Expand your court experience or begin your legal career as a District Court Law Clerk! 

This position is in the chambers of the Honorable Julia Dayton Klein in the 4^th Judicial District (Hennepin County). Judge Dayton Klein is currently assigned, full time, to presiding over felony crimes against person cases. An interest in criminal law is preferred. 

A District Court Law Clerk has the opportunity to work within the Minnesota Judicial Branch at the Trial Court level and gain insight into judicial and court processes, with a court perspective on the administration of justice.

Law Clerks work directly with a District Court Judge performing professional legal research, preparation of memoranda, opinions, and orders and related clerical/administrative work. This position supports the functions of a District Court Judge to uphold the court’s mission of providing justice through a system that assures equal access for the fair and timely resolution of cases and controversies. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: 

Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed. 

• Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities
• Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, and jury instructions, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the Judge
• Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations
• Confer with Judge, Referee or court official concerning legal questions, construction of documents and granting of orders
• Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments and record necessary case information; maintain records attendant to court proceedings
• Courtroom duties, including taking court minutes; calling the calendar; swearing in jury panels and witness; and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences, and trials
• Collaborate with Judicial Clerk on administrative duties and perform certain administrative duties as assigned

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education and Experience:

Law Clerk 

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference
• Knowledge of court practices and procedures
• Knowledge of legal terminology and concepts
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both 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 professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding in the course of work duties
• Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer with word processing and legal research software

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

• Complete and submit your online application with resume and cover letter attached by 02/06/2026.

• All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check. An employment offer may be rescinded if the background check identifies job related convictions.

• Please contact Human Resources with questions regarding this posting via email: [email protected]; or phone: 612-540-6488.