Law Clerk, Honorable Judge Fitzgerald - Kandiyohi County

Minnesota Judicial Branch • Willmar, MN

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Judge John Fitzgerald, who is chambered in Kandiyohi County Courthouse in
Wilmar, Minnesota, seeks qualified candidates for a judicial law clerk
position.

Judge John Fitzgerald is seeking a motivated and professional candidate to serve
as a judicial law clerk. A judicial clerkship provides an outstanding learning
experience and a unique opportunity to refine research and writing skills while
gaining in-depth exposure to a broad range of legal issues. Clerks gain valuable
insight into the judicial decision-making process and practical litigation,
while observing and interacting with numerous practicing attorneys, offering
exposure to diverse legal styles and approaches.

Law clerks also develop a close mentoring relationship with the judge. The ideal
candidate will possess a strong academic record, exceptional research and
writing abilities, and the capacity to work both independently and
collaboratively within a dynamic team environment. Applicants must demonstrate
excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency with computers is
required, and familiarity with Westlaw and Microsoft Word/Windows is 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 in writing 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

Prior
to
assuming
the
bench,
Judge
Designee Fitzgerald worked as the first
assistant county attorney at the Meeker County Attorney’s Office, in Litchfield,
Minnesota.
While at that office, he handled a wide variety of criminal cases and
civil matters. In pursuit of these prior duties, he worked closely with both
attorneys and non-attorney support staff. Judge
Designee Fitzgerald strongly
believes in the importance of a work environment that emphasizes and fosters
comradery, teamwork, and a mission-oriented dedication to the work of
Minnesota’s judicial branch. He intends to work closely with his court reporter
and prioritize a collaborative dynamic within his judicial team, ensuring every
member has an active and meaningful role. He is equally committed to fostering
professional growth and development among his staff.

This
position
will:

Work both in person and remote with the schedule to be determined by the
judge and the law clerk.
The position will initially start predominantly in person for training
purposes.
The law clerk will be in person, in the courtroom with the judge, court
staff, judicial team, attorneys, and litigants for specific hearings and
trials identified by the judge;
Provide an opportunity to work closely and develop relationships with other
law clerks, judges, court staff, litigants, justice partners, and attorneys;
Provide an opportunity to expand and enhance research and writing skills; and
Provide reasonable work hours/work-life balance; and
Provide a foundation in legal skills and knowledge of the court system,
judicial decision making, and ability to work on all case types.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• 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 and professionally, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people.
• 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.
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer with work processing and legal research software.

Nice To Haves

• An attorney who has taken and passed the Minnesota Bar Exam is preferred.
• Familiarity with Westlaw and Microsoft Word/Windows is preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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 in writing 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.
• Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, and statement of issues involved, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge.
• Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations and confers with judge or court staff concerning legal questions and orders.
• Manage the judge’s case load and attend court sessions to hear oral arguments, and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully be a part of a court proceeding.

Benefits

• Full State of Minnesota Package benefits.
• District court law clerks will be placed within the pay range based upon post law school graduation legal work experience.
• Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree