Law Clerk/Staff Attorney - Pinedale

The Ninth Judicial District Court, Sublette County, Wyoming, seeks to hire a Law Clerk/Staff Attorney to support the work of Judge Katharine McKay. This at-will position is full-time and remote work arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

What You'll Be Doing: As a Law Clerk/Staff Attorney, you will get the opportunity to attend hearings and jury trials, conduct professional legal research, and provide critical support to Judge McKay. In addition, you will be asked to work with Judge McKay to draft memoranda, opinions, jury instructions, and orders.   The Law Clerk/Staff Attorney is a critical contributor to the efficient, proper and professional functioning of the court.

About Us: The District Court presides over a variety of cases, ranging from felony criminal matters to large civil cases, domestic relations, mental health, juvenile, and probate matters. The Court also hears appeals from lower court and administrative decisions. The Court is located in Pinedale but also has chambers and a substantial case load in Lander, Fremont County. Pinedale is a small mountain town, surrounded by three mountain ranges, with all of the things people love to do in the outdoors in Wyoming – fishing, skiing, boating, hunting, hiking, backpacking, biking, snowmobiling, and more.  It’s “all the civilization you need.”

Why Join Us? The Perks Are Fantastic! In addition to the challenge, the job comes with a competitive annual salary, and working with the Wyoming Judicial Branch comes with great benefits. As a valued member of the judicial staff, you will enjoy the State of Wyoming retirement pension, a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, and an affordable health insurance package that includes health, dental, life, vision, disability insurance, ambulance coverage, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. Plus, you will get well-deserved paid time off to recharge and enjoy life outside the courtroom.

For general Judicial Branch employment questions, contact Human Resources: Chelsea Riden, HR@courts.state.wy.us, 307-777-8648.
For position specific questions, contact Judge McKay’s Judicial Assistant:  Deborah Hueckstaedt, SubletteDC9Chambers@courts.state.wy.us, 307-367-3801.

Your Compensation: Your salary will be determined based on your valuable work experience as an attorney, recognizing your expertise and contributions to the legal field. The hiring range is $85,000 – 98,300 annually for attorneys with less than 5 years of experience. For attorneys with 5-9 years of experience, the range is $98,300 - $106,800, and 10 or more years of experience the range is $106,800 - $116,000 annually.

Job duties include the following:

• Extensive legal research of the law into issues arising through motions and during hearings and trials.
• Research and draft legal memoranda, statement of issues involved, opinions, and judgments for review by the judge.
• Observe judicial proceedings; attend court sessions to hear oral arguments, record necessary case information, and maintain notes attendant to court proceedings.
• Prepare jury instructions and verdict forms, ensure the courtroom is ready for trial, coordinate with clerk of court, and ensure courtroom technology and equipment are functioning properly.
• Track the docket, including substantive motions, upcoming trials, and pending appeals..
• Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
• Confer with the judge concerning legal questions, construction of documents, factual issues, and orders.
• Attend conferences with litigants, attorneys, and the judge; may conduct scheduling conferences for civil matters.
• Act as a liaison between the District Court and attorneys, the public, the clerk’s office, and other stakeholders.
• Expected to perform such other duties as may be necessary, assigned, and/or directed.

Physical Demands: This position requires mobility to work in a typical office setting.  The applicant must have the ability to:

• Use standard office equipment.
• Sit at a desk or stand for prolonged periods and work on a computer.
• Stand and/or walk occasionally to frequently.
• Read printed materials and computer screens.
• Communicate in person, by e-mail, video, or over the phone.
• Travel.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• Be admitted to practice law in Wyoming within one year of appointment.

Preference may be given to applicants with work experience as a law clerk or practicing attorney.

Please attach a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to your Wyoming Judicial Branch application.

This position requires an ability to:

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Organize work priorities.
• Assist the judge to track and prioritize pending matters.
• Research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles.
• Be highly self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
• Provide objective guidance based on case law and statutory analysis and construction.
• Present research and articulate legal conclusions.
• Represent the court in a respectful and professional manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Travel, including rare overnight stays.
• Maintain strict ethical standards and confidentiality in accordance with the Code of Judicial Conduct and Wyoming Rules of Professional Responsibility.

This position requires skills in:

• Organization and attention to detail. 
• Time management with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Legal research and writing. 
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
• Assessing, evaluating, prioritizing, and handling multiple tasks, projects, and demands. 
• Establishing and maintaining effective work relations with peers and others having any interactions with the Court.
• Microsoft Office Suite.   

This position involves knowledge of:

• Wyoming statutes, court rules, policies, and procedures.
• General law, state law, established precedents, and sources of legal reference. 
• Application of legal principles and legal analysis.
• Legal terminology and concepts. 
• Principles and protocols for managing official documents and records.  
• Westlaw and court case management systems.
• Ethical rules.

Terms:

• Employment is "at will" and subject to a background check.
• FLSA: Exempt
• The Ninth Judicial District is an independent State Agency under the Wyoming Judicial Branch and a State of Wyoming employer.