The First District, Illinois Appellate Court, seeks an experienced and collaborative Legal Research Director to lead a talented staff of attorneys. This leadership role ensures the highest quality of legal analysis supporting the court’s decision-making. The ideal candidate brings both deep legal research expertise and a commitment to mentoring and innovation within the judicial system.

Annual Salary Range: $114,482-158,000

The Legal Research Director of the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court is an executive level position with a wide-range of responsibilities for the management of the First District’s Legal Research Department. The position is located in Chicago, Illinois. The Research Director assigns the tasks to be performed by the Appellate Court Research Attorneys in the Research Department. The Research Director is also responsible for supervising the work of the Appellate Court Research Attorneys and assuring that the work is completed in a correct, timely, and professional manner. The Research Director confers with justices and other members of the First District of the Appellate Court concerning matters before the court or issues relevant to the work of the court.

Interested persons should submit a resume, professional writing sample, three professional references, and a letter of interest stating how the candidate’s experiences and qualifications connect with the required and preferred credentials, characteristics, and priorities expressed in the position profile to: courtemployment@illinoiscourts.gov 

Submissions must be received by Sunday, April 19, 2026