Law Clerk

Snohomish County; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Sick leave

Holidays

Commuting benefits

Employee assistance

Job summary

Snohomish County is seeking a Law Clerk for a judicial clerkship with Judge Richard T. Okrent. The role involves legal research, drafting memoranda, reviewing motions, and serving as liaison between the court, counsel, agencies, and the media.

Applicants must hold a J.D. from an accredited law school and submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample with the application. County benefits are provided, and a criminal justice career path is offered.

Qualifications

• Must have J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Strong legal research and writing abilities are essential.
• Ability to navigate court procedures and maintain orderly records.

Responsibilities

• Performs basic research on legal issues before court; briefs and summarizes files in preparation for sentencing.
• Collects trial related data; validates authority in legal documents and assists in the preparation of written opinions and memorandum decisions.
• Receives, reviews and summarizes issues for pre and post trial motions.
• Screens persons desiring to see judges and maintains judges' appointment and hearing schedules.
• Maintains orderly conduct and security in courtrooms, including the opening and closing of court.
• Ensures courtroom is trial ready with counsel tables, equipment, and jury rooms prepared.
• Keeps library and research material current and replaces outdated materials.
• Prepares jury instructions and supervises jurors during deliberations and related activities.
• Performs related duties as required.

Skills

Legal research

Court procedures

Written communication

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Law Clerk - Judicial Clerkship:

The Honorable Judge Richard T. Okrent is hiring for a law clerk and will be reviewing all cover letters, resumes, and writing samples - these are required to be submitted at the time of application.

Law Clerk duties include legal research and analysis, drafting of legal memoranda, review of pre-trial and post-trial motions, documents, and correspondence, RALJ appeals, and advising the court on issues of law. Additionally, the law clerk provides administrative support – including supervision of jurors, scheduling, screening all correspondence and persons who wish to see the judge, and acting as a liaison between the judge and counsel, agencies, and the media.

Applicants must have a J.D Degree from an accredited law school.

Required Attachments: cover letter, resume, and writing sample. If you do not submit these documents your application will be incomplete and not considered.

County Benefits:

Medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement, sick leave, holidays, commuting benefits, employee assistance and wellness programs.

Voluntary Benefits:

Deferred compensation, supplemental life insurance, flexible spending accounts, supplements insurance policies.

BASIC FUNCTION

Provide administrative assistance to Superior Court Judges combined with the traditional function of bailiff.

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Performs basic research on legal issues before court; briefs and summarizes files in preparation for sentencing.
2. Collects trial related data; validates authority in legal documents and assists in the preparation of written opinions and memorandum decisions.
3. Receives, reviews and summarizes issues for pre and post trial motions.
4. Screens persons desiring to see judges (such as attorneys, pro se litigants, and the general public) and maintains judges' appointment and hearing schedules.
5. Maintains orderly conduct and security in courtrooms, including the opening and closing of court.
6. Insures the courtroom is trial ready with both counsel tables clear, equipment is in working order, and jury deliberation rooms are stocked, cleaned and ready for proceedings.
7. Keeps all library and research material current including delivery of replacement materials and recycling of outdated material.
8. Prepares jury instructions and supervises jurors during times when not seated in jury box such as providing beverages and services while in the deliberation room, arranges for and may escort to and from meals, and assumes responsibility for sequestration when mandated.
9. Performs related duties as required.

Graduation from a recognized school of law. Must pass job related tests.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Superior Court procedures
• laws of the State of Washington
• on-line legal research resources

Ability to:

• exercise good judgment as to when to act independently and when to refer situations to higher authority
• perform legal research, and analyze and apply legal principles and precedents to legal problems
• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• follow verbal and written instructions
• maintain required records and prepare clear, concise written reports
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with jurors, attorneys, associates, other county employees, and the general public
• effectively and efficiently navigate numerous computer applications and systems
• demonstrate flexibility by providing on-call law clerk coverage for other members of the bench as the need arises
• demonstrate strong organizational skills including consistently handling multiple matters at any one time

SUPERVISION

Research work is performed with a wide degree of latitude for exercise of good judgment, accuracy, and timely completion. General supervision is provided by respective Superior Court Judge.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work is performed in the usual office environment and courtroom.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
EEO policy and ADA notice.