Law Clerk I

Taleo; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Job summary

Montana Judicial Branch in Billings, MT is seeking a Law Clerk I to assist a judge with legal research, drafting memoranda and orders, and preparing court documents for review. The role involves attending court sessions, maintaining records, and possibly performing bailiff duties as needed.

Candidates must have a JD, strong legal writing abilities, and the capacity to research complex issues. The position includes a one-year probation and benefits such as health coverage and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate is required.
• Legal research experience.
• Excellent writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional legal research and prepare memoranda, opinions or orders.
• Prepare briefs, memoranda, issues statements and draft opinions for a judge.
• Attend court sessions and record necessary case information; assist in jury instruction preparation.

Skills

Legal research

Writing skills

Communication

Court procedures

Transcription

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Word processing

Legal research software

Court recording equipment

Job description

Job Description - Law Clerk I (13006) (26142296)

Position Title:

The Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

An employee new to the Judicial Branch will serve a one-year probationary period. The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check. Travel may be required and working hours may include evenings & weekends.

Benefits of working for the Judicial Branch:

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly policies
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF

Job Overview:

• Law clerks serving more than two years may be moved to senior law clerk status. This is professional legal work performed for the Honorable Judge Brett Linneweber of the 13th Judicial District in Billings, Montana.
• Work involves the performance of professional legal research and other related clerical/administrative work in the preparation of memoranda, opinions, or orders for a judge concerning the cases before him/her. Work is performed under general supervision of a judge and is reviewed through conferences and written reports.
• Reviews, studies, research, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Prepares briefs, legal memoranda, statement of issues involved, draft opinions and orders including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge.
• Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
• Confers with judge concerning legal questions, legal theories, construction of documents, and preparation of orders.
• Attends court sessions to hear testimony and record necessary case information; maintains records attendant to court proceedings; assists judge in the selection and preparation of jury instructions.
• May perform courtroom duties including recording court testimony or arguments and providing bailiff services.
• May transcribe the record of court proceedings if required by the position.
• May maintain a law library collection.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference.
• Knowledge of trial court practices, rules, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles.
• Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with others.
• Ability to transcribe audio tapes, if required by the position.
• Skill in the operation of a computer with word processing and legal research software.
• Skill in the operation of electronic recording equipment to record trial court proceedings.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Legal research experience.
• Excellent writing skills.

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : Not Applicable

Salary: $31.14 - 31.14 Hourly

Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible

Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1

Employee Status

Regular

Schedule

Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

Billings Agency : Judicial Branch Union : 000 - None

Posting Date

Sep 10, 2026, 10:00:49 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Ongoing

Required Application Materials : Cover Letter, Resume, References

Contact Name : Mandi Edlin | Contact Email : [e-mail] | Contact Phone : [phone] Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.