Closing Date: 31st December, 2025
Description:
Application RequirementsPlease submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample. Applications submitted without these materials will be considered incomplete and will not be considered.
The Hennepin County Public Defender's Office provides a select group of law students with a unique, educational experience working in one of Minnesota's largest law firms. Our program is designed for law students who are interested in indigent defense, display characteristics of promising future public defenders, possess strong research and writing skills, and have an impeccable work ethic.
Students interested in a Summer Law Clerkship with the Fourth Judicial Interest may also express interest in the Year Around Clerkship as well.
Anticipated start date is May 27th, 2025.
Definition/Summary of Duties:
Law Clerks support Assistant Public Defenders with a wide range of projects such as:
- Working hand in hand with experienced criminal defense attorneys on misdemeanor, felony, juvenile, child protection and appellate cases.
- Completing research and writing projects including motions and memoranda to be filed in court.
- Observe and participate in client interviews and case strategy meetings.
- Those with student practice certification may argue motions they have written and may assist lawyers at bail hearings, evidentiary hearings, sentencing hearings, or trials.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of criminal law
- Knowledge of criminal procedures
- Knowledge of legal writing
- Knowledge of the principles of legal research
Skills:
- Considerable skill in interviewing and listening
- Considerable skill in written and oral communications
- Considerable skill in preparing and organizing materials for use by others
- Considerable skill in analysis of facts and data.
Abilities:
- Ability to use legal research tools such as statutes, digests, practice manuals and computerized legal bases
- Ability to develop written and oral reports
- Ability to complete assignments under time constraints;
- Ability to perform job duties independently, organize workflow efficiently, set priorities and meet deadlines;
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion;
- Ability to provide staff attorneys with a variety of legal processes.
Education and Experience:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be currently enrolled and actively attending an accredited law school.
- Students seeking certification as a Student Practitioner must have completed at least two semesters of Law School