The First Judicial District is accepting applications for a Law Clerk position with the Honorable Tracy Perzel. Judge Perzel is chambered in Dakota County, located in Hastings, MN. Dakota County is located about 20 miles southeast of downtown St. Paul. The position will remain open until filled.

Law Clerks work directly with a District Court Judge performing legal research and drafting memoranda and orders for civil, family and criminal matters. The First Judicial District operates on a daily calendar system, which means Law Clerks have the opportunity to work on a variety of assignments and observe many different types of court proceedings.

Law Clerks work mostly business hours, Monday through Friday and receive a competitive total rewards package from the Minnesota Judicial Branch including paid vacation and sick leave, 10 paid holidays per year, low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, and multiple ways to save for retirement. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is a participating Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.

Example of Duties

• Reviews, studies and researches laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Prepares legal memoranda, statement of issues involved, and proposed orders, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge.
• Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
• Confers with judge concerning legal questions, construction of documents, and granting of orders.
• Attends oral arguments and daily court calendars.
• Prepares and summarizes case files in advance of hearings and monitors cases under advisement.
• Prepares jury instructions and verdict forms.
• Responds to phone calls and written inquiries from public and attorneys.

Typical Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• 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, including attorneys and pro se parties.
• 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.
• Familiarity with Microsoft products, including legal research software is preferred.

Supplemental Information

The Minnesota Judicial Branch (MJB) is committed to providing fair and equal access to justice. If you share this same commitment, desire a meaningful career serving the public, and want the opportunity to make a difference for your community, consider a career with us.

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. 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.

TO APPLY
Please apply for this position online by clicking the Apply link at the top of this page. In addition to completing the online application, all applicants must upload and attach law school transcripts, a brief writing sample, and resume.

Applicants who are hired prior to graduation from an accredited law school will be hired into the Law Clerk I job classification until graduation.

Successful candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

If you have questions regarding this position, please contact us at 1stdistrict.hr@courts.state.mn.us.

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 HR, 1stdistrict.hr@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.