District Court Law Clerk, Hennepin Co., Referee Rebecca Chaffee - Minnesota Judicial Branch
Minneapolis, MN
About the Job
Job Title: District Court Law Clerk
Supervisor: Referee Rebecca Chaffee
Days/Hours of Work: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Expand your legal experience and learn the role of a District Court Law Clerk working with Referee Rebecca Chaffee in the Family Court Division!
Referee Chaffee seeks a motivated, professional individual to become a part of her judicial team in Hennepin County, Minnesota. The successful applicant will have a good academic record, excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to work both individually and as part of a highly energetic, dedicated, and positive team.
Law Clerks in Referee Chaffee’s chambers supports the functions of a District Court Referee 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.
Example of Duties:
Below is an example of duties that may be assigned. Work may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.
- Administrative duties (phone, calendar, filing and service, etc.).
- Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
- Prepare briefs and legal memoranda, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the referee.
- Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
- Confer with referee 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; and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences, and trials.
Typical Qualifications:
Minimum Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of family 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