Law Clerk, Honorable Allison Whalen, Swift County

Minnesota Judicial Branch•Benson, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Judge Allison Whalen is seeking a motivated, professional individual to serve as a full-time judicial law clerk. Judge Whalen is chambered in the Swift County Courthouse, Benson, Minnesota and assigned to cases in Swift, Kandiyohi, and Meeker counties in the Eighth Judicial District. This position includes the opportunity for a flexible work environment with the ability to work remotely. The anticipated start date is early August 2026. A judicial clerkship-particularly an out-state clerkship—provides the clerk a unique opportunity to develop courtroom-based knowledge, hone research and writing skills, and gain in-depth experience in a wide variety of legal issues. A judicial clerkship offers insight into the judicial decision-making process and practical litigation experience and provides an opportunity to interact with and observe a large number of practicing attorneys. 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 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. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator and researcher, self-motivated, and organized. Applicants must demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills. Law Clerks are at-will employees, and the work is performed under the supervision of a District Court Judge. Judge Whalen has a special interest in child protection and is involved in leadership and committees focused on this area of the law. Prior to her appointment, she worked in county attorney’s offices on a wide variety of criminal and civil matters. Judge Whalen also served as both an appellate and district court law clerk at the start of her legal career and intends to work closely with her law clerk to foster professional growth and development in addition to developing legal skills and knowledge.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
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 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 and Microsoft Word and legal research software.
Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding the course of work duties.
Candidates are required to pass a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

An attorney who has taken and passed the Minnesota Bar Exam is preferred.

Responsibilities

Work on a schedule to be determined by the judge and the law clerk.
Work may be remote or in person determined by the judge.
The position may initially start predominantly in person for training purposes subject to the judge’s determination.
The law clerk will be in person or present remotely, 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.
Provide reasonable work hours/work-life balance.
Provide a foundation in legal skills and knowledge of the court system, judicial decision making, and ability to work on all case types.
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.
Interact with a variety of justice partners and participants.
Manage the judge’s case load.
Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments.
Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully be a part of a court proceeding.