Closing Date: 6th April, 2024
Description:
Job Overview:This is professional legal work performed for the Honorable Judge Leslie Halligan of the 4th Judicial District in Missoula, Montana.
Work involves the performance of professional legal research and other related clerical/administrative work in the preparation of memoranda, opinions, or orders for a judge concerning the cases before him/her. Work is performed under general supervision of a judge and is reviewed through conferences and written reports. The ideal candidate is an energetic self-starter, who can work independently and track and maintain their own deadlines.
Job Duties: (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)
- Reviews, studies, researches, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
- Prepares briefs, legal memoranda, statement of issues involved, draft opinions and 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, legal theories, construction of documents, and preparation of orders.
- Attends court sessions to hear testimony and record necessary case information; maintains records attendant to court proceedings; assists judge in the selection and preparation of jury instructions.
- Tracks cases, pleadings, and court assignments and hearings, using full court enterprise and other resources.
- May be assigned to assist other departments with legal research/cases or mediation.
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):
- Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference.
- Knowledge of trial court practices, rules, and procedures.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people.
- 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 relationship with others.
- Skill in the use of technology, legal research software, and Word-based computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Adobe.
- Ability to work independently, use their time efficiently and productively, and track and maintain their own deadlines.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed primarily in an office setting or a courtroom.
Physical Demands:
Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds such as papers and files. Some positions may require periods of extended sitting, standing or computer use. Some positions may require standing on a ladder to retrieve files from high shelves.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
- A Juris Doctorate is required.
- Legal research experience.
- Excellent writing skills.
New graduates as well as experienced attorneys will be considered.