Law Clerk I (08027)

State of Montana • Great Falls, MT

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position involves professional legal work performed for the Honorable Judge John Parker of the 8th Judicial District in Great Falls, Montana. The role includes performing professional legal research and other related clerical/administrative work in the preparation of memoranda, opinions, or orders for the judge concerning cases before them. Work is performed under the general supervision of a judge and is reviewed through conferences and written reports. The Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer and seeks employees with a passion for customer service to fulfill its mission of providing an independent, accessible, responsive, impartial, and timely forum to resolve disputes; to preserve the rule of law; and to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitutions of the United States and Montana. An employee new to the Judicial Branch will serve a one-year probationary period, and the successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check. Travel may be required, and working hours may include evenings and weekends.

Requirements

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Legal research experience.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, 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 relationship with others.
• Skill in the operation of a computer with word processing and legal research software.
• Skill in the operation of electronic recording equipment to record trial court proceedings.
• Resume including dates of employment and supervisor’s name/phone number for each position.
• Cover Letter.
• Three Professional References.
• Writing Sample.

Nice To Haves

• Law clerks serving more than two years may be moved to senior law clerk status.
• Ability to transcribe audio tapes, if required by the position.

Responsibilities

• Reviews, studies, researches, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Prepares briefs, legal memoranda, statement of issues involved, draft opinions and orders including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge.
• Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
• Confers with judge concerning legal questions, legal theories, construction of documents, and preparation of orders.
• Attends court sessions to hear testimony and record necessary case information.
• Maintains records attendant to court proceedings.
• Assists judge in the selection and preparation of jury instructions.
• May perform courtroom duties including recording court testimony or arguments and providing bailiff services.
• May transcribe the record of court proceedings if required by the position.
• May maintain a law library collection.

Benefits

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly policies
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level