Law Clerk, Hennepin County

Description

Expand your court experience or begin your legal career as a District Court Law Clerk!

A District Court Law Clerk has the opportunity to work within the Minnesota Judicial Branch at the Trial Court level, and gain insight into judicial and court processes, with a court perspective on the administration of justice.

Law Clerks work directly with a District Court Judge performing professional legal research, preparation of memoranda, opinions, and orders and related clerical/administrative work. This position supports the functions of a District Court Judge to uphold the court's mission of providing justice through a system that assures equal access for the fair and timely resolution of cases and controversies.

The Fourth Judicial District accepts applications for the Law Clerk position on an on-going basis. Judges who experience a Law Clerk vacancy are provided access to all current applications on file. Positions are typically filled quickly from the pool of applicants. Applications will remain active for 30 days.

Example of Duties

Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.

• Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities

• Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, and jury instructions,including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge or referee

• Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations

• Confer with judge, referee or court official concerning legal questions, construction of documents and granting of orders

• Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments and record necessary case information; maintain records attendant to court proceedings

• Courtroom duties, including: taking court minutes; calling the calendar; swearing in jury panels and witness; and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences, and trials

• Administrative duties as assigned

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference

• Knowledge of court practices and procedures

• Knowledge of legal terminology and concepts

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing

• Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles

• Ability to work in an inclusive, multicultural environment that values diversity and relationships

• Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding in the course of work duties

• Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner

• Skill in the operation of a personal computer with word processing and legal research software

Supplemental Information

The Minnesota Judicial Branch (MJB) is committed to providing fair and equal access to justice. If you share this same commitment, desire a meaningful career serving the public, and want the opportunity to make a difference for your community, consider a career with us. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and characteristics. 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. To learn more about working for the Minnesota Judicial Branch, watch this video.

Instructions for applying:

Apply for this position online. Complete and submit your online application with resume, cover letter, transcript, and writing sample attached.

All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check. An employment offer may be rescinded if the background check identifies job related convictions.

Please contact our recruitment team with questions regarding this posting via email: 4thRecruitment@courts.state.mn.us; or phone: 612-348-2298.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

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 via email: 4th.Human.Resources@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.