Law Clerk

General DescriptionPOSTING TYPE: Open-competitiveDEPARTMENT: County AttorneyHOURS: Part-timeHOURLY SALARY: $24.00LOCATION: Judicial Center in Hastings and Northern Service Center in West St. PaulUNION: NoneCLOSE DATE: Monday, June 8, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.Law Student Practitioner works under attorney supervision to conduct legal research, prepare legal research memos and documents and represent Dakota County where permitted. The Dakota County Attorney’s Office has four divisions. The divisions include Civil, Adult Criminal, Child Support Enforcement, and Juvenile Protected Services Division. Law Clerks work in our Service Centers in West St Paul (Child Support) or Hastings (all other divisions). We are currently accepting applicants for: Juvenile Protective Services Division. The department is asking that all candidates submit a resume, cover letter and a 3–4-page writing sample before submitting their application. Work hours are variable based on the candidate's availability (school schedule) and County Attorney Office needs. Typically, during the academic year, work hours do not exceed 20 hours/week. Full-time hours are available in the summer. Work study funding preferred but not required.The Dakota County Attorney’s Office welcomes and is inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and perspectives. The Office aims to reflect the community and clients it serves and fosters an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves.Minimum QualificationsCompletion of one year of law school by June 1, 2026.ANDEligible for certification under the Supervised Practice Rules by June 1, 2026.ANDAbility to pass a fingerprint-based background check.Duties & ResponsibilitiesConduct legal research and prepare written memoranda.Draft motions, pleadings and various legal documents.Represent the State and/or Dakota County in court hearings as a Law Student Practitioner under attorney supervision.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities And Work EnvironmentKnowledge or interest in case law and procedures in the applicable division for which hiredAbility to perform basic legal research and writingAbility to analyze legal issues by applying the facts to applicable law.Ability to represent legal arguments both orally and in writing in a clear and concise mannerAbility to maintain confidentiality of privileged communicationsAbility to work under pressureAbility to think independentlyAbility to use discretion in making independent judgments in dealing with the public and department heads or their representativesAbility to deal tactfully and courteously with the public and to maintain harmonious working relationships with othersWillingness to learn and improve.Work EnvironmentWork is primarily sedentary and is usually accomplished while incumbent is comfortably seated at a desk or table. Some walking and standing may occur in the course of a normal workday or in connection with attendance at meetings and conferences, or while researching files. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate keyboard, mouse, and to handle other computer components for extended periods of time.Selection ProcessYou submit an online application that includes supplemental questionsWe assign you a score based on your qualifications Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview considerationWe conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer We extend an offer and conduct background checksPlease note: This position is being posted by Dakota County as a service to this agency. Any applications submitted for this position are an expressed interest of employment with the agency and will in no way be considered an expressed interest of employment with Dakota County. Dakota County benefits are not applicable.01Applicants for this recruitment will be rated based on their answers to the supplemental questions listed below and application materials. It is IMPERATIVE that information provided on the application and resume are detailed and clearly outline your work experience & skills. They must also support and/or match answers to the supplemental questions. Please initial the box below to CONFIRM that the information provided is accurate and true to the best of your knowledge. Falsification may result in disqualification from consideration for this and subsequent recruitments with Dakota County for up to three years.02Identify the areas of law that you are interested in working in (check all that apply):Adult CriminalCivilJuvenile Protected Services DivisionChild Support03Are you a current law student at an accredited law school?YesNo04Will you have completed at least one year of law school by June 1, 2026?YesNo05Are you eligible for certification under the Supervised Practice Rules by June 1, 2026?YesNo06Are you able to pass a fingerprint-based background check?YesNo07Do you have work or volunteer experience conducting legal research and preparing written memoranda?YesNo08Do you have work or volunteer experience drafting motions, pleadings and various legal documents?YesNo09Have you attached a resume, cover letter and a writing sample? If not, go back and add it before submitting your application.YesNo10Your response to this question will help Dakota County evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment sources for this specific position. Please select the one source that most closely describes how you first learned about this opportunity.FacebookFriend, Family or ColleagueInDeedJob Fair or Dakota County EventJob Interest e-mails from Dakota CountyJobsInMinneapolis/StPaulLeague of Minnesota CitiesLinkedInMinneapolis Diversity.comMinnesota Diversity.comMinnesota Works WebsiteMinnesota Jobs Network.comMinnesota Association of CountiesMonsterProfessional Association WebsiteReferred by a Dakota County EmployeeSt Paul Diversity.comCollege Website, Instructor, Career ServicesDakota County WebsiteOther11If you selected Other, please indicate where you heard about this opportunity with Dakota County. Required Question