Law Clerk I

Job Overview

The Montana Judicial Branch seeks a Law Clerk I to serve more than two years may be moved to senior law clerk status. This is professional legal work performed for the Honorable Judge Olivia Rieger in the 7th Judicial District in Glendive, MT.

Job Duties

• 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.
• May perform courtroom duties including observing court and presiding over proceedings as a special master or referee under the district court judge’s supervision.
• May assist with preparation of training materials.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Legal research experience.
• New graduates as well as experienced attorneys will be considered.

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

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting or a courtroom.
• Physical Demands: Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds such as papers and files. Some positions may require periods of extended sitting, standing or computer use. Some positions may require standing on a ladder to retrieve files from high shelves.

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.
• Ability to transcribe audio tapes, if required by the position.
• 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.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting or a courtroom.
• Physical Demands: Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds such as papers and files. Some positions may require periods of extended sitting, standing or computer use. Some positions may require standing on a ladder to retrieve files from high shelves.

Qualifications

• Internal Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Legal research experience.
• New graduates as well as experienced attorneys will be considered.

Contact Information

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

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• References