Description:

Job Description:
Judge Designee Heidi Hovis, new appointed to the Todd County District Court chambered in Long Prairie, MN, is seeking a motivated and detail orientated Law Clerk to join her judicial team. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a wide range of legal matters, work closely with the Judge, and contribute to the fair and efficient administration of justice in Todd County.

Prior to assuming the bench, Judge Hovis held a variety of legal roles including as an assistant public defender and legal aid attorney. She intends to work closely with her law clerk and prioritize a collaborative dynamic within her judicial team, ensuring every member has an active and meaningful role. She is equally committed to fostering professional growth and development among her staff.

As a Law Clerk, you will conduct legal research, draft memoranda and court orders, assist with case management, and observe courtroom proceedings. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other court staff and interact with attorneys and court participants, building valuable insight into Minnesota's judicial process.

This position will:

Work both in person and remote with the schedule to be determined by the judge and the law clerk.
The position will initially start predominantly in person for training purposes.
The law clerk will be in person, in the courtroom with the judge, court staff, judicial team, attorneys, and litigants for specific hearings and trials identified by the judge;
Provide an opportunity to work closely and develop relationships with other law clerks, judges, court staff, litigants, justice partners, and attorneys;
Provide an opportunity to expand and enhance research and writing skills; and
Provide reasonable work hours/work-life balance; and
Provide a foundation in legal skills and knowledge of the court system, judicial decision making, and ability to work on all case types.

What you will do:
The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position:

Review and research laws, court decisions, briefs, and other legal authorities
Confer with the judge regarding legal issues, prepares legal memoranda, and assists with drafting orders for the judge
May attend court sessions to observe court proceedings and record case information
May perform courtroom duties in arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences, and trials including calling the calendar, swearing in jury panels and witnesses, and assisting in documenting court proceedings
May perform administrative duties within the judge's chambers

What you must have:

To be considered for employment as a Law Clerk, you must meet the following qualifications: Graduation from an accredited law school at time of employment
To be considered for employment as a Law Clerk 1 (student), you must meet the following qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and current enrollment in and completion of at least one year of law school training at an accredited law school

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 word processing and legal research software
Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding in the course of work duties

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

Supplemental Information:

Judge Designee Hovis is looking for a person who has both the ability and interest to serve as a successful judicial clerk. This position will remain opened until filled.
Current judicial branch employees must have satisfactory performance in all competencies in their most recent performance evaluation and no discipline above an oral reprimand in the preceding 6 months.
Full State of Minnesota Package benefits.
District court law clerks will be placed within the pay range based upon post law school graduation legal work experience.
In addition to completing the online application, please upload and attach your cover letter, resume, transcripts, and a writing sample (no more than 10 pages)
This position will remain opened until filled.
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, 7th8th.HumanResources@courts.state.mn.us