Year-round Law Clerk (4th District)

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense • Minneapolis, MN

2d

About The Position

The Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office offers law students a year-round clerkship in the Fourth Judicial District, providing an educational experience in a large law firm setting. The program is intended for students interested in indigent defense who demonstrate the potential to become public defenders, strong research and writing skills, and a strong work ethic.

Law Clerks support Assistant Public Defenders on misdemeanor, felony, juvenile, child protection, and appellate matters. They conduct legal research and prepare writing projects, including motions and memoranda for filing in court. Clerks may observe and participate in client interviews and case strategy meetings. Students with student practice certification may argue motions they have written and assist attorneys at bail hearings, evidentiary hearings, sentencing hearings, or trials.

Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled and actively attending an accredited law school.
• Knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedures, legal writing, and principles of legal research.
• Considerable skill in interviewing and listening; written and oral communications; preparing and organizing materials for use by others; and analyzing facts and data.
• Ability to use legal research tools such as statutes, digests, practice manuals, and computerized legal bases.
• Ability to develop written and oral reports.
• Ability to complete assignments under time constraints; work independently; organize workflow efficiently; set priorities; and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

Nice To Haves

• Students seeking certification as a Student Practitioner must have completed at least two semesters of law school.
• Interest in indigent defense.
• Strong research and writing skills and an impeccable work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Work with experienced criminal defense attorneys on misdemeanor, felony, juvenile, child protection, and appellate cases.
• Complete legal research and writing projects, including motions and memoranda to be filed in court.
• Observe and participate in client interviews and case strategy meetings.
• If student practice certified, argue motions they have written and assist lawyers at bail hearings, evidentiary hearings, sentencing hearings, or trials.
• Provide staff attorneys with support across a variety of legal processes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed