Law Clerk, Todd County - Judge Designee Heidi Hovis
JOB DESCRIPTION Judge Designee Heidi Hovis, new appointed to the Todd County District Court chambered in Long Prairie, MN, is seeking a motivated and detail orientated Law Clerk to join her judicial team. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a wide range of legal matters, work closely with the Judge, and contribute to the fair and efficient administration of justice in Todd County. Prior to assuming the bench, Judge Hovis held a variety of legal roles including as an assistant public defender and legal aid attorney. She intends to work closely with her law clerk and prioritize a collaborative dynamic within her judicial team, ensuring every member has an active and meaningful role. She is equally committed to fostering professional growth and development among her staff. As a Law Clerk, you will conduct legal research, draft memoranda and court orders, assist with case management, and observe courtroom proceedings. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other court staff and interact with attorneys and court participants, building valuable insight into Minnesota’s judicial process. This position will: • Work both in person and remote with the schedule to be determined by the judge and the law clerk. • The position will initially start predominantly in person for training purposes. • The law clerk will be in person, in the courtroom with the judge, court staff, judicial team, attorneys, and litigants for specific hearings and trials identified by the judge; • Provide an opportunity to work closely and develop relationships with other law clerks, judges, court staff, litigants, justice partners, and attorneys; • Provide an opportunity to expand and enhance research and writing skills; and • Provide reasonable work hours/work-life balance; and • Provide a foundation in legal skills and knowledge of the court system, judicial decision making, and ability to work on all case types. What You Will Do The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position: • Review and research laws, court decisions, briefs, and other legal authorities • Confer with the judge regarding legal issues, prepares legal memoranda, and assists with drafting orders for the judge • May attend court sessions to observe court proceedings and record case information • May perform courtroom duties in arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences, and trials including calling the calendar, swearing in jury panels and witnesses, and assisting in documenting court proceedings • May perform administrative duties within the judge’s chambers What You Must Have • To be considered for employment as a Law Clerk, you must meet the following qualifications: Graduation from an accredited law school at time of employment • To be considered for employment as a Law Clerk 1 (student), you must meet the following qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and current enrollment in and completion of at least one year of law school training at an accredited law school What You Will Bring • Knowledge of laws, court rules, and sources of legal reference • Knowledge of court practices and procedures • Knowledge of legal terminology and concepts • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people including attorneys and pro se parties • Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles • Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner • Skill in the operation of a personal computer with word processing and legal research software • Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding in the course of work duties Law Clerks are at-will employees, and the work is performed under the supervision of a District Court Judge. Worked is performed primarily in an office setting or a courtroom. Supplemental Information: • Judge Designee Hovis is looking for a person who has both the ability and interest to serve as a successful judicial clerk. This position will remain opened until filled. • Current judicial branch employees must have satisfactory performance in all competencies in their most recent performance evaluation and no discipline above an oral reprimand in the preceding 6 months. • Full State of Minnesota Package benefits. • District court law clerks will be placed within the pay range based upon post law school graduation legal work experience. • In addition to completing the online application, please upload and attach your cover letter, resume, transcripts, and a writing sample (no more than 10 pages) • This position will remain opened until filled. • It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting HR, [email protected] ABOUT US Why Work for Us? Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another’s growth. Employee Benefits The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family’s wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid. Equal Employment Opportunity It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting Human Resources at [email protected]. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. Internal Applicants If you are a current employee of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, please apply to open positions conveniently through your Oracle account by visiting Opportunity Marketplace - Browse Opportunities. Apply tot his job