Law Clerk

City of Cleveland; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Cleveland seeks a part-time Law Clerk to assist in legal research, drafting memoranda, and mediating Small Claims matters. The role supports Judges, Magistrates, and staff with mediation training provided.

A four-year college degree is required, with preferred completion of the first year of law school and mediation training. Strong written and spoken communication, organizational skills, and reliable teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree required; law school background preferred.
• Mediation training or coursework preferred.
• Strong research and writing abilities required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mediations for Small Claims cases and draft memoranda for Judges and Court staff.
• Perform general legal research and draft legal memoranda.
• Research and write recommendations on objections and motions in municipal court cases.
• Assist court staff to maintain efficient operations and deliver quality service.

Skills

Legal research

Legal analysis

Written communication

Verbal communication

Organization

Team player

Computer skills

Education

Four-year college degree

First year of law school preferred

Mediation training preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Law Clerk

POSITION SUMMARY

Part-time law clerks perform legal research and analysis on various issues in pending cases and provide legal and administrative support to the Judge, Magistrates, and staff. In addition to drafting memorandums of law and proposed entries, law clerks perform mediation on Small Claims cases and other court-related duties as needed. Mediation training will be provided. One year commitment to the Court is requested.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conduct mediations for Small Claims cases.
2. General legal research and drafting legal memoranda for Judges, Magistrates, and Court Administrators.
3. Research and writing of recommendations regarding Objections filed in response to a Magistrate’s Decision, Motions to Set Aside a Magistrate’s Order, and other Motions filed in various municipal court cases.
4. Other projects and tasks as assigned by the Chief Magistrate or his designee.
5. Assist the Magistrate Department staff as needed to maintain a smooth and efficient operation.
6. Provide quality service that continually improves, that meets or exceeds public expectations, and that ensures all are treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Excellent legal research and legal analysis.
2. Knowledgeable of the methods, techniques, and procedures used in court proceedings.
3. Good written and verbal communication skills.
4. Ability to organize and prioritize duties.
5. Highly organized work habits.
6. Solid computer skills.
7. Ability to work as part of a team in meeting mediation and departmental goals.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Four-Year College Degree is required. Completion of first year of law school preferred. The completion of mediation training courses approved by the Supreme Court of Ohio is also preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Must be able to push and pull up to 75 pounds and lift and carry 15-20 pounds on a regular basis.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COURT EXPECTATIONS of EMPLOYEE

In accomplishing the responsibilities of this position, the Court expects that the employee will adhere to the mission and values of the Court as well as all Court policies and procedures. In addition, while carrying out the duties of this position, the employee is expected to model high ethical conduct on and off the job and exhibit a professional and respectful demeanor with all Court employees.

Qualified applicants may be required to submit to testing and provide writing samples. Proof of education and employment references will be required before final interview. Employment predicated upon successful completion of criminal record check and drug testing required. You'll be considered a probationary employee for your first 180 days of employment.

https://www.clevelandohio.gov/city-hall/departments/human-resources/total-rewards

The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.