Law Clerk, Stearns County, Honorable Judge Laura Moehrle

Judge Laura Moehrle is seeking a motivated, professional individual to serve as a judicial law clerk. Judicial clerkships are an excellent learning experience and provides the clerk a unique opportunity to hone research and writing skills while gaining in depth experience in a wide variety of legal issues. Judicial clerkships offer insights in to the judicial decision-making process and practical litigation experience and provides an opportunity to interact with and observe a large number of practicing attorneys, providing exposure to a wide range of legal styles and abilities. Law clerks also benefit from a close mentor relationship with their judge. The successful applicant will have a good academic record, excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to work both individually and as part of a highly energetic team. Applicants must have the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Computer literacy is important, familiarity with Westlaw and Microsoft Word/Windows operating system preferred.

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 inwriting 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.

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.

Example of Duties:

The caseload involves all case types and issues, including criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile, housing court, and conciliation 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.

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 Moehrle is seeking an individual who has both the ability and interest to serve as a successful judicial law clerk. 
• This position is contingent on passing a criminal background check. 
• 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 [email protected].

Questions regarding this position may also be directed to [email protected].