The Office of the State Appellate Defender has an opening for a Docket Clerk position with the Pretrial Fairness Unit within the Chicago office (1st District) with a start date of June 1, 2026\.
The Office of the State Appellate Defender is committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion, while providing a congenial atmosphere, competitive compensation package and an excellent benefit plan. Details of benefits can be found at https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html
The Office of the State Appellate Defender is a state agency created by the State Appellate Defender Act (725 ILCS 105/1 et seq.). The principal function of the Office of the State Appellate Defender is to represent indigent persons on appeal in criminal cases when appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court, the Appellate Court or the Circuit Court. To provide for this legal representation, the State Appellate Defender has district offices in each of the five appellate court districts of Illinois (Chicago, Elgin, Ottawa, Springfield and Mt. Vernon).
The Office of the State Appellate Defender (OSAD) is nationally recognized for excellence in providing indigent criminal services. The American Bar Association and the National Legal Aid and Defender Association honored OSAD as an outstanding Public Defender office in the nation.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION/JOB SUMMARY:
Under the general leadership of the Office Administrator, the Docket Clerk is responsible for maintaining all aspects of caseload management. The clerk helps organize and track case details and ensures all information is appropriately documented and assigned. The Docket Clerk also performs other day\-to\-day duties as directed by the Office Administrator.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
\- Demonstrate OSAD’s values through a commitment to accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement in your work and interactions with fellow employees.
\- Create new appointment entries into the docketing system, including ordering transcripts and court filings for new appointment completion.
\- Collaborate with team members on attorney and supervisor assignments and transfer of cases to other District Offices.
\- Maintain, enter, and track case information, including court filings, court orders, due dates, and deadlines, in the docketing system.
\- Process, file, and organize court documents received from internal email accounts, including motions, briefs, memos, orders, and other legal filings from internal and external agencies.
\- Review and verify documentation and case information for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with court procedures and rules.
\- Generate and distribute case summaries, status reports, and notices to relevant parties.
\- Communicate with attorneys, clients, and court personnel to relay information and updates.
\- Ensure proper documentation of case files, including electronic and physical records.
\- Perform additional clerical tasks, such as incoming and outgoing communication, photocopying, faxing, and data entry.
\- Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity.
\- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Office Administrator.
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
\- Associate’s degree from an accredited institution is preferred.
\- Two years of experience in a legal or court\-related administrative role, including experience with docketing and case management.
\- Demonstrates a high level of attention to detail and accuracy in completing tasks.
\- Commitment to maintaining up\-to\-date and accurate case information.
\- Takes initiative and anticipates needs.
\- Ability to work independently on multiple projects.
\- Analytical, critical thinking, interpersonal, and collaborative skills.
\- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
\- Adaptable, flexible, and responsive to changing needs.
The Office of the State Appellate Defender is committed to enhancing our diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal\-opportunity employer. OSAD does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other background to apply.
The starting salary is between $52,310\.00 \- $62,710\.00, depending on the candidate’s relevant experience.
If you think this job is for you: Submit Cover Letter and Resume no later than May 1, 2026 at 4:30 PM. Your cover letter should tell us why we should consider you for employment with our agency. Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered.
Job Type: Full\-time
Pay: From $52,310\.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60601