Law Clerk (Session Only)

Senate; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday pay

Optional retirement accounts

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Senate in Saint Paul, MN seeks a Law Clerk for the 2027 legislative session. This part-time role (10 hours/week) is non-partisan and telework-eligible, with an expected start in early January 2027 and a finish by mid-May 2027.

The clerk will conduct research and draft analyses for Counsel and Analysts under SCRFA oversight. The position requires admission to at least one year of law school, knowledge of WestLaw and MS Office, and strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to work

Qualifications

• Completion of at least one year of law school with coursework on legal research and writing.
• Non-partisan background and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal and non-legal research for Counsel and Analysts in the Office of Senate Counsel, Research, and Fiscal Analysis.
• Draft memos summarizing and analyzing research results.
• Identify and summarize relevant cases.
• Identify and compare laws from other states.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Strong research and writing skills

Ability to work independently

Ability to manage multiple projects

Education

One year of law school (ABA-accredited)

Tools

WestLaw

Microsoft Office

Job description

This vacancy will fill two, part-time (10 hours/week) Law Clerk positions.

This is a non-partisan position, and the expectation is that the successful candidate will remain free from political party affiliation, bias, or designation the duration of the appointment.

Who May Apply:Open to all qualified job seekers

Salary: $29.48/hourly

Telework: This position will be eligible for some telework opportunities.

Days of Work/Hours: This position is expected to work 10 hours/week during the 2027 legislative session. This position has an anticipated start date of early-January 2027 and will last until mid-May 2027.

Reports to: Director of Senate Counsel, Research, and Fiscal Analysis (SCRFA) or designee

Closing Date: Applications will be accepted until November 19, 2026 at 4pm.

Position Purpose

A Law Clerk will conduct nonpartisan legal and non-legal research for Counsel and Analysts in the Office of Senate Counsel, Research, and Fiscal Analysis. A Law Clerk must independently conduct research and communicate the results of that research orally or in writing to the person requesting the research. A Law Clerk must maintain confidentiality regarding all work conducted for the office.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conducting legal and non-legal research on a variety of issues being considered by the legislature.
• Drafting memos summarizing and analyzing research results.
• Identifying and summarizing relevant cases.
• Identifying and comparing laws from other states.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of at least one year of law school at an ABA-accredited institution, including coursework on legal research and writing.

• A non-partisan background.
• Knowledge of WestLaw and Microsoft Office programs.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to quickly learn new subject areas.
• Demonstrable interest in the legislative process, public policy, or public sector work.

Why work for the Minnesota Senate?

• Holiday pay
• Optional retirement accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Minnesota Senate provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to any characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Minnesota Senate is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful workplace for our employees.