Law Clerk - Retail

Gurstel Law Firm P C•West Des Moines, IA

About The Position

Gurstel Law Firm, P.C. is hiring a Law Clerk to research substantive federal and state legal issues, draft legal memoranda and pleadings, and attend court proceedings with attorneys. The role supports attorneys and litigation files through research, document drafting, case monitoring, court filing, and preparation for litigation proceedings. The position is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.

Requirements

Current law school student or graduate; second- or third-year law students preferred.
Coursework in civil procedure, business and corporate law, contracts, and/or bankruptcy.
Basic knowledge of the civil legal process.
Verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to learn quickly and solve problems.
Ability to multitask and prioritize deadlines and commitments across multiple projects.
Strong attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
Strong customer service skills.
Self-starter with motivation.
Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and with colleagues in other office locations and jurisdictions.
Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies, especially civil litigation, contracts, and writing courses.
Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods and to bend, lift, or carry up to 20 pounds.
Dependable work ethic and commitment to providing quality service.

Nice To Haves

Westlaw and/or Lexis experience preferred.
Background in collection law is helpful.
Second- or third-year law school standing preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with legal research and draft research memoranda for attorney review.
Document account and file activity in the firm’s system of record in accordance with firm and client policies.
Draft correspondence to clients, opposing counsel, and the court.
Draft and generate motions and pleadings for state and federal court matters, including complaints, replies to counterclaims, discovery requests and responses, motions for summary judgment, and motions for default, for attorney review.
Monitor litigation files through final adjudication.
Draft settlement agreements, stipulations, and confessions of judgment.
Review contracts for relevant provisions and assist attorneys in recommending legal action.
Assist with trial preparation, depositions, mediation, and arbitration.
Help attorneys prepare files for court, depositions, mediation, and arbitration.
Attend and observe court hearings with attorneys when available.
File documents with courts using traditional and electronic filing methods, as applicable.
Communicate with clients as needed regarding contested litigation matters, if applicable.
Perform general clerical duties as needed.
Maintain a courteous, professional, and cooperative attitude and demonstrate the firm’s core values.
Perform other duties as assigned.