicial Clerk
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission often preferredUndergraduate degree, some positions may prefer law students or recent grads
Work EnvironmentLegal research, drafting opinions, assisting judges in case analysisAssisting judges with case management, research, and administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageCourts, government legal offices, judicial chambers

Judicial Staff Attorneys typically hold a JD and assist judges with legal research and opinion drafting, working closely within judicial chambers. Judicial Clerks often are law students or recent graduates who support judges with case research and administrative duties. While both roles support the judiciary, Judicial Staff Attorneys usually have more legal experience and responsibilities related to legal analysis.

Do you need to pass the bar to be a judicial staff attorney?

Generally, a judicial staff attorney does not need to pass the bar exam, as their role primarily involves legal research, drafting opinions, and assisting judges. However, requirements can vary by jurisdiction, and some positions may prefer or require bar admission or legal experience. It is important to review specific job postings for individual qualifications.

What do judicial staff attorneys at courts do?

Judicial staff attorneys assist judges by conducting legal research, drafting opinions, and preparing case summaries. They review legal documents, analyze case law, and help facilitate the judicial decision-making process, often working in a courtroom or legal office environment.
More about Judicial Staff Attorney jobs

What cities are hiring for Judicial Staff Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Judicial Staff Attorney job openings:

What states have the most Judicial Staff Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Judicial Staff Attorney jobs include:

Infographic showing various Judicial Staff Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,446 per year, or $44 per hour.

Part-Time Staff Attorney

The Ohio Justice and Policy Center

Cleveland, OH • Hybrid

$36K - $38K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Career Opportunity: Part-Time Staff Attorney with The Ohio Justice and Policy Center in Cleveland, OhioAre you an attorney committed to criminal justice reform and client-centered advocacy? Do you believe people deserve a meaningful second chance? Join the Ohio Justice & Policy Center and help advocate for incarcerated individuals seeking release through judicial release, parole advocacy, resentencing efforts, and other post-conviction remedies.

As the Staff Attorney, you will represent incarcerated individuals seeking release through judicial release, parole advocacy, resentencing efforts, and other post-conviction remedies. You will provide client counseling, legal advocacy, hearing preparation, and representation before courts and the Ohio Parole Board. Working primarily within OJPC's Beyond Guilt Project, you will help individuals serving excessive or unjust sentences pursue release through post-conviction advocacy and litigation.

Salary Range: $36K-$38K (pro-rated for part-time schedule), based on experience and qualifications.

Location: Cleveland, Ohio | Hybrid work environment with a flexible part-time schedule of approximately 20 hours per week.

As the Staff Attorney, you will:

  • Carry a docket of approximately 6 to 12 client matters annually.
  • Draft, file, and argue judicial release motions in Ohio courts.
  • Prepare clients and their supporters for judicial proceedings and parole hearings.
  • Prepare and present parole and clemency cases before the Ohio Parole Board, including SB256 hearings and full board hearings.
  • Collaborate with the project's paralegal on intake, case development, rehabilitation portfolios, reentry plans, and mitigation records.
  • Participate in intake review and evaluate candidates against the project's selection criteria.
  • Work with community partners and organizations to strengthen clients' release plans and post-release aftercare within the scope of representation.
  • Participate in regular docket reviews and maintain case status in the project's tracking system.
  • Assist with other OJPC litigation matters, grant reporting, and community or educational events as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

  • Juris Doctor or advanced law degree required.
  • Admission to the Ohio Bar, or eligibility consistent with Ohio Supreme Court rules.
  • Minimum 1 to 2 years of litigation experience on behalf of indigent defendants or others accused or convicted of crimes.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently within a part-time schedule while collaborating closely with a small team.
  • Ability to work with diverse populations and stakeholders in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways.
  • A demonstrated and abiding commitment to social justice.
  • Experience with judicial release, resentencing, parole advocacy, or other post-conviction matters preferred.
  • Experience conducting mitigation investigations or working with complex case records preferred.
  • Experience supervising students or paralegals preferred.
  • Bilingual Spanish skills are a plus.
  • Returning citizens are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Ohio Justice & Policy Center creates fair, intelligent, and redemptive criminal justice systems through zealous, client‑centered advocacy, innovative policy reform, and cross‑sector community education. Founded in Cincinnati in 1997, OJPC is a statewide nonprofit law office focused on reducing incarceration, improving conditions inside prisons, and expanding freedom and opportunity for people with criminal records.

Learn more about OJPC's mission by visiting:

https://ohiojpc.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ohio-justice-&-policy-center/

Join our dedicated team and help drive meaningful change for people impacted by Ohio's criminal legal system. Apply online today!

Employer is EOE/M/F/D/V. No third‑party candidates please.

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