Court of Appeals Law Clerk

The Minnesota Court of Appeals is hiring for up to two law clerks, for the period of January – August 2025, with the possibility of employment through the 2025-26 term (until August 2026). 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.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals reviews cases appealed from district courts and administrative agencies. Minnesota 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 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.

Examples 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

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 review or law journal, is preferred.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Position Logistics

This position is classified as a Court of Appeals Law Clerk. Duties will be performed in a hybrid environment, including in-person workdays at the Minnesota Judicial Center located in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.

SALARY: Starting salary for a law clerk with no prior appellate court clerkship experience will be $75,000/year.

TO APPLY: Applications to the Minnesota Court of Appeals must be submitted by 11:59pm on Tuesday January 7th, 2025.

Complete the application thoroughly, including the supplemental questions. Please note that the application itself, including your responses to the supplemental questions, is submitted verbatim to the hiring judges. You must attach a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, transcript, and any letters of recommendation to the online application.