Law Clerk

Dakota County; West Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Dakota County is seeking a Law Student Practitioner in the County Attorney's Office. Work is part-time with flexible hours; locations include the Judicial Center in Hastings and the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul.

Responsibilities include legal research, drafting memos, and representing the County under attorney supervision. Minimum qualifications require one year of law school by January 1, 2027 and eligibility for supervised practice certification by January 1, 2027, with the ability

Qualifications

• Enrolled in law school with at least one year completed by Jan 1, 2027.
• Eligible for certification under Supervised Practice Rules by Jan 1, 2027.
• Ability to pass fingerprint background check.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and draft 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

Oral advocacy

Confidentiality

Independent thinking

Discretion

Public interaction

Education

Law school student

Job description

General 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.

** The department is asking that all candidates submit a resume, cover letter and a 3 - 4-page writing sample before submitting their application.

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.

Minimum 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.

Duties & Responsibilities

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, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge or interest in case law and procedures in the applicable division for which hired
• Ability to perform basic legal research and writing
• Ability to analyze legal issues by applying the facts to applicable law.
• Ability to represent legal arguments both orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged communications
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to think independently
• Ability to use discretion in making independent judgments in dealing with the public and department heads or their representatives
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public and to maintain harmonious working relationships with others
• 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.