Job Description

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

This position is in the chambers of the Honorable Angela Willms in the 4th Judicial District (Hennepin County). Judge Willms is currently assigned, full-time, to presiding over juvenile cases. Applicants must be interested in juvenile law. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through May 26th, 2026 11:59PM; early submission is encouraged.

Law Clerks work directly with a District Court Judge performing professional legal research, preparing memoranda, opinions, and orders, and performing 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.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

The position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties which may be performed.

• Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities
• Prepare briefs, 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 Judge concerning legal questions, construction of documents and issuing orders
• Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments and record necessary case information; maintain records attendant to court proceedings
• Courtroom duties, including taking court minutes; 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 as assigned

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education and Experience:

Law Clerk

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Minimum 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 verbally and in writing
• Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles
• Ability to work in an inclusive, multicultural environment that values diversity and relationships
• Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding in the course of work duties
• Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer with word processing and legal research software

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

• Complete and submit your online application with resume and cover letter attached by May 26th, 2026 at 11:59pm.
• All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check. An employment offer may be rescinded if the background check identifies job related convictions.
• Please contact Human Resources with questions regarding this posting via email: 4th.Human.Resources@courts.state.mn.us; or phone: 612-540-6488.

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
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