Student Attorney

Job Title: Student Attorney

Department: County Attorney

Immediate Supervisor: Chief Deputy Attorney

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Deputy Attorney, the Student Attorney will work under attorney supervision to conduct legal research, prepare legal research memos and documents and represent Steele County where permitted. The Student Attorney will regularly appear on the record in uncontested and contested hearings and legal research and writing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

·         Conduct legal research and writing as assigned by attorneys.

·         Draft motions, pleadings and various other legal documents.

·         Represent Steele County in court hearings as a Student Attorney under attorney supervision.

·         Serves as a liaison between county attorneys and private attorneys, law enforcement agencies, the Public Defender’s Office, court administration, other agencies and the public.

·         Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required.

Essential Knowledge

·         Knowledge of the principles of both criminal and civil law and their application.

·         Knowledge of legal research methods.

·         Knowledge of trial procedure and the rules of evidence.

·         Knowledge of administrative law.

·         Knowledge of the Minnesota and United States Constitution.

Essential Skills

·         Learning, applying, interpreting, and understanding the policies, practices and services of the Attorney’s Office including data privacy laws, rules of the court, and relevant statutory requirements relevant to the administrative functions and operations of the Office.

·         Skill in the use of computers and technology.

·         Ability to analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.

·         Ability to present statements of law, facts, and arguments clearly, logically, and forcefully, and in written and verbal form.

·         Ability to work effectively with others.

·         Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with attorneys, department personnel, the public, and other County employees.

·         Communication skills in informing, answering questions or supplying information to a variety of parties inside and outside of the department.

·         Following written and oral instruction and completing tasks in a timely manner.

·         Preparing, drafting or typing various departmental forms, legal correspondence, or legal materials and documents in the office.

·         Applying judgment and discretion in dealing with the public, scheduling court dates/hearings or calendars, and assisting staff preparing for hearings or court cases and receiving work direction.

Physical Job Requirements (Percentage of Time)

Category: light work

Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. 

·         Stand: occasionally (1-33%)

·         Walk: occasionally (1-33%)

·         Sit: continuously (66-100%)

·         Use of hands: continuously (66-100%)

·         Reach with hands & arms: occasionally (1-33%)

·         Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl: occasionally (1-33%)

·         Talk or hear: continuously (66-100%)

·         Taste or smell: never

·         Lift & carry: up to 10 pounds continuously (66-100%), up to 25 pounds occasionally (1-33%)

Working Conditions

Essential duties and responsibilities associated with the classification involve working in typical county offices and surroundings where there are minimal risks and hazards associated with performing the requirements of the work.