Minnesota Judicial Branch→

Court of Appeals Law Clerk for Judge… at Minnesota… · Saint Paul

Entry LevelHybridFull-timeSaint Paul, MN$75k–$75k/yr

Job Description

DESCRIPTION:

The Minnesota Court of Appeals is hiring up to two law clerks for the 2026-27 term (through August 2027), with the possibility of extension through the 2027-28 term (through August 2028).

The Minnesota Court of Appeals reviews cases appealed from district courts and administrative agencies. Court of Appeals law clerks participate in the judicial decision-making process by providing legal research and case analysis to the judges of the Court of Appeals. Through this challenging and intellectually stimulating work, law clerks will develop their skills in legal research, reasoning, strategy, and writing; gain exposure to multiple substantive areas of law; receive valuable training and mentoring from judges; and form friendships and career-long relationships with their fellow judicial law clerks. A Court of Appeals clerkship is an opportunity to engage in public service while receiving training and experience that will distinguish law clerks from other applicants for practitioner positions throughout their career.

EXAMPLE OF JOB DUTIES:

The primary duties of a law clerk are to analyze and research cases on appeal. A law clerk's typical responsibilities include closely reviewing the record and transcripts from the district court, evaluating opposing briefs, supplementing the legal research submitted in the briefs, assisting the judge in accurately synthesizing the facts and the law through preparation of bench memoranda, assisting the judge in drafting opinions, and cite-checking opinions.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited law school is required to begin employment. Professional skills and academic record are both considered. Strong writing and research skills are essential. Significant legal writing experience, which may include experience on a law journal or moot court, is preferred.

SALARY: The anticipated salary for the 2026 -27 term will be at least $35.92/hour ($75,000/year) or possibly more, depending on future legislative appropriations. This position is eligible for state of MN employee benefits.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Position Logistics:

This position is classified as a Court of Appeals Law Clerk. Work will be performed at the Minnesota Judicial Center located in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.

TO APPLY: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on May 24, 2026. Interviews will take place June 8-9, 2026, in person in the Minnesota Judicial Center.

Complete the application thoroughly, including the supplemental questions. Please note that the application itself, including responses to the supplemental questions, are submitted verbatim to the hiring judges. To be considered, you must attach a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and list of professional references to the online application. In addition, please arrange for your official transcript, with class rank, to be mailed or emailed directly to the address listed below. Letters of recommendation are highly recommended and should also be mailed or emailed to the address listed below:

Minnesota Judicial Center

Human Resources Department, Rm. 120

25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

MNLawClerkRecruiting@courts.state.mn.us

Projected Start Date: This position is expected to start August 17, 2026.

Company

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 DeAnthony.McKinley@courts.state.mn.us. 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

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