Legal Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Legal assistant jobs in Illinois represent one of the most active markets in the Midwest, with consistent demand across corporate law, litigation, and real estate practices at every level from entry-level file clerk to senior paralegal support. Chicago anchors the bulk of hiring, followed by Springfield and Naperville, where large employers such as Sidley Austin, Baker McKenzie, and the Illinois Attorney General's Office maintain steady legal support staff. The most in-demand specialties are corporate transactions, personal injury, and family law. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Due to our continued growth, Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to join their Chicago office. This position provides a wide range of secretarial, administrative, and clerical support to several Attorneys in a fast-paced environment.
Candidates must have strong organizational skills, verbal and written communication skills, possess a strong work ethic and be proficient in MS Office.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Draft and edit pleadings and related legal documents
- E-file and paper file documents with state, federal and appellate courts
- Maintain team and court calendars and keep attorneys aware of scheduled events and approaching deadlines
- Schedule meetings and conference calls
- Communicate by phone and email with clients and vendors, maintaining professionalism and a high level of customer service
- Handle billing for assigned timekeepers
- Assist in trial preparation
- Maintain electronic and paper files on a regular basis
- Coordinate travel arrangements and process expense reports
- Assist fellow workers and/or other timekeepers as needed
Required Skills and Experience:
- Three or more years of legal assistant experience is required
- Strong attention to detail & organizational skills
- Professional verbal & written communication style
- Demonstrated initiative and self-direction
Why Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP?
Hawkins Parnell is a national litigation powerhouse with offices spanning the United States. Our 250-person litigation team defends prominent individuals and small businesses to many of the largest corporations in high-risk litigation and business disputes nationwide.
Over the last half-century, our success has relied on one distinction: OUR PEOPLE. We rely on the uniqueness of each team member to create a culture that drives innovation and exceptional results for our diverse client roster. Through actively embracing different backgrounds and perspectives, we foster an environment that is vibrant, challenging, and rewarding.
Hawkins Parnell offers a competitive salary complemented by a full, comprehensive benefits package including Medical Insurance, Vision Plan, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, 401k, Short and Long -Term Disability, and Profit Sharing.
Hawkins Parnell & Young is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Due to our continued growth, Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to join their Chicago office. This position provides a wide range of secretarial, administrative, and clerical support to several Attorneys in a fast-paced environment.
Candidates must have strong organizational skills, verbal and written communication skills, possess a strong work ethic and be proficient in MS Office.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Draft and edit pleadings and related legal documents
- E-file and paper file documents with state, federal and appellate courts
- Maintain team and court calendars and keep attorneys aware of scheduled events and approaching deadlines
- Schedule meetings and conference calls
- Communicate by phone and email with clients and vendors, maintaining professionalism and a high level of customer service
- Handle billing for assigned timekeepers
- Assist in trial preparation
- Maintain electronic and paper files on a regular basis
- Coordinate travel arrangements and process expense reports
- Assist fellow workers and/or other timekeepers as needed
Required Skills and Experience:
- Three or more years of legal assistant experience is required
- Strong attention to detail & organizational skills
- Professional verbal & written communication style
- Demonstrated initiative and self-direction
Why Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP?
Hawkins Parnell is a national litigation powerhouse with offices spanning the United States. Our 250-person litigation team defends prominent individuals and small businesses to many of the largest corporations in high-risk litigation and business disputes nationwide.
Over the last half-century, our success has relied on one distinction: OUR PEOPLE. We rely on the uniqueness of each team member to create a culture that drives innovation and exceptional results for our diverse client roster. Through actively embracing different backgrounds and perspectives, we foster an environment that is vibrant, challenging, and rewarding.
Hawkins Parnell offers a competitive salary complemented by a full, comprehensive benefits package including Medical Insurance, Vision Plan, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, 401k, Short and Long -Term Disability, and Profit Sharing.
Hawkins Parnell & Young is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
See All 53 Legal Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Legal Assistant JobsLegal Assistant Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Legal Assistant Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Law & Legal Services
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Transportation & Logistics
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in legal assistant jobs across Illinois.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related field required
- Proficiency in legal research tools such as Westlaw or LexisNexis strongly preferred
- One to three years of experience supporting attorneys in a law firm or corporate setting
- Strong command of legal document drafting, filing, and case management software
- Familiarity with Illinois court filing procedures and local court rules expected
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with high attention to detail
Legal Assistant Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a legal assistant in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-issued license or registration to work as a legal assistant, so most employers look for a certificate or associate degree in paralegal or legal studies from an American Bar Association-approved program. Many Illinois law firms and corporate legal departments also hire candidates with a general college degree who complete on-the-job training. Earning voluntary certification through the National Association of Legal Professionals or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations strengthens your candidacy considerably.
Which companies hire legal assistants in Illinois?
Employers hiring legal assistants in Illinois right now include O’Hagan Meyer, Blitt and Gaines, P.C., and Benesch Law, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of global law firms, large insurance carriers, and state government agencies in Chicago and Springfield creates demand for legal support staff across a wide range of practice areas.
Which Illinois cities have the most legal assistant jobs?
Chicago, Burr Ridge, and Bloomington have the most legal assistant openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates because it is home to dozens of Am Law 100 firms and the headquarters of major corporations that maintain in-house legal departments, while Springfield draws steady demand from state agencies and government legal offices, and suburban centers like Naperville attract regional law firms and insurance company legal teams.
Are there remote legal assistant jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields because legal assistants frequently handle in-person court filings, notarizations, and document management. About 69% of legal assistant openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with most of those roles concentrated in document review, legal research, and administrative support functions that do not require a physical courthouse presence.
How can I get hired as a legal assistant in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing an ABA-approved paralegal certificate program at an Illinois institution such as DePaul University or Roosevelt University, then applying for legal secretary or file clerk roles at mid-size Chicago law firms that regularly promote from within. The Cook County public defender and state's attorney offices also hire entry-level legal support staff. Coming in as a legal receptionist or records clerk at a firm and completing a certification while working is a proven lateral move that opens the door quickly.
Where can I find and apply to legal assistant jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to legal assistant jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your experience and practice area preference, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 53 Legal Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Legal Assistant Jobs