Law Clerk for the Honorable Judge Nelson Peralta, Hennepin County, Civil Division

Minnesota Judicial Branch•Minneapolis, MN

1d•$65,876 - $81,432

About The Position

The Law Clerk supports the chambers of the Honorable Judge Nelson Peralta in the Fourth Judicial District (Hennepin County), where the Judge is assigned full time to civil cases. The assigned division or case type may change as operational needs require. The role offers direct exposure to judicial and court processes and supports the work of a Judicial Officer in advancing fair and timely access to justice. Law Clerks perform professional legal research, prepare memoranda, opinions, and orders, and handle related clerical and administrative work. The position is available for immediate hire, with an anticipated start date in November 2026 or early December 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through November 6, 2026. The position requires a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school. Employment offers are contingent on satisfactory criminal background check results. The Minnesota Judicial Branch describes a collaborative workplace that values diversity, inclusion, teamwork, and public service.

Requirements

Graduated from an accredited law school and received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and legal reference sources.
Knowledge of court practices and procedures.
Knowledge of legal terminology and concepts.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles.
Ability to work in an inclusive, multicultural environment that values diversity and relationships.
Ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding professionally.
Ability to represent the court respectfully.
Skill in operating a personal computer with word-processing and legal research software.

Responsibilities

Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, and jury instructions, including suggestions or recommendations to the Judge.
Compile references on laws and decisions needed for legal determinations.
Confer with the Judge, Referee, or court officials about legal questions, document interpretation, and orders.
Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments, record necessary case information, and maintain records related to court proceedings.
Perform courtroom duties, including taking minutes, calling the calendar, swearing in jury panels and witnesses, and assisting with arraignments, motions, hearings, pretrial conferences, and trials.
Collaborate with the Judicial Clerk or co-Law Clerk on administrative duties and perform other assigned administrative work.
Draft orders in a variety of civil cases, including orders on motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, and other standard civil motions.