Step outside the metropolitan area and experience an out-state judicial clerkship being exposed to a multi-faceted caseload, including Criminal, Civil, and Family, observe many different types of court proceedings and understanding of the litigation process. Law Clerks also benefit from a close mentorship working directly with the District Court Judge performing legal research, drafting legal documents, correspondence, memoranda and other writings as requested.
The Fifth Judicial District seeks qualified applicants to fill a full time Judicial Law Clerk position. This position will be a shared position, receiving work direction from the Honorable Terry Vajgrt and the Honorable Sherry Haley. Judge Vajgrt is chambered in the Rock County, Luverne, MN and Judge Haley is chambered in Nobles County, Worthington, MN. The primary work location for this position will be the Rock County Courthouse, Luverne, MN. This position is an in-person position with consideration for a hybrid work environment in the future for appropriate candidate and/or situation. This posting will remain open until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a regular basis with interviews scheduled throughout the duration of this posting. A District Court Law Clerk position offers 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.
The successful candidate will be articulate, self-motivated, and an excellent writer. Excellent research and analytical skills are required. Must have the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.) The following are examples of major job duties expected for this position to perform.
• Reviews, studies, researches, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Prepares briefs, legal memoranda, and statement of issues involved, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the justice or judge.
• Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
• Confers with justice, judge or court official concerning legal questions, construction of documents and granting of orders.
• Attends court sessions to hear oral arguments and records necessary case information; maintain records attendant to court proceedings.
• May perform courtroom duties including calling the calendar; swearing in jury panels and witness; taking court minutes; and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences and trials.Any combination of education, training, and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below will be considered. An example of an acceptable qualification is:
Minimum Qualifications:
Law Clerk (minimum starting salary $31.24/hour)
• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school.
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 orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles.
• Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word/Windows operating system and legal research software.We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and 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.
 
Law Clerks receive a competitive total reward benefit package including medical, dental, and vision with low premiums, along with sick, holiday pay, and vacation leave. For benefit information visit: http://mn.gov/mmb/segip/index.jsp. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is also an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
 
All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check.
 
TO APPLY: click the apply link near the top of this page. In addition to completing the online application, all applications MUST include a law school transcript, a brief writing sample, cover letter and resume. 
 
Please contact Human Resources at 5thDistrictHR@courts.state.mn.us with questions regarding this position.
 
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, 5thDistrictHR@courts.state.mn.us.