What are the responsibilities and job description for the Law Clerk to Honorable Kristine Weeks position at Minnesota Judicial Branch?
A District Court Law Clerk benefits from a close mentorship working directly with the District Court Judge performing legal research, drafting legal documents, correspondence, memoranda and other writings as requested. This position offers the opportunity to work within the Minnesota Judicial Branch at the Trial Court Level, and gain insight into judicial and court processes, with a court perspective on the administration of justice while collaborating with other Law Clerks. The primary work location will be the Blue Earth County Justice Center located at 401 Carver Road, Mankato, MN with a flexible hybrid work environment option.
Applications will be reviewed regularly with interviews scheduled throughout the duration of this posting.
The successful candidate will be articulate, self-motivated, and an excellent writer. Excellent research and analytical skills are required. Must have the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Example of Duties
(Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.) The following are examples of major job duties expected for this position to perform.
• Reviews, studies, research, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Prepares briefs, legal memoranda, and statement of issues involved, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the justice or judge.
• Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
• Confers with justice, judge or court official concerning legal questions, construction of documents and granting of orders.
• Attends court sessions to hear oral arguments and records necessary case information; maintain records attendant to court proceedings.
• May perform courtroom duties including calling the calendar; swearing in jury panels and witness; taking court minutes; and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences and trials.
Typical Qualifications
Any combination of education, training, and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below will be considered. An example of an acceptable qualification is:
Minimum Qualifications:
• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• 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.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word/Windows operating system and legal research software
Supplemental Information
Please apply for this position online by clicking the Apply button at the bottom of this posting. In addition to completing the online application , all applications MUST include a law school transcript, a brief writing sample, cover letter and resume.
All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check.
Please contact Human Resources at 5thDistrictHR@courts.state.mn.us with questions regarding this position.
