Senior Law Clerk

This is professional legal work aiding in providing legal representation and advice under supervision of the County Attorney. Work involves the preparation and presentation of cases brought in the courts and the preparation of related briefs, findings and legal instruments. Work requires the exercise of considerable independent professional judgment under supervision of the County Attorney. Candidates must be currently enrolled in law school and be student certification eligible.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE: 

• Successful completion of at least two years of law school.
• Work as a Law Clerk intern for at least six months.
• Appeared in State District Court as a student certified attorney in a criminal matter.

This is professional legal work aiding in providing legal representation and advice under supervision of the County Attorney.   Work involves the preparation and presentation of cases brought in the courts and the preparation of related briefs, findings and legal instruments.  Work requires the exercise of considerable independent professional judgment under supervision of the County Attorney.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelor's Degree and attendance at a recognized law school; must be able to be certified by the Supreme Court under limited practice rules.
The finalist for a position vacancy will be required to pass a criminal history investigation at County expense prior to beginning employment with Washington County.
 
CORE COMPETENCIES, JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL JOB PERFORMANCE  
Core Competenciesoutline essential business and professional traits necessary to perform this job.

• Support and prioritize a welcoming and respectful workplace that fosters diversity and encourages contributions from all individuals;
• Provide inclusive and equitable service to all members of the community with dignity and respect;
• Demonstrate support for the County’s diversity, equity and inclusion program;
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles and practices of criminal and civil law; knowledge of the principle methods, materials and practices of legal research and information.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the rules of evidence and court procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles and practices of criminal and civil law.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principle methods, materials, and practices of legal research and information.
• Demonstrates knowledge of administrative law; knowledge of the United States and Minnesota Constitution.
• Demonstrates some knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations, and authority of the Office of County Attorney; some knowledge of the organization, powers, and limitations of county governmental functions.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform legal research.
• Demonstrates the ability to analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents, clearly, logically and forcefully.
• Demonstrates the ability to present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Demonstrates the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, other attorneys, and the general public.

Administrative Duties:

• Provide work direction to law clerk interns;
• Provide orientation and job training to law clerk interns;
• Provide performance input to supervisor;
• Provide scheduling of law clerk assignments and duties;
• Serve as the primary contact for law clerk work within the office.

• Prepares and assists attorneys in presenting the County's position in various court proceedings, such as bail motions, hearings, and trials.
• Researches a variety of cases brought under applicable ordinances and statutes into county district court.
• Researches references and precedents.
• Drafts petitions, briefs, memos, stipulations, court orders, judgments, and findings of fact, warrants, and various other legal instruments.
• Interviews witnesses, plaintiffs, victims, county agency clients, and other parties to cases in preparations.
• Drafts ordinances, resolutions, and other legislative measures.
• Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with lawsuits, trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings under the supervision of the County Attorney.
• Confers with investigators to collect facts.