May move back to Illinois (Chicago, Rockford: 2009, lease, home)

[schaeferone]

I am currently in college studying for my associates in paralegal studies in Florida. Eventually, I would like to move back to Illinois where most of myam family lives. I was born in Dixon (just south of Rockford), however, I would like to find an area where I may find a paralegal position in a government office. I would prefer a smaller area than Chicago. I am fine with any area in Illinois, as no matter where I am in the state I will be able visit my family more often. If anyone has any information on a medium to small city--even a small town within 30 minutes of a city would be great. I have three children, so, schools are very important, and so are sports and other after school activities. I should be finishing my degree in December 2009. Oh yeah, I am also a military veteran with a 20% disability rating. Any contacts I can make will be most welcome. Thank you.

[linicx]

Peoria has everything you need execept government offices, although there is an Agricultue Rresearch building here. Peoria has an awesome park district, and alwo a lot of things for kids to do. Springfield has the governement offices. Jay Janson Law Center in Peoria is very large. Someone there might be able to point you in the right direction for your career. .

I live midway between Peoria and Springfield. Many veterans around here go toi the VA hospital in Iowa City for treatment. It is prefered over the VA in Danville. I believe there is a VA clinic in Peoria, but I don't inow about Springfield of the Bloomington area.

I realize this post isn't terribly helpful, but it might offer some insite. I do a friend who goes to Iowa City that can probably tell me more. If you are interseted IM me and I will check it out.

[AnimalLover]

Springfield does have the government offices. A VA clinic should be opening soon by Toronto Road - my friend owns a building the VA has leased for the next 10 years for that purpose. There are several small towns around Springfield with very popular school districts. Chatham is the largest and sports crazy! Here's the website for the school district BCSD Home Page
If I can help you, just let me know.

[Steve-o]

Oregon, IL comes to mind. A small little community on the Rock River with nice hills and decent schools.

[Drover]

If you want a paralegal position in a government office in Illinois, there's a 75% chance you'll end up in Chicago. While Springfield is the state's putative capital, a whole lot of state administrative functions are carried out in Chicago. Since you seem to want something smaller, Springfield would of course be your first place to look, or maybe you have some family connections to local government back home that you could tap into for a job in a county office. Unfortunately, local government offices don't have a lot of personnel turnover so there probably won't be much available to you. You might consider a job in a private firm as well, that would open up more options for you. And at any rate, I wish you the best of luck because jobs in the legal market are incredibly scarce right now. You know its bad when major Chicago firms are firing not merely associates but partners as well. Government agencies haven't taken to firing their legal staff yet but most government legal offices have implemented a hiring freeze.