Law Clerk for Referee Jaron Ballou, Fourth Judicial District

Expand your court experience or launch your legal career as a District Court Law Clerk. In this role, you will work within the Minnesota Judicial Branch at the Trial Court level, gaining valuable insight into judicial and court processes while developing a unique perspective on the administration of justice through direct exposure to the work of the court.

This position supports the chambers of Referee Jaron Ballou in the Fourth Judicial District (Hennepin County). Referee Ballou is assigned full time to preside over civil cases. From time to time, the assigned division or case type may change as operational needs require. Candidates with an interest in civil are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 10/21/2026; early submission is recommended.

Law Clerks work directly with a District Court Judge or Judicial Referee 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 or Referee 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: 

Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all 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, Referee or court official concerning legal questions, construction of documents and granting of 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 witness; and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences, and trials

• Collaborate with Judicial Clerk on administrative duties and perform certain administrative duties as assigned

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education and Experience:

Law Clerk 1

• Minimum 1 year completed toward a Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

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 10/21/2026 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: [email protected]; or phone: 612-540-6488.