Law Clerk

Cleveland Municipal Court; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Cleveland Municipal Court is seeking part-time law clerks to perform legal research and mediation for Small Claims, drafting memoranda for judges and staff, and assisting with court duties. A one-year commitment is requested, with potential full-time hours when school is out.

Mediation training is provided through the Ohio Supreme Court. Ideal candidates are pursuing or have completed the first year of law school, with strong organizational and writing skills, and the ability to work as part of

Qualifications

• Excellent legal research and analysis required.
• Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and procedures used in court proceedings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize duties.
• Highly organized work habits.
• Ability to work as part of a team in meeting mediation and departmental goals.

Responsibilities

• 1. Conduct mediations for Small Claims cases.
• 2. General legal research and drafting 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 court cases.
• 4. Other projects and tasks as assigned by the Chief Magistrate or his/her 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

Skills

Legal research

Legal analysis

Court procedures

Written communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Four-year college degree

1L/2L preferred

Job description

Part-time (20 hours per week) law clerks perform legal research and analysis on various issues in pending cases and provide legal and administrative support to the Judges, Magistrates, and staff. In addition to drafting memorandums of law and proposed entries, law clerks perform mediations on Small Claims cases and other court-related duties as needed. Mediation training and certification will be provided through the Ohio Supreme Court. Preference is for a 1L or 2L. A one-year commitment to the Court is requested. Full-time (up to 39) hours available when school is out.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND 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 court cases.
• 4. Other projects and tasks as assigned by the Chief Magistrate or his/her 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

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all job duties performed. Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS and ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.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. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• 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.
• 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 appearance and demeanor with the public and 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, drug testing and 180-day work probationary period.