Law Clerk, Becker County- Judge Michelle Lawson - Minnesota Judicial Branch

Judge Lawson is seeking a motivated, professional individual to become a part of her team in Becker County, Minnesota. 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 an out-state 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:

• Provide the opportunity to work closely and develop relationships with other law clerks, judges and attorneys.
• Help you expand and enhance your writing skills
• Provide reasonable work hours/ work-life balance. 

Detroit Lakes is a beautiful and vibrant community built around the celebrated Detroit Lake, located in the heart of Lakes Country. We encourage you to explore all that our amazing city and the surrounding area has to offer: https://visitdetroitlakes.com/ and https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/detroit-lakes-tourism-bureau-regional-chamber-commerce/2005Example

Example of Duties (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• The caseload involves all types of cases and issues, including criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile, 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. 
• In addition to traditional duties of research and writing, you will be expected to interact with a variety of stakeholders and participants, manage conciliation court, and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully be a part of a court proceeding. The judicial team in Becker County is positive, professional, and looking forward to an individual who will make a great addition to our work environment.
• Reviews, studies, research, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Judge Lawson is looking for a person who has both the ability and interest to serve as a successful judicial clerk.
   

Typical Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
An attorney who has taken and passed the Minnesota Bar Exam is preferred.

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.
 

This position will remain open 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 Benefit package.
 

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 resume, 3 professional references, law school transcripts and writing sample (no more than 10 pages)
 

If you have questions about this position, please contact us at:
7th8th.HumanResources@courts.state.mn.us