[Hiring] Law Clerk I @State of Montana

Role Description

This position is eligible for full-time telework in the State of Montana. An employee new to the Judicial Branch will serve a one-year probationary period. The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check. Travel may be required and working hours may include evenings & weekends.

Law clerks serving more than two years may be moved to senior law clerk status. This is professional legal work performed for the Honorable Yvonne Laird of the 17th Judicial District in Malta, Montana. 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. Work is performed under general supervision of a judge and is reviewed through conferences and written reports.

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 recording court testimony or arguments and providing bailiff services.
• May transcribe the record of court proceedings if required by the position.
• May maintain a law library collection.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Legal research experience.
• New graduates as well as experienced attorneys will be considered.
• Admission to the State Bar of Montana is not required.

Requirements

• 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 relationship 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.

Benefits

• Work/life balance.
• Family friendly policies.
• Dedicated and caring colleagues.
• Health coverage.
• Retirement 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.