What are the responsibilities and job description for the District Court Law Clerk, Hennepin Co., Judge Susan Burke position at Minnesota Judicial Branch?
The Fourth Judicial District Court in Minneapolis is seeking a qualified individual to fill a law clerk position with a start date in August 2025 to report to Judge Susan Burke of the Civil & Criminal Divisions.
The work of a law clerk involves drafting orders and memoranda, legal research, organization of a substantial case load, communication with attorneys and the public, updating the court information system on the status of cases, and related administrative work.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
- Review, study, and research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities
- Prepare legal memoranda and jury instructions, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge
- Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations
- Confer with the judge and judge’s staff concerning legal questions, construction of documents and orders
- Attend court sessions and record necessary case information
- Courtroom duties, including taking notes; courtroom preparation; calling the calendar; swearing in jury panels and witnesses; and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences, and trials
- Administrative duties including scheduling and maintaining records
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference
- Knowledge of court practices and procedures, legal terms and concepts
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
- Ability to research highly complex legal issues and accurately apply legal principles
- Ability to work in an environment that values diversity and relationships
- Ability to professionally exhibit sensitivity, patience, and understanding
- Ability to provide a exceptional and consistent customer service experience
- Ability to represent the court in a professional and respectful manner
- Skill in the operation of a personal computer with word processing and legal research software
- Knowledge of Zoom video conference software for the purposes of managing and conducting remote hearings
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent organizational skills
- A commitment to excellence
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Attorney license or pending bar exam
- Significant interest in both civil and criminal law and procedure
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Applications for this position can be submitted online. Please attach to your application the following materials:
- Resume
- List of References
- Your Best Writing Sample
- Cover Letter
- Unofficial Transcript
Any questions regarding the posting can be directed to Haley Halvorson, Judicial Human Resources Coordinator, at haley.halvorson@courts.state.mn.us.
Candidates selected for interviews will be notified by Judge Susan Burke directly.
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 4th.Human.Resources@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 .
