Law Clerk, Meeker County - Judge Stephanie Beck...

Judge Stephanie L. Beckman, who is chambered in the A Government Entity Courthouse, Litchfield, Minnesota, seeks qualified candidates for an in person judicial law clerk position.

Judge Beckman seeks a motivated, professional individual to become a part of her judicial team in A Government Entity. 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, dedicated, and positive team.

Judicial clerkships offer insights into the judicial decision-making process and practical litigation experience. One of the benefits of a greater Minnesota judicial clerkship is the exposure to a multi-faceted caseload, as opposed to working in a single area of the law, exposing you to a wide range of legal styles and abilities. In this position you will observe hearings and trials and assist the judge in managing court cases in all arenas: criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile and conciliation. Some matters will be easily addressed, while others complex and challenging.

This position will:

• Working in person, in the courtroom with the judge, court staff, judicial team, attorneys, and litigants;
• Provide an opportunity to work closely and develop relationships with other law clerks, judges, court staff, and attorneys;
• Help expand and enhance your research and writing skills; and
• Provide reasonable work hours/work-life balance.

Prior to assuming the bench, Judge Beckman was the A Government Entity Attorney for 7 years and was an assistant county attorney prior. She enjoys working with her law clerks on a daily basis and emphasizes the collaborative approach with her judicial team to ensure every individual has an active and vital role. Judge Beckman is the current Chief Judge of the District and must meet requirements for that role as well.

Example of Duties:

• The caseload involves all case types and issues, including criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile, housing court, and conciliation. The law clerk will work in each of these areas on a regular basis. Anyone with an interest in working in or around the courtroom will enjoy this opportunity.
• Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, and statement of issues involved, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge.
• Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations and confers with judge or court staff concerning legal questions and orders.
• In addition to traditional duties of research and writing, you will be expected to interact with a variety of justice partners and participants, manage the judge's case load, housing court, conciliation court, attend court sessions to hear oral arguments, and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully be a part of a court proceeding. The judicial team in A Government Entity is positive, professional, and looking forward to an individual who will make a great addition to our work environment.
• Judge Beckman is expecting a predominantly in person law clerk working with her in the courtroom and office, but is willing to discuss the law clerk working remotely upon fully becoming trained as her clerk does.

Typical Qualifications Law Clerk

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• An attorney who has taken and passed the Minnesota Bar Exam is preferred, or is in the process to taking the Minnesota Bar Exam.

Minimum Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Requirements

• 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. 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.
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer with work processing and legal research software.

Law Clerks are at-will employees and the work is performed under the supervision of a District Court Judge. Work is performed primarily in an office setting or a courtroom.