ADMINISTRATION - LAW CLERK

La Crosse County•La Crosse, WI

12d

About The Position

At La Crosse County, we are committed to creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we focus on economic growth, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, and robust public services that enhance the quality of life for all residents. Why Join La Crosse County? Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): A top-rated pension program. Affordable Insurance Premiums: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage. Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, and 10+ paid holidays annually. Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and wellness programs. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): At La Crosse County, we believe that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued. Overview FLSA: Exempt.This is a specialized position created to assist the Courts in legal research and in mediating small claims settlement. Employee in this class must have specialized legal training to perform the required research. Reports to Judges for assignments and direction, and is supervised and evaluated by Clerk of Courts. Position breaks down into 60% traditional law clerk duties, 30% mediation related tasks, and 10% special project work.

Requirements

Excellent legal research and writing skills.
Ability to perform legal research of a highly technical nature.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in verbal and written form.
Ability to comprehend complex legal arguments, motions, briefs, decisions, and directions.
Ability to explain legal principles to laypeople.
Ability to mediate disputes fairly and impartially.
Ability to manage difficult litigants in Small Claims Court.
Ability to work effectively with the general public, County officials and employees, particularly those in the legal profession.
Juris Doctorate or an L.L.M. from an accredited law school or a foreign equivalent required.
Legal research experience and practical experience drafting legal memorandums preferred.
Arbitration and/or mediation experience preferred.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of landlord/tenant law is a plus.
Familiarity with Wisconsin law is a plus but is not required.

Responsibilities

Reviews motions and briefs submitted by parties, offering legal opinions as requested.
Conducts independent legal research and provides advisory opinions for the judges and court staff. Prepares memoranda, decisions, and orders for the judges.
Advises judges on novel and unusual legal issues as they arise.
Stays current on statutes and precedential case law, advising judges and court staff of critical developments affecting the operation of the court.
Responds to letters from attorneys and pro se litigants on behalf of the judges.
Maintains a record of assignments, balancing workloads from multiple judges to comply with due dates and assignment requirements.
Assists the judges and the Clerk of Courts with other projects as required.
Mediates all small claims cases in La Crosse County before trial, including all landlord/tenant disputes and eviction cases.
Employee is expected to report to work when scheduled, with minimum use of sick leave, to build up sick leave balance for income protection for unexpected illness. Occasional in-state travel may be required.
In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors, and public officials.

Benefits

Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): A top-rated pension program.
Affordable Insurance Premiums: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, and 10+ paid holidays annually.
Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and wellness programs.

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