Law Clerk, Honorable Jacob C. Allen, Olmsted County

Law school teaches you the law. Starting off your legal career as a district court law clerk will help teach you how to be a lawyer. District court law clerks obtain an invaluable, behind-the-bench courtroom perspective on how judges, parties, justice partners, and individuals work towards the administration of justice in Minnesota. 

The Honorable Jacob C. Allen is seeking applications for a district court law clerk position as part of his chambers at the Olmsted County Government Center, located at 151 4th Street SE in Rochester, Minnesota. Judge Allen’s regular docket is specialized one: qualified applicants should exhibit an interest and passion in the areas of juvenile delinquency and child protection, mental and chemical health as they affect individuals in both civil and criminal case types, in addition to probate and trust cases.

As Judge Allen’s law clerk, you will work directly with the Judge as part of a dedicated judicial team, gaining meaningful, hands-on experience in the Minnesota Judicial Branch. This position offers a unique opportunity to observe courtroom proceedings, contribute to judicial decision-making, and collaborate with judges and fellow law clerks across Olmsted County.

What You Will Do

The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position:

• Observe a wide variety of legal proceedings through daily in-person and remote hearings across multiple case types.
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, opinions, and orders, while preparing case summaries and assisting with other court-related work.
• Collaborate with a team of Olmsted County judicial law clerks to review family law stipulations and small claims matters through an established clerk rotation.
• Provide support to other Olmsted County judges as needed and as workload permits.
• Help advance the Minnesota Judicial Branch's mission by supporting the fair, timely, and impartial resolution of cases while ensuring equal access to justice.

• Other duties as assigned

 

What You Must Have                                     

• To be considered for employment as a Law Clerk, you must meet the following qualification(s): Graduation from an accredited law school at time of employment.

 

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, concisely, and with an attention to detail, 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

• Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding in the course of work duties

• Skill in the operation of a personal computer with work processing and legal research software

• An interest and passion in the areas of juvenile delinquency and child protection, mental and chemical health as they affect individuals in both civil and criminal case types, in addition to probate and trust cases.

 

Supplemental Information:

Instructions for Applying

Please submit your online application with resume, cover letter, writing sample, and references.