SALARY:
Starting: $19.8646/hourly
 Non-Exempt Position, Non-Union
Our Mission: "Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All"
Our Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable

Are you looking for real, meaningful, and your own criminal law experience? We invite all applicants with a passion for justice to apply for the position of Law Clerk – Criminal Division in the Stearns County Attorney's Office. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to handle daily high-volume criminal court calendars ranging from misdemeanors to felonies while enhancing their legal writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills. You will regularly engage with the 17 criminal division attorneys (including multiple former law clerks) and the wider 68-person office, including our Civil and Juvenile Divisions, professional support staff, office services division, and Nova, our victim assistance facility dog. You will develop relationships with law enforcement, court administration, the defense bar, other Stearns County government agencies, and members of the public. We are a flexible, collegial, and dedicated office that would love to interview qualified and motivated candidates who want to help deliver justice for the citizens of Stearns County. 

Position Objective
To assist the County Attorney in handling legal matters as assigned by the County Attorney, the Chief Deputy, or the respective Division Chief-Criminal, Civil, or Juvenile.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible tasks in this position and do not limit the assignment of related tasks to this classification.
1. Works closely with state and local law enforcement personnel as well county child welfare agency staff concerning juvenile delinquency matters.
2. Reviews records and reports; recommends appropriate action regarding civil matters, juvenile delinquency, and child protection cases; drafts pleadings, complaints, petitions, discovery materials, motions, legal memoranda and arguments.
3. Interviews witnesses and handles pre-trial proceedings, administrative proceedings, court trials, and post-trial proceedings in civil and juvenile matters.
4. Locates and secures documents and other case material for case evaluations and trial preparation.
5. Provides assistance with discovery requests by coordinating, monitoring, and assisting with discovery procedures.
6. Consults and assists attorneys with preparation and coordination of trial exhibits, trial notebooks, visual aids, witness testimony, and appearances in court.
7. Organizes and assembles documents, statutes, and information from law enforcement agencies, other County departments, the general public, and other sources.
8. Performs various other tasks including legal research, legal opinions, memorandums and briefs, assists with representation of elected officials, boards, panels, commissions, and county departments, and various appeals to the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
9. Maintains various databases.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:

• Certified to practice law as a Certified Student Attorney in the State of Minnesota, or the demonstrated ability to be so certified
• The ability to comply with Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension security requirements

Preferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications: 

• Two years of law school successfully completed
• Completed coursework or experience in the practice of law in adult criminal prosecution, juvenile delinquency, child protection, or state or local government legal counseling or representation
• Trial or litigation experience as a primary attorney in a court of law or in coursework practicum in the above-described areas
• Proficiency in office and courtroom technology (PowerPoint presentation format)
• Demonstrated desire to practice law in the public realm

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Knowledge of litigation techniques appropriate to civil and juvenile court trials.
2. Knowledge of court rules appropriate to government legal actions.
3. Knowledge of negotiation techniques and ability to resolve assigned cases in accordance with office policies.
4. Ability to efficiently research legal issues and write persuasive legal memoranda.
5. Ability to carry out departmental policies in handling assigned duties.
6. Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with others.
7. Ability to accept and complete assigned work.
 Accountabilities Shared By All Employees
1. Performs responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's mission and values.
2. Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
3. Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
4. Informs immediate supervisor of all important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
5. Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.
6. Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County's business.
7. Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Approximately 95% of time is spent in the office and 5% is field work, and be available as required to provide legal advice or to draft appropriate documents. All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota.
Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided
Applicant must be able to perform assigned work independently and with a minimum of direct supervision based on degree of knowledge, ability, and experience. This position reports to the Chief of the Criminal Division.
Responsibility for Public Contact
Extensive.
Supervision of Others
None.Hours of Work
This position has a usual work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; may include some evening hours. Potential for a hybrid work environment.Interview Date
If you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on a date to be determined. Invitations to interview will be sent to the email address listed on the job application and will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. A background check will be completed post interview and candidates must meet specific criteria including the threshold for access to materials maintained by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.