Job Description

Judge Benjamin Pieh, who is chambered in the Chippewa County Courthouse in Montevideo, Minnesota, seeks qualified candidates for a judicial law clerk position.

Judge Pieh is seeking a motivated, professional individual to join his judicial team in Chippewa County, Minnesota. The successful applicant will have a strong academic record, excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a professional, dedicated, and positive environment.

Judicial clerkships offer valuable insight into the judicial decision-making process and provide practical litigation experience. One of the benefits of an out-state judicial clerkship is exposure to a diverse caseload across multiple areas of law, allowing clerks to gain experience with a wide variety of legal issues, courtroom proceedings, and advocacy styles. In this position, you will observe hearings and trials and assist the judge in managing cases involving criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile, housing, and conciliation matters. Some matters are straightforward, while others present complex legal and procedural challenges.

This position will:

• Provide an opportunity to work closely and develop professional relationships with judges, law clerks, court staff, attorneys, and justice partners;
• Expand and strengthen your legal research, writing, and analytical skills;
• Provide meaningful courtroom experience and insight into the judicial process; and
• Offer reasonable work hours and a healthy work-life balance.

Prior to joining the bench, Judge Pieh served as an Assistant Public Defender in the Eighth Judicial District and previously clerked for several Eighth Judicial District judges. He values thoughtful legal analysis, professionalism, and public service, and is committed to providing a collaborative environment where law clerks gain practical experience and develop professionally while serving the people of Minnesota.

Montevideo, the county seat of Chippewa County, is located in west-central Minnesota at the confluence of the Minnesota and Chippewa Rivers. The community offers small-town charm, outdoor recreation, vibrant local events, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Example of Duties:

The caseload involves all case types and issues, including criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile, and child protection matters. 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.

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing, studying, researching, and analyzing statutes, court decisions, briefs, motions, opinions, and other legal authorities.
• Preparing legal memoranda, bench memoranda, draft orders, and statements of legal issues, including recommendations for the judge.
• Compiling and analyzing legal authorities necessary for judicial determinations and conferring with the judge and court staff regarding legal issues and proposed orders.
• Assisting with case management and courtroom proceedings.
• Interacting professionally with attorneys, court staff, justice partners, and court participants.
• Attending hearings and trials to observe proceedings and assist the judge as needed.
• Developing the skills and knowledge necessary to become an effective member of the judicial team and support the fair and efficient administration of justice.

The judicial team in Chippewa County values professionalism, collaboration, and public service and looks forward to welcoming an individual who will make a positive contribution to the work environment.

This position is primarily an in-person clerkship. Limited remote work may be considered when the law clerk is not required to be in chambers or in the courtroom.

Typical Qualifications:

Law Clerk

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Minnesota Bar is preferred, or candidates should have taken or plan to take the Minnesota Bar Examination.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of general law, Minnesota law, legal precedent, and legal research resources.
• Knowledge of court practices, procedures, legal terminology, and concepts.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to research complex legal issues and apply legal principles effectively.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing, with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to represent the court in a respectful and professional manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Proficiency with personal computers, word processing software, and legal research platforms.

Law clerks are at-will employees who work under the supervision of a District Court Judge. Work is performed primarily in an office setting and courtroom.

Supplemental Information

Judge Pieh is seeking an individual who has both the ability and interest to serve as a successful judicial law clerk. This position will remain open until filled.

Current Minnesota Judicial Branch employees must have satisfactory performance in all competencies on their most recent performance evaluation and no discipline above an oral reprimand within the preceding six months.

The position includes the full State of Minnesota benefits package.

District Court law clerks will be placed within the established pay range based on post-law school legal work experience.

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must upload:

• Resume
• Law school transcripts
• Writing sample (no more than 10 pages)

The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the selection process, please contact Human Resources at 7th8th.HumanResources@courts.state.mn.us

Questions regarding this position may also be directed to 7th8th.HumanResources@courts.state.mn.us