What are the responsibilities and job description for the Law Clerk, Rice County - Chief Judge Christine Long position at Minnesota Judicial Branch?
Expand your court experience or begin your legal career as a District Court Law Clerk!
The Third Judicial District is accepting applications for a District Court Law Clerk position with Chief Judge Christine Long who is chambered at the Rice County Courthouse located at 218 NW Third Street, Faribault, MN 55021.
Law Clerk will work directly with the Judge performing professional legal research, preparing memoranda, opinions, orders, and performing related administrative work. This position supports the functions of the Judge 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.
This is an in-person position, with work being performed on-site at the Rice County Courthouse. There is a possibility of transitioning to a hybrid work environment with some remote workdays based upon the performance of the clerk and the needs of the Judge.
What You Will Do
The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position:
- Review litigants’ submissions to the court.
- Research legal issues.
- Provide legal opinions, suggestions and/or recommendations to the judicial officer.
- Confer with judicial officer concerning legal questions and drafting of documents.
- Draft court orders, legal memoranda, jury instructions and other documents.
- Attend court hearings and trials to observe and take note on proceedings and oral arguments.
- Perform courtroom duties as directed.
- Take minutes of various meetings.
- Review judicial calendar and update judicial officer regarding upcoming matters.
What You Must Have
- To be considered for employment as a Law Clerk, you must meet the following qualification(s): Graduation from an accredited law school at time of employment
- To be considered for employment as a Law Clerk 1 (student), you must meet the following qualification(s): Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and current enrollment in and completion of at least one year of law school training at an accredited law school
What You Will Bring
- Familiarity with general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference.
- Familiarity with court practices and procedures, including the rules of civil and criminal procedure
- Familiarity with legal terminology and concepts.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Skill in the operation of a personal computer with word processing and legal research software.
- Excellent writing skills including analysis, organization, punctuation, and grammar.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to work on multiple on-going projects.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to represent the court in a professional and respectful manner.
- Ability to research complex legal issues and apply legal principles.
- Ability to exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding, and to work in an inclusive environment that values diversity and relationships.
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 3rdDistrictHR@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 .
