2027 Summer Law Clerk (Statewide)

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Job summary

The State of Minnesota Board of Public Defenders invites applications for its Summer Law Clerk program. Earn a starting rate of $20.00 per hour, and qualify for a housing stipend of $1,500 if eligible.

Positions run up to 12 weeks of full-time work (40 hours per week) under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or Chief Public Defender. Responsibilities include direct client services, legal research, drafting briefs, interviewing clients, and assisting in trial preparation.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled and actively attending an accredited law school.
• Student Practitioner track requires completion of at least two law school semesters.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct services to clients in your district community.
• Conduct legal research.
• Draft briefs and memorandum.
• Interview clients and assist in trial preparation.
• Attend and participate in court proceedings under Student Practice rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervising attorneys.

Skills

Interviewing

Written & oral communications

Legal research

Materials organization

Education

Enrolled in American Law School

Two semesters completed (Student Practitioner track)

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

Are you looking for a rewarding summer experience? Join the State of Minnesota Board of Public Defenders!

We are proud to offer a robust Summer Law Clerk program that not only provides valuable, hands‑on experience but a great starting salary of $20.00/hour, a housing stipend of $1,500 (if eligible), and up to 12‑weeks of full‑time employment (40‑hours a week)!

• a great starting salary of $20.00/hour
• a housing stipend of $1,500 (if eligible)
• up to 12‑weeks of full‑time employment (40‑hours a week)

Under general supervision of the Managing Attorney or Chief Public Defender, Summer Law Clerks can expect to perform an array of duties of ranging difficulty. Duties may vary based on the Judicial District.

ESTIMATED INTERVIEW TIMELINE:

APPLICATION REVIEW: DECEMBER 1ST – DECEMBER 11TH
FIRST REQUESTS FOR INTERVIEWS: WEEK OF DECEMBER 14TH
FIRST INTERVIEWS (VIRTUAL): EARLY JANUARY

• Provide direct services to clients in your district community
• Legal research
• Drafting briefs
• Interview clients
• Assist in trial preparation
• Attend and participate in court proceedings under the rules of Student Practice
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of criminal law
• Knowledge of criminal procedures
• Knowledge of legal writing
• Knowledge of the principles of legal research

Skills:

• Considerable skill in interviewing and listening
• Considerable skill in written and oral communications
• Considerable skill in preparing and organizing materials for use by others
• Considerable skill in analysis of facts and data.

Abilities:

• Ability to use legal research tools such as statutes, digests, practice manuals and computerized legal bases
• Ability to develop written and oral reports
• Ability to complete assignments under time constraints;
• Ability to perform job duties independently, organize workflow efficiently, set priorities and meet deadlines;
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion;
• Ability to provide staff attorneys with a variety of legal processes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled and actively attending an accredited law school.
  • Students seeking certification as a Student Practitioner must have completed at least two semesters of Law School