Job Description

Judge John Fitzgerald, who is chambered in Kandiyohi County Courthouse in Wilmar, Minnesota, seeks qualified candidates for a judicial law clerk position.

Judge John Fitzgerald is seeking a motivated and professional candidate to serve as a judicial law clerk. A judicial clerkship provides an outstanding learning experience and a unique opportunity to refine research and writing skills while gaining in-depth exposure to a broad range of legal issues. Clerks gain valuable insight into the judicial decision-making process and practical litigation, while observing and interacting with numerous practicing attorneys, offering exposure to diverse legal styles and approaches.

Law clerks also develop a close mentoring relationship with the judge. The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic record, exceptional research and writing abilities, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team environment. Applicants must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency with computers is required, and familiarity with Westlaw and Microsoft Word/Windows is preferred.

This position has opportunities for a flexible work environment with the ability to work remotely.

Law Clerks work directly with the District Court Judge performing legal research, drafting legal documents, jury instructions, correspondence, memoranda, draft orders, and other writings as required. The law clerk will communicate orally and in writing with pro se litigants, attorneys, county and court personnel, and other members of the public as directed by the judge. The law clerk will assist the judge in managing cases through the court system as directed. In addition to work assignments, clerks have the opportunity to observe court proceedings and learn firsthand how the court system operates. This position will provide direct experience with a wide breadth of case types and legal issues, opportunity to observe hearings and trials, enhancement of writing skills, ability to work closely and develop relationships with other law clerks and judges, reasonable work hours / work life balance.

Law Clerks are at-will employees and the work is performed under the supervision of a District Court Judge

Prior to assuming the bench, Judge Designee Fitzgerald worked as the first assistant county attorney at the Meeker County Attorney’s Office, in Litchfield, Minnesota.While at that office, he handled a wide variety of criminal cases and civil matters.In pursuit of these prior duties, he worked closely with both attorneys and non-attorney support staff.Judge Designee Fitzgerald strongly believes in the importance of a work environment that emphasizes and fosters comradery, teamwork, and a mission-oriented dedication to the work of Minnesota’s judicial branch.He intends to work closely with his court reporter and prioritize a collaborative dynamic within his judicial team, ensuring every member has an active and meaningful role. He is equally committed to fostering professional growth and development among his staff.

Thispositionwill:

• Work both in person and remote with the schedule to be determined by the judge and the law clerk.
• The position will initially start predominantly in person for training purposes.
• The law clerk will be in person, in the courtroom with the judge, court staff, judicial team, attorneys, and litigants for specific hearings and trials identified by the judge;
• Provide an opportunity to work closely and develop relationships with other law clerks, judges, court staff, litigants, justice partners, and attorneys;
• Provide an opportunity to expand and enhance research and writing skills; and
• Provide reasonable work hours/work-life balance; and
• Provide a foundation in legal skills and knowledge of the court system, judicial decision making, and ability to work on all case types.

Example of Duties:

• The caseload involves all case types and issues, including criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile, housing court, and guardianships. The lawclerkwillworkineachoftheseareasonaregularbasis.Anyonewithaninterestinworkinginoraroundthecourtroom will enjoy this opportunity.

• Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.

• Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, and statement of issues involved, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge.

• Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations and confers with judge or court staff concerning legal questions and orders.

• Inadditiontotraditionaldutiesofresearchandwriting,youwillbeexpectedtointeractwithavarietyof justice partners and participants, manage the judge’s case load and attend court sessions to hear oral arguments, and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully be a part of a court proceeding.Thejudicialteamin Meeker Countyispositive,professional,andlookingforwardtoanindividualwhowillmake a great addition to our work environment.

Minimum Education Requirements:

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

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Ability Requirements:

• Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference. Knowledge of court practices and procedures.

• Knowledgeoflegalterminologyandconcepts.

• Abilitytocommunicateclearlyandconcisely and professionally,bothorallyandinwriting,withadiversegroupofpeople.

• Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles.

• Abilitytorepresentthecourtinarespectfulmanner.

• Abilitytoestablishandmaintaineffectiveworkingrelationshipswithothers.

• Skillintheoperationofapersonalcomputerwithworkprocessingandlegalresearchsoftware.

Supplemental Information:

• Judge Fitzgerald is looking for a person who has both the ability and interest to serve as a successful judicial clerk. 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 proceeding 6 months.

• Full State of Minnesota Package benefits.

• District court law clerks will be placed within the pay range based upon post law school graduation legal work experience.

• Inadditiontocompletingtheonlineapplication,pleaseuploadandattachyour cover letter, resume,transcripts,and a writingsample(no more than 10 pages)
• ItisthepolicyoftheMinnesotaJudicialBranchthatalldecisionsregardingemploymentaremadewithoutdiscriminationon 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 HR, 7th8th.HumanResources@courts.state.mn.us

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 7th8th.HumanResources@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.​
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