Law Clerk (Temporary), Attorney's Office

Stearns County - Saint Cloud, MN

Full-time

Hybrid - Saint Cloud, MN

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Law Clerk - Criminal Division position in the Stearns County Attorney's Office offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about justice to gain meaningful criminal law experience. Selected candidates will manage high-volume criminal court calendars, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, while enhancing their legal writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills. The role involves regular engagement with 17 criminal division attorneys and a wider office of 68 personnel, including support staff and a victim assistance facility dog. The office promotes a flexible and collegial environment, aiming to deliver justice for the citizens of Stearns County.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with state and local law enforcement personnel and county child welfare agency staff regarding juvenile delinquency matters.
• Review records and reports; recommend appropriate action regarding civil matters, juvenile delinquency, and child protection cases; draft pleadings, complaints, petitions, discovery materials, motions, legal memoranda, and arguments.
• Interview witnesses and handle pre-trial proceedings, administrative proceedings, court trials, and post-trial proceedings in civil and juvenile matters.
• Locate and secure documents and other case material for case evaluations and trial preparation.
• Provide assistance with discovery requests by coordinating, monitoring, and assisting with discovery procedures.
• Consult and assist attorneys with preparation and coordination of trial exhibits, trial notebooks, visual aids, witness testimony, and appearances in court.
• Organize and assemble documents, statutes, and information from law enforcement agencies, other County departments, the general public, and other sources.
• Perform various other tasks including legal research, legal opinions, memorandums and briefs, assist with representation of elected officials, boards, panels, commissions, and county departments, and various appeals to the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
• Maintain various databases.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Certified to practice law as a Certified Student Attorney in the State of Minnesota, or the demonstrated ability to be so certified.
• Ability to comply with Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension security requirements.

Nice-to-haves

• Two years of law school successfully completed.
• Completed coursework or experience in the practice of law in adult criminal prosecution, juvenile delinquency, child protection, or state or local government legal counseling or representation.
• Trial or litigation experience as a primary attorney in a court of law or in coursework practicum in the above-described areas.
• Proficiency in office and courtroom technology (PowerPoint presentation format).
• Demonstrated desire to practice law in the public realm.