Law Clerk I

State of Montana•Missoula, MT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This is professional legal work performed for the District Court Judges of the 4th Judicial District in Missoula, Montana. The Law Clerk conducts legal research and related clerical and administrative work to prepare memoranda, opinions, and orders for judges concerning cases before them. Work is performed under a judge’s general supervision and reviewed through conferences and written reports. Law clerks serving more than two years may be moved to senior law clerk status. The successful applicant will serve a one-year probationary period if new to the Judicial Branch and will be subject to a criminal background check. Travel may be required, and working hours may include evenings and weekends. Applications must include a resume with employment dates and supervisor contact information for each position, a cover letter, three professional references, and a writing sample. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate.
Legal research experience.
Excellent writing skills.
Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference.
Knowledge of trial court practices, rules, and procedures.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, 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 respectfully.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to transcribe audio tapes if required by the position.
Skill in operating a computer with word processing and legal research software.
Skill in operating electronic recording equipment to record trial court proceedings.
Submit a resume with dates of employment and supervisor name and phone number for each position, a cover letter, three professional references, and a writing sample.

Responsibilities

Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, statements of issues, and draft opinions and orders, including suggestions or recommendations for the judge.
Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
Confer with the judge concerning legal questions, legal theories, document construction, and preparation of orders.
Attend court sessions to hear testimony and record necessary case information.
Maintain records related to court proceedings.
Assist the judge in selecting and preparing jury instructions.
Perform courtroom duties as needed, including recording testimony or arguments and providing bailiff services.
Transcribe the record of court proceedings if required by the position.
Maintain a law library collection if required.