Law Clerk, Honorable Carmaine Sturino, Houston County

A District Court Law Clerk has the opportunity to gain insight into judicial and court processes within the Minnesota Judicial Branch in the Third Judicial District, with a courtroom perspective on the administration of justice.

This Law Clerk will work directly with Judge Carmaine Sturino performing professional legal research, preparing memoranda, opinions, and orders, and performing related administrative work. This position provides support for the functions of a 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. While Judge Sturino is chambered in Houston County, Minnesota she frequently hears cases for other counties within the district. Judge Sturino’s courtroom is both in person and remote depending on calendar type. Being in a One Judge County, this law clerk will handle all matters that come before a district court judge, including but not limited to – civil, child protection, conciliation, criminal, family, probate, and Treatment Court.

What You Will Do

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

• Review and research laws, court decisions, briefs, and other legal authorities 
• Confer with judge regarding legal issues, prepares legal memoranda, and assists with drafting orders for judge
• Attend court sessions scheduled for Judge Sturino
• Perform administrative duties within judge’s chambers as part of the judge team
• Assist other judges in the Third Judicial District when requested and as workload permits
• Other duties as assigned

What You Must Have                                     

• To be considered for employment as a Law Clerk, you must meet the following qualification(s): Graduation from an accredited law school at time of employment
• To be considered for employment as a Law Clerk 1 (student), you must meet the following qualification(s): 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 an accredited law school

What You Will Bring

• Knowledge of laws, court rules, 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 including attorneys and pro se parties 
• Ability to research and analyze complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles
• Strong legal writing skills
• Ability to manage strict timelines 
• Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer with work processing and legal research software
• Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding in the course of work duties.

Supplemental Information:

Instructions for Applying

Please submit your online application with resume, cover letter, writing sample, and references.