Court of Appeals Law Clerk for the 2025-26 Term

Minnesota Court of Appeals law clerks participate in the judicial decision-making process by providing legal research and case analysis to the judges of the Court of Appeals.  Through this challenging and intellectually stimulating work, law clerks develop their skills in legal research, reasoning, strategy, and writing; gain exposure to multiple substantive areas of law; receive valuable training and mentoring from judges; and form friendships and career-long relationships with their fellow judicial law clerks.  This one-year clerkship enables law clerks to engage in public service while receiving training and experience that will distinguish them from other applicants for practitioner positions.  
 
The Minnesota Court of Appeals reviews cases appealed from district courts and administrative agencies.  It is anticipated that 20-30 Court of Appeals law clerk positions will be open for the term of August 2025 - August 2026, all located in the Minnesota Judicial Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Each law clerk is hired by either one specific judge or a group of three judges.  The primary duties of a law clerk are to analyze and research cases on appeal.  A law clerk's typical responsibilities include closely reviewing the record and transcripts from the district court, evaluating opposing briefs, supplementing the legal research submitted in the briefs, assisting the judge in accurately synthesizing the facts and the law through preparation of bench memoranda, assisting the judge in drafting opinions, and cite-checking opinions.The minimum academic requirement for application is enrollment as a second-year law student; graduation from an accredited law school is required to begin employment.  Professional skills and academic record are both considered. Strong writing and research skills are essential. Significant legal writing experience, which may include experience on a law review or law journal, is preferred.  The judges of the court will select law clerks after reviewing applications and conducting interviews.

Salary 
The anticipated salary range for the 2025-26 term is $34.08-$40.89 per hour ($71,154-$85,385 annually). Starting pay will be determined based on qualifications and experience. 
 
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. The employee-paid premium for a full-time employee with single coverage is only $39.66/month for the Minnesota Advantage Health Plan and $13.48/month for the Dental Plan. Visit our website to learn more about the benefits we offer: https://shorturl.at/jkFU9.

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.Position Logistics
This position is classified as a Court of Appeals Law Clerk.  Work will be performed at the Minnesota Judicial Center located in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.
 
TO APPLY:  You may apply via our online application system at www.mncourts.gov. Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on July 21, 2024. Complete the application thoroughly, including the supplemental questions. Please note that the application itself, including responses to the supplemental questions, are submitted verbatim to the hiring judges. You must attach a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample to the online application. In addition, please arrange for your official transcript, with class rank, to be mailed or emailed directly to the address listed below. Letters of recommendation are expected and should also be mailed or emailed to the address listed below:
   
The online application for the Minnesota Court of Appeals clerkship is identical to the online application for the Minnesota Supreme Court clerkship, but you must fill out both applications to apply for both positions. The application deadlines for each are different. If you choose to apply for a clerkship at both courts, each attachment, transcript, and letter of recommendation corresponding to either application will be made available to both courts unless the applicant chooses to submit alternative documents for consideration. 
 
Interviews will take place September 13 and September 16, 2024.  In-person interviews are preferred, but virtual interviews will be available for candidates who are located at a distance and unable to travel to the Minnesota Judicial Center for their interview.
 
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 Minnesota Judicial Branch.
 
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.
 
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, nicole.zappa@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.

Salary : $71,154 - $85,385