Law Clerk, Stearns County-Judge Andrew Pearson

Description Judge Andrew Pearson 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. 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 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. Law Clerks are at-will employees and the work is performed under the supervision of a District Court Judge. Example of Duties • Reviews, studies, researches, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities. • Prepares briefs, legal memoranda, and statement of issues involved, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the justice or judge. • Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations. • Confers with justice, judge or court official concerning legal questions, construction of documents and granting of orders. • Attends court sessions to hear oral arguments and records necessary case information; maintain records attendant tocourt proceedings. • May perform courtroom duties including calling the calendar; swearing in jury panels and witness; taking court minutes; and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences and trials. Typical Qualifications Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference. • Graduate of an accredited law school. • 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 attorneysand pro se parties. • Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles. • Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. • Familiarity with Microsoft products, including legal research software is preferred. 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 preceding 6 months. Supplemental Information Judge Engelking 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. Full State of Minnesota Benefit package. District court law clerks will be placed within the pay range based upon post law school graduation legal work experience. Please apply for this position online by clicking the Apply link near the top of this page. (For instructions on creating and submitting your online application, click on the How to Apply link in the left-hand menu at the top of this page.) In addition to completing the online application, please upload and attach your resume, transcripts and writing sample (no more than 10 pages) 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 HR, 7th8th.HumanResources@courts.state.mn.us If you have questions about this position, please contact us at: 7th8th.HumanResources@courts.state.mn.us "The Minnesota Judicial Branch (MJB) is committed to providing fair and equal access to justice. If you share this same commitment, desire a meaningful career serving the public, and want the opportunity to make a difference for your community, consider a career with us. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and characteristics. 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." 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. We also offer many opportunities for your continued career growth through development opportunities, supporting your long-term success at the branch. We are proud to offer these benefits to compensate our employees for the excellent work they do for the cause of justice in Minnesota. Our wide-ranging benefits package includes the following components: Health & Wellness Medical Insurance - The employee-paid premium for the Minnesota Advantage Health Plan is only $38.50/month for a full-time employee with single coverage, or $262.66 for family coverage - Employees can choose from three different carriers: Blue Cross/Blue Shield Minnesota, Health Partners, or Preferred One - The rate summaries (Download PDF reader) and the schedule of benefits (Download PDF reader) for the Advantage Health Plan are on the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) site - Omada helps employees manage weight loss and reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes, and Advantage Value for Diabetes , a benefit that reduces out-of-pocket costs for diabetes-related medical treatment - Employees may also choose a high-deductible consumer driven health plan - Pharmacy benefits provided by CVS Caremark Dental Insurance - The employee-paid premium for this plan is only $13.50/month for a full-time employee with single coverage, or $55.40 for family coverage - Employees can choose from two carriers: Health Partners or the State Dental Plan (Delta) - The rate summaries (Download PDF reader) and the schedule of benefits (Download PDF reader) are on the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) site Vision Insurance - The employee-paid premium for this plan is only $5.76/month for a full-time employee with single coverage, or $16.54 for family coverag - Additional information on vision insurance can be found on the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) site Pre-Tax Spending Accounts - Contributions to pre-tax accounts are taken from your paycheck before taxes are deducted, and since you pay less in taxes, your net income may be increased. - Use pre-tax benefits to pay eligible medical and dental expenses, eligible dependent day care expenses, and transit expenses including parking and bus passes. Other benefits may vary by location. Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance - Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) - Short Term Disability - Long Term Disability Paid Sick Leave - Eligible full-time employees accrue sick leave at four hours per two-week pay period - Sick leave may be used for purposes such as medical and dental appointments, maternity leave, illness or injury for certain family members Retirement Benefits Pension - In addition to your contribution, the Minnesota Judicial Branch contributes 6.25% of your annual salary to your pension, administered by the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS). Employees are fully vested in their pension after three years of employment at MJB. Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan - Retirement saving plan in addition to your pension plan Health Care Saving Plan - Post-employment health care saving plan that can be used to pay for medical expenses Work & Life Balance Paid holidays - 11 paid holidays, including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day - Additional floating holidays may also be offered Paid vacation leave - In addition to paid sick leave, employees accrue generous paid time off that increases with years of service. Paid Parental Leave - Eligible employees may receive up to six weeks of paid time off following the birth or placement of a child. Employee Assistance Program - Our no-cost employee assistance program provides health coaching, worksite wellness initiatives, financial planning assistance, and several free counseling sessions for personal or professional use for employees and their families. Additional Benefits Public Service Loan Forgiveness - 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 Professional Development - Participation in conferences, cohort developmental programs, and other educational offerings - Tuition reimbursement program Eligibility for benefits (Download PDF reader) is determined by employment status (i.e. full-time, part-time, intermittent, or temporary) as well as other job details (e.g. bargaining unit, supervisory status, etc.). Please ask Human Resources or the hiring contact about benefits at any time during the application process.