Law Clerk I (3050)

Job Overview

This position's start date is January 2nd, 2026. Work involves the performance of professional legal research and other related clerical/administrative work in the preparation of memoranda, opinions, or orders for a judge concerning the cases before him/her.

Responsibilities

• Reviews, studies, research, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Prepares briefs, legal memoranda, statement of issues involved, draft opinions and orders including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge.
• Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
• Confers with judge concerning legal questions, legal theories, construction of documents, and preparation of orders.
• Attends court sessions to hear testimony and record necessary case information; maintains records attendant to court proceedings; assists judge in the selection and preparation of jury instructions.
• Maintains a law library collection.

Requirements

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Legal research experience.
• Excellent writing skills.

Qualifications

Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference. Knowledge of trial court practices, rules, and procedures. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people. Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles. Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Skill in the operation of a computer with word processing and legal research software. Skill in the operation of electronic recording equipment to record trial court proceedings.

Skills

• Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference.
• Knowledge of trial court practices, rules, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles.
• Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Skill in the operation of a computer with word processing and legal research software.
• Skill in the operation of electronic recording equipment to record trial court proceedings.

Benefits

• Work/life balance.
• Family friendly policies.
• Dedicated and caring colleagues.
• Health coverage.
• Retail plans.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year).
• Opportunities and room for professional growth.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Pay

$30.14 - 30.14 Hourly

Schedule

Full-Time

Contact Information

Contact Name: Mandi Edlin
Contact Email: mandi.edlin@mt.gov
Contact Phone: 406-841-2965