Law Clerk for Judge Appointee Kathryn A. Fodness, Chisago County

Expand your court experience or begin your legal career as a Law Clerk! 

The Tenth Judicial District is accepting applications for a Law Clerk I/District Court Law Clerk for Judge Appointee Kathryn A. Fodness, who will be chambered at the Chisago County Government Center located in Center City, MN. A District Court Law Clerk 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.

Law Clerks work directly with a District Court Judge performing professional legal research, preparation of memoranda, opinions, and orders and related clerical/administrative work. This position supports the functions of a District Court Judge to uphold the court’s mission of providing justice through a system that assures equal access for the fair and timely resolution of cases and controversies.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position:

• Reviews, studies, researches, 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 judge.
• Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
• Confers with judge concerning legal questions, construction of documents and granting of orders.
• Attends court sessions to hear oral arguments and records necessary case information; maintains 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.
• Administrative duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education Requirements 

Law Clerk I (Starting salary is $25.27/hour)

• A 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 a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Law Clerk (Starting salary is $31.55/hour)

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

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• 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.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• All applicants must attach a resume, cover letter, brief writing samples (5-7 pages), and law school transcript(s). 

• Work is performed primarily in an office-setting and/or in a courtroom.

• Core business hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Initial days off: Saturday, Sunday, and Court Designated Holidays. 

• This position will be accepting applications and interviewing until the role is filled