Judicial Clerkship - Government in Saint Paul, MN

Government

Saint Paul, MN

Judicial Clerkship - Government in Saint Paul, MN

Judicial Clerkship

No

Job Title: Court of Appeals Law Clerk for the 2026-27 Term

Job Responsibilities:

As a Court of Appeals Law Clerk, your primary duties will involve engaging deeply in the judicial decision-making process. This role requires providing comprehensive legal research and case analysis to the judges of the Court of Appeals. The **Members Only** is responsible for reviewing cases appealed from district courts and administrative agencies, which means clerks will be exposed to a wide range of legal issues and substantive areas of law.

Key responsibilities include:
- Analyzing and researching cases on appeal.
- Conducting a thorough review of the record and transcripts from district courts.
- Evaluating opposing briefs and supplementing the legal research submitted in those briefs.
- Assisting judges in synthesizing facts and law through the preparation of bench memoranda.
- Aiding judges in drafting opinions and cite-checking those opinions.

This position provides a unique opportunity to develop legal research, reasoning, strategy, and writing skills, alongside receiving valuable mentorship from experienced judges.

Education and Experience Information:

To qualify for the position of Court of Appeals Law Clerk, applicants must meet the following education and experience requirements:

- Enrollment as a second-year law student at the time of application is the minimum academic requirement.
- Graduation from an accredited law school is mandatory before commencing employment.
- Strong writing and research skills are essential for this role.
- Significant legal writing experience, such as participation on a law review or law journal, is preferred.
- Professional skills and academic records are heavily considered during the selection process.

The judges of the court will select law clerks based on a review of applications and subsequent interviews.

Salary Information:

The anticipated salary for the 2026-27 term is expected to be at least per hour, which equates to approximately $75,000 per year. This salary may be subject to increase depending on future legislative appropriations.

Supplemental Information:

Position Logistics:
- The role is classified as a Court of Appeals Law Clerk and will be based at the Minnesota Judicial Center in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Application Process:
- Applications must be submitted by July 13th, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
- In-person interviews are scheduled for Friday, September 12th, and Monday, September 15th, 2025. While in-person interviews are preferred, virtual interviews are available for candidates unable to travel to the Minnesota Judicial Center.
- Applicants must submit a complete application, which includes a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, official transcript (with class rank if available), and 2-3 letters of recommendation.
- All documents should be uploaded to the electronic application. If letters of recommendation are sent directly by the school, they should be submitted to the designated email by the application deadline.
- The application includes a series of supplemental questions that require detailed responses. These responses will be forwarded to the judges verbatim.
- The application process is identical to that of the Minnesota Supreme Court, allowing candidates to apply to both courts simultaneously if desired.

For any questions regarding the application process, inquiries should be directed to the provided email address.