Law Clerk

Dakota County; Minnesota; On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Dakota County is seeking a Law Student Practitioner to support the County Attorney’s Office in Hastings and West St. Paul. You will conduct legal research, draft memoranda and documents, and represent the County where permitted under supervision.

Work hours are variable; during the academic year typically up to 20 hours per week, with full-time hours available in the summer. Applicants must be one year into law school and eligible for supervised practice.

Qualifications

• Completion of one year of law school by January 1, 2027.
• Eligible for certification under the Supervised Practice Rules by January 1, 2027.
• Ability to pass a fingerprint-based background check.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare written memoranda.
• Draft motions, pleadings and various legal documents.
• Represent the State and/or Dakota County in court hearings under attorney supervision.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Drafting pleadings

Education

One year of law school completed by Jan 1, 2027

Job description

POSTING TYPE: Open-competitive

DEPARTMENT: County Attorney

HOURS: Part-time

HOURLY SALARY: $24.00

LOCATION: Judicial Center in Hastings and Northern Service Center in West St. Paul

UNION: None

CLOSE DATE: Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Law Student Practitioner works under attorney supervision to conduct legal research, prepare legal research memos and documents and represent Dakota County where permitted. The Dakota County Attorney’s Office has four divisions. The divisions include Civil, Adult Criminal, Child Support Enforcement, and Juvenile Protected Services Division. Law Clerks work in our Service Centers in West St Paul (Child Support) or Hastings (all other divisions).

We are currently accepting applicants for: Criminal Division.

Work hours are variable based on the candidate's availability (school schedule) and County Attorney Office needs. Typically, during the academic year, work hours do not exceed 20 hours/week. Full-time hours are available in the summer. Work study funding preferred but not required.

The Dakota County Attorney’s Office welcomes and is inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and perspectives. The Office aims to reflect the community and clients it serves and fosters an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves.

• Completion of one year of law school by January 1, 2027.
• Eligible for certification under the Supervised Practice Rules by January 1, 2027.
• Ability to pass a fingerprint-based background check.

1. Conduct legal research and prepare written memoranda.
2. Draft motions, pleadings and various legal documents.
3. Represent the State and/or Dakota County in court hearings as a Law Student Practitioner under attorney supervision.

• Knowledge or interest in case law and procedures in the applicable division for whichhired
• Ability to perform basic legal research andwriting
• Ability to analyze legalissues by applying the facts to applicable law.
• Ability to represent legal arguments both orally and in writing in a clear and concisemanner
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of privilegedcommunications
• Ability to work underpressureAbility to thinkindependently
• Ability to use discretion in making independent judgments in dealing with the public and department heads or theirrepresentatives
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public and to maintain harmonious working relationships withothers
• Willingness to learn and improve.

Work Environment

Work is primarily sedentary and is usually accomplished while incumbent is comfortably seated at a desk or table. Some walking and standing may occur in the course of a normal workday or in connection with attendance at meetings and conferences, or while researching files. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate keyboard, mouse, and to handle other computer components for extended periods of time.

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks