Closing Date: 24th January, 2026
Description:
Job Description:The Honorable John Melbye is seeking a motivated, professional individual to serve as a short-term, temporary judicial law clerk. (Temporary term is expected to commence on or before February 18, 2026, and may continue for up to 20 weeks). Judicial clerkships are an excellent learning experience and provides the clerk a unique opportunity to hone research and writing skills while gaining in depth experience in a wide variety of legal issues. Judicial clerkships offer insights into the judicial decision-making process and practical litigation experience and provides an opportunity to interact with and observe a large number of practicing attorneys, providing exposure to a wide range of legal styles and abilities.
Law clerks also benefit from a close mentor relationship with their judge. The successful applicant will have a good academic record, excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to work both individually and as part of a highly energetic team. Applicants must have the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Computer literacy is important, familiarity with Westlaw and Microsoft Word/Windows operating system preferred.
This position has opportunities for a flexible work environment with the ability to work remotely.
Law Clerks work directly with the District Court Judge performing legal research, drafting legal documents, jury instructions, correspondence, memoranda, draft orders, and other writings as required. The law clerk will communicate orally and in writing with pro se litigants, attorneys, county and court personnel, and other members of the public as directed by the judge. The law clerk will assist the judge in managing cases through the court system as directed. In addition to work assignments, law clerks have the opportunity to observe court proceedings and learn firsthand how the court system operates. This position will provide direct experience with a wide breadth of case types and legal issues, opportunity to observe hearings and trials, enhancement of writing skills, ability to work closely and develop relationships with other law clerks and judges, reasonable work hours / work life balance.
Law Clerks are at-will employees, and the work is performed under the supervision of a District Court Judge.
What you will do:
- Reviews, studies, researches, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
- Prepares briefs, legal memoranda, and statement of issues involved, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the justice or judge.
- Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
- Confers with justice, judge or court official concerning legal questions, construction of documents and granting of orders.
- Attends court sessions to hear oral arguments and records necessary case information; maintain records attendant to court proceedings.
- May perform courtroom duties including calling the calendar; swearing in jury panels and witness; taking court minutes; and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences and trials.
What you must have:
- Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference.
- Graduate of an accredited law school.
- 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.
What you will bring:
- Knowledge of laws, court rules, 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
- Skill in the operation of a personal computer with work processing and legal research software
- Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding in the course of work duties
Supplemental Information:
The hours for this position will be between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday; hours may vary depending on business needs. Part time hours and a flexible schedule are also available.
May be eligible for State of Minnesota benefits depending on hours per week and term of employment.
District court law clerks will be placed within the pay range based upon post law school graduation legal work experience.
Instructions for Applying
Complete and submit your online application by January 23, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
In addition to completing the online application, please upload and attach your resume, transcripts, as well as a list of professional references.
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, Ruth.Bender@courts.state.mn.us
If you have questions about this position, please contact us at:
Ruth.Bender@courts.state.mn.us
About Us:
Why Work for Us?
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. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another's growth.
Employee Benefits:
The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family's wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
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 Human Resources at Ruth.Bender@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.
Internal Applicants
If you are a current employee of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, please apply to open positions conveniently through your Oracle account by visiting Opportunity Marketplace - Browse Opportunities.
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. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another's growth.
Employee Benefits:
The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family's wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
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 Human Resources at Ruth.Bender@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.
Internal Applicants
If you are a current employee of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, please apply to open positions conveniently through your Oracle account by visiting Opportunity Marketplace - Browse Opportunities.