Hennepin County District Court Law Clerk (Continuous Posting) - Minnesota Judicial Branch

Minneapolis, MN

About the Job

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

The Fourth Judicial District accepts applications for the Law Clerk position on an on-going basis. Judges and Referees 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.

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 or District Court Referee 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 or 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:

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

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 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.

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.

Source : Minnesota Judicial Branch