Law Clerk/Staff Attorney - Gillette

Wyoming Judicial Branch; Gillette (WY); On-site; USD 77,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State retirement pension

457 Deferred Comp plan

Health insurance

Paid annual, sick, and holiday leave

Job summary

The Sixth Judicial District Court in Gillette, WY is hiring a Law Clerk/Staff Attorney to support Judge Michael McGrady. The role involves hearing attendance, legal research, and drafting memoranda, opinions, and orders.

It serves Campbell, Crook, and Weston counties, with responsibilities spanning a broad range of civil and criminal matters. Salary is based on experience with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement and health coverage.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• Be admitted to practice law in Wyoming within one year of appointment.
• Preference may be given to applicants with work experience as a law clerk or practicing attorney.

Responsibilities

• Review, search, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Extensive legal research of the law into issues arising during hearings and trials.
• Research and construct legal memoranda, statement of issues involved, opinions, and judgments for review by the judge.
• Observe judicial proceedings; attend court sessions to hear oral arguments, record necessary case information, and maintain notes attendant to court proceedings.
• Prepare jury instructions and verdict forms, assist with trial questions from counsel, ensure the courtroom is ready for trial, and ensure computer equipment is functioning properly.
• Track the docket including new and pending cases and appeals.
• Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
• Confer with the judge concerning legal questions, construction of documents, factual issues, and orders.
• Attend conferences with litigants, attorneys, and the judge; may conduct scheduling conferences for civil matters.
• Act as a liaison between the District Court and attorneys, the public, the clerk’s office, the University of Wyoming Law School, and other stakeholders.
• Expected to perform such other duties as may be necessary, assigned, and/or directed.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral communication

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Time management

Travel

Education

Juris Doctor Degree

Tools

Westlaw

Court case management systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position: Law Clerk/Staff Attorney - Gillette ID: 14640

The Sixth Judicial District Court, serving Campbell, Crook, and Weston counties, Wyoming, seeks to hire a Law Clerk/Staff Attorney to support the work of Judge Michael McGrady. This position will attend hearings and jury trials, conduct professional legal research, and provide critical support to Judge McGrady. In addition, this position will work with Judge McGrady to draft memoranda, opinions, jury instructions, and orders. The Law Clerk/Staff Attorney is a critical contributor to the efficient, proper, and professional functioning of the court.

Information about the Court and Community
The District Court presides over a variety of cases, ranging from felony criminal matters to large civil cases, domestic relations, mental health, juvenile, and probate issues. The Court also hears appeals from lower court and administrative decisions, making a meaningful impact on the community. Our home includes the communities within Campbell, Crook, and Weston counties in northeast Wyoming. Our home base is in Gillette, Wyoming, the Energy Capitol of the nation. Located near some of our most famous monuments, Gillette offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Information about the Benefits Package
In addition to an annual salary, employees of the Wyoming Judicial Branch receive a generous benefits package to include the State of Wyoming retirement pension plan and 457 Deferred Comp plan; affordable health insurance package including health, dental, life, vision, disability insurance, ambulance coverage, and Employee Assistance Program; paid annual, sick, and holiday leave, and much more.

For general Judicial Branch employment questions, contact Human Resources: April Klahn, [e-mail] , 307-777-8648

For position specific questions, contact Judge McGrady’s Judicial Assistant: Courtney Leair, [e-mail] , 307-687-6428.

Information about Compensation
Your salary will be determined based on your valuable work experience as an attorney, recognizing your expertise and contributions to the legal field. The hiring range is $76,636 - 98,300 annually for attorneys with less than 5 years of experience. For attorneys with 5-9 years of experience, the range is $98,300 - $106,800, and 10 or more years of experience the range is $106,800 - $116,000 annually.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Job duties include the following:

• Review, search, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Extensive legal research of the law into issues arising during hearings and trials.
• Research and construct legal memoranda, statement of issues involved, opinions, and judgments for review by the judge.
• Observe judicial proceedings; attend court sessions to hear oral arguments, record necessary case information, and maintain notes attendant to court proceedings.
• Prepare jury instructions and verdict forms, assist with trial questions from counsel, ensure the courtroom is ready for trial, and ensure computer equipment is functioning properly.
• Track the docket including new and pending cases and appeals.
• Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
• Confer with the judge concerning legal questions, construction of documents, factual issues, and orders.
• Attend conferences with litigants, attorneys, and the judge; may conduct scheduling conferences for civil matters.
• Act as a liaison between the District Court and attorneys, the public, the clerk’s office, the University of Wyoming Law School, and other stakeholders.
• Expected to perform such other duties as may be necessary, assigned, and/or directed.

Physical Demands:This position requires mobility to work in a typical office setting. The applicant must have the ability to:

• Use standard office equipment.
• Sit at a desk or stand for prolonged periods and work on a computer.
• Stand and/or walk occasionally to frequently.
• Read printed materials and computer screens.
• Communicate in person, by e-mail, video, or over the phone.
• Travel.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• Be admitted to practice law in Wyoming within one year of appointment.

Preference may be given to applicants with work experience as a law clerk or practicing attorney.

This position requires an ability to:

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people at all knowledge levels.
• Research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles.
• Be highly self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
• Provide analytical assessments and use effective problem-solving techniques.
• Provide objective guidance based on case law and statutory analysis and construction.
• Present research and articulate legal conclusions.
• Represent the court in a respectful manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Travel, including overnight stays.

This position requires skills in:

• Organization and attention to detail.
• Time management with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Legal research and writing.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
• Assessing, evaluating, prioritizing, and handling multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
• Listening and being open to different ideas and opinions.
• Establishing and maintaining effective work relations with peers and others having any interactions with the Court.
• Microsoft Office Suite.

This position involves knowledge of:

• Wyoming statutes, court rules, policies, and procedures.
• General law, state law, established precedents, and sources of legal reference.
• Application of legal principles and legal analysis.
• Legal terminology and concepts.
• Principles and protocols for managing official documents and records.
• Westlaw and court case management systems.

Terms:

• Employment is "at will"
• FLSA: Exempt
• The Sixth Judicial District Court is an independent State Agency under the Wyoming Judicial Branch and a State of Wyoming employer.