Judge Unit Paralegal - Beltrami County - Honorable John Melbye (Temporary)

Minnesota Judicial Branch•Bemidji, MN

44d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Honorable John Melbye, chambered in Beltrami County, is seeking a motivated, professional individual to serve as a short-term temporary Judge Unit Paralegal. (Temporary term is expected to commence on or before February 18, 2026, and may continue for up to 20 weeks). Nature of Work This is professional legal support work provided to a district court judge. Work includes assistance with legal research and other related clerical/administrative work. Work also involves assistance with preparation of memoranda, opinions, or orders for judges or court officials concerning the cases before them. Work is performed under general supervision of a judge and is reviewed through conferences and reports for accuracy, completeness, quality and adherence to guidelines. This position has opportunities for a flexible work environment with the ability to work remotely. Paralegals are at-will employees, and the work is performed under the supervision of a District Court Judge.

Requirements

Certification as a paralegal or possession of an Associates Degree from an accredited college or university in law, criminal justice, court administration, or a related field. Experience in a legal setting is required.
Certification as a paralegal through an approved ABA program or through the PACE or CLA/CP certification exams is required in lieu of an Associates Degree.
Certification as a qualified neutral, as required by the position.
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 complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles
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

Responsibilities

Conducts legal research.
Drafts legal documents, orders, dispositions, and other documents, reports, and correspondence for the judge.
Receives, screens, and routes incoming telephone calls and callers; screens mail; schedules matters for hearing and maintains the judge’s personal calendar.
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.
Performs a variety of confidential, technical, and general clerical tasks, and administrative work for the judge or referee; transcribes dictation.
May prepare outlines and orders reflecting pertinent court proceedings; may perform a variety of technical clerical activities in court as required by the judge or referee.