Job Description

Gain experience in multiple areas of law! Learn directly from a Judge and collaborate with other Law Clerks while helping to provide fair and equal access to justice for Minnesotans.

Law Clerks work directly with a District Court Judge performing legal research and drafting memoranda and orders, while gaining insight into judicial court processes at the Trial Court level.

You'll be able to use your legal research and writing skills, work as part of a judge team, and observe all types of court calendars and proceedings. First District Law Clerks have the opportunity to work on a variety of assignments and observe different types of court proceedings including criminal, civil, probate, family, juvenile, and conciliation cases. The primary work location will be a local court facility, however flexibility for remote and hybrid options may be available.

Law Clerks work mostly business hours, Monday through Friday and receive a competitive total rewards package including paid vacation and sick leave, eleven paid holidays per year, low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, and multiple ways to save for retirement. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is a participating Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.

What You Will Do

The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position:

• Review and research laws, court decisions, briefs, and other legal authorities
• Confer with the judge regarding legal issues, prepares legal memoranda, and assists with drafting orders for the judge
• May attend court sessions to observe court proceedings and record case information
• May perform courtroom duties in arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences, and trials including calling the calendar, swearing in jury panels and witnesses, and assisting in documenting court proceedings
• May perform administrative duties within the judge’s chambers

What You Must Have

• To be considered for employment as a Law Clerk, you must meet the following qualifications: Graduation from an accredited law school at time of employment
• To be considered for employment as a Law Clerk 1 (student) , you must meet the following qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and current enrollment in and completion of at least one year of law school training at an accredited law school

What You Will Bring

• Knowledge of laws, court rules, and sources of legal reference
• Knowledge of court practices and procedures
• Knowledge of legal terminology and concepts
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people including attorneys and pro se parties
• Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles
• Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer with word processing and legal research software
• Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding in the course of work duties

To Apply

Please apply for this position online by clicking the Apply button at the bottom of this posting. In addition to completing the online application, all applicants must upload and attach a resume, cover letter, law school transcripts, and a brief writing sample .

• Applicants who are hired prior to graduation from an accredited law school will be hired into the Law Clerk I job classification until graduation.

Successful candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check. If you have questions regarding this position, please contact us at 1stdistrict.hr@courts.state.mn.us.

Why Work for Us?

Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another’s growth.

Employee Benefits

The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family’s wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers . Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting Human Resources at 1stdistrict.hr@courts.state.mn.us . The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Internal Applicants

If you are a current employee of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, please apply to open positions conveniently through your Oracle account by visiting Opportunity Marketplace - Browse Opportunities .

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