Organization
Minnesota Judicial Branch
Department
Fourth Judicial District Court
Job Title
Law Clerk 1 or Law Clerk
Experience
At least 1 year of law school or Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Hennepin County District Court is seeking a Law Clerk to join their team. This is a great opportunity for someone who is looking to expand their court experience or begin their legal career. The Fourth Judicial District accepts applications for this position on an on-going basis and judges and referees who experience a Law Clerk vacancy have access to all current applications on file. This is a highly sought-after position, so applicants are encouraged to apply quickly.
As a District Court Law Clerk, you will have the chance to work within the Minnesota Judicial Branch at the Trial Court level. This role provides insight into judicial and court processes, giving you a unique perspective on the administration of justice. You will work directly with a District Court Judge or District Court Referee, performing professional legal research, preparing memoranda, opinions, and orders, as well as related clerical and administrative tasks. This position supports the functions of a District Court Judge or District Court Referee in upholding the court's mission of providing justice through a system that ensures equal access for the fair and timely resolution of cases and controversies.
Salary Information:
- Minimum salary of per hour, or $65,229 per year
- Mid salary of per hour, or $72,934 per year
- Maximum salary of per hour, or $80,618 per year
Key Responsibilities:
- 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
- Perform courtroom duties, including taking court minutes; calling the calendar; swearing in jury panels and witnesses; and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences, and trials
- Complete administrative duties as assigned
Requirements:
- Completion of at least one year at an accredited law school for Law Clerk 1 position
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school for Law Clerk position
- 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 Hennepin County District Court?
- Pride in public service and the quality of programs and services provided to customers
- Appreciation for teamwork and collaboration
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion, actively seeking and valuing diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics
- Intentional and mindful about the organizational culture, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another’s growth
Employee Benefits:
- Affordable yet competitive benefits to support employee and family’s wellbeing
- Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more
- Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements while working in public service
Equal Employment Opportunity:
- All employment decisions are made without discrimination on the basis of disability
- Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities, please contact Human Resources at to request accommodations
- Equal Opportunity Employer, valuing and encouraging diverse applicants and employees
Internal Applicants:
- Current employees of the Minnesota Judicial Branch can conveniently apply to open positions through their Oracle account by visiting Opportunity Marketplace - Browse Opportunities
Join the team at Hennepin County District Court as a Law Clerk and gain valuable experience in the legal field. Apply today to be considered for this highly sought-after position!
