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

In this position, you will work directly with Judge Nicole Starr performing professional legal research, preparing memoranda, opinions, and orders, and performing administrative work. This position supports Judge Starr and promotes the court's mission of providing justice through a system that assures equal access for the fair and timely resolution of cases and controversies.

A District Court Law Clerk will gain insight into judicial and court processes within the Minnesota Judicial Branch in the Second Judicial District with a focus on the administration of justice. Judge Starr is currently assigned to a criminal court rotation and is chambered at the Ramsey County Courthouse at 15 W. Kellogg Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

This position will require in-person work, but will also include some flexibility to work remotely.

Regular hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 4:30. This position will require the ability to work full-time during these hours.

The anticipated start date for this position is late December 2023/early January 2024.

What You Will Do
The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position:

• Review, study, and research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Prepare proposed orders, legal memoranda, and jury instructions, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge.
• Compile information necessary for legal determinations.
• Confer with judge 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, including maintaining chambers operations, corresponding with attorneys, and filing on behalf of the court.

What You Will Bring

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and/or license to practice law in Minnesota.
• Ability to work a full-time schedule during regular business hours.
• Knowledge of laws, court rules, and sources of legal reference.
• Knowledge of court practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and concepts.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people including attorneys and pro se parties.
• Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles.
• Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner.
• Proficient computer skills, including experience using Westlaw, Zoom, and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, professionalism, and empathy in the course of work duties.

What You Must Have
A person seeking employment as a Law Clerk must meet the following qualification(s):

• Graduation from an accredited law school at time of employment.

What You Will Receive
The anticipated starting annual full-time salary for a Law Clerk (law school graduate) is $65,217 for candidates with 0-1 years of post-law school legal experience up to $71,739 depending on experience, with a full future earning potential of $65,217 - $78,261 annually. ($31.23 - $37.48 per hour)

The anticipated starting annual full-time salary for a Law Clerk I (law school student) is between $49,277 - $51,866 ($23.60 - $24.84 per hour) with a full salary range of $49,277 - $54,434 annually ($23.60 - $26.07 per hour).

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 mncourts.gov/careers.

Instructions to Apply:
Apply for this position online. In addition to completing the online application, please upload and attach a one-page cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and writing sample (no more than ten pages).

All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of our background check process.

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.

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.

It 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 HR at 2ndDistrictHR@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.