Law Clerk - Summer 2026 - Fall 2026

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 49,000 - 73,000; Part time

Job summary

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office offers paid summer and academic year law clerk programs providing hands-on, challenging work for students.

Law clerks may research, write, work with prosecutors, attend meetings, and appear in court as Certified Law Student Practitioners, with assignments across nine divisions. Hybrid on-site/remote duties apply; summer hours vary by academic term.

Qualifications

• One of the following: Current enrollment in an accredited law school.
• A graduate of an accredited law school.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.
• Conduct legal research and prepare written assignments.
• Participate in court hearings as a Certified Law Student Practitioner, under supervision.
• Attend comprehensive trainings, coordinated by the Law Clerk Program.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Courtroom observation

Public sector interest

Education

Current enrollment in law school

Graduate of law school

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Job description

Law Clerk - Summer 2026 - Fall 2026

Salary

$23.31 - $34.97 Hourly

Job Type

Limited Duration: Irregular Schedule (non-benefit)

Job Number

26CAO360TF051

Closing Date

Continuous

Description

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is one of the Upper Midwest's premier public law firms, with the largest civil and criminal practice in Minnesota.

Our attorneys come from a variety of backgrounds and bring diverse experiences to the office. Each year, we offer paid summer and academic year law clerk programs that offer hands-on, challenging work experience to students from local and national law schools.

In addition to research and legal writing, clerks may have the opportunity to work closely with prosecutors on specific cases, attend meetings, complete research and writing assignments and appear in court as Certified Law Student Practitioners. Law clerks will be assigned to one of our nine divisions. Learn more at Divisions | Hennepin County

Pay starts at $24.35/hour

The Hennepin County Attorney's accepts applications for the Law Clerk positions on an ongoing basis for placements throughout the summer and academic year. Although applications are welcome at any time, most hiring follows the standard law school recruiting cycle (including OCI and related timelines). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and invitations to interview will be based on program interest and division needs. For current recruiting needs visit Law Clerk Program | Hennepin County

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program.

Location and hours:

These positions are hybrid and will be performed both on-site at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis MN 55487 and/or the Health Services Building, 525 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415 and remote as job duties require. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

Law Clerks are encouraged to work in-person as much as possible during the summer law clerk program. A hybrid schedule is more practical during the academic year. Note: Dates are approximate.

• Academic Year - Fall Semester (August - December); 15-19 hours per week
• Academic Year - Spring Semester (January - April); 15-19 hours per week
• Summer (May - August); 32-40 hours per week

About these position types:

These are part-time, non-benefit earning, limited duration (temporary) positions.

These positions are internally classified as Law Clerk.

Click here to view the job classification specification.

Externship opportunities may be available for law clerks enrolled in an externship course through their law school. Students should inquire with their school about any relevant policies and requirements for externship placements.

Note: You must attach a cover letter, resume, writing sample, Law School Transcript (unofficial) and list three references with your application materials to be considered for this position.

In these positions, you will:

• Represent the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.
• Conduct legal research and prepare written assignments.
• Participate in court hearings as a Certified Law Student Practitioner, under the supervision of a licensed Attorney.
• Attend comprehensive trainings, coordinated by the Law Clerk Program.

Need to have:

One of the following:

• Current enrollment in an accredited law school.
• A graduate of an accredited law school.

Nice to have:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in a J.D. program and have completed at least two full-time equivalent semesters by the program start date.
• Familiarity with the Hennepin County Attorney's Office vision, mission and strategic goals (a full copy of our strategic framework can be found on our website).
• Familiarity with Hennepin County Attorney's Office divisions and work.
• A genuine interest in a public sector law career.
• Dedication to serving the diverse communities of Hennepin County.
• Knowledge of legal research and writing principles, methods and practices, including sources of legal information, court procedures, and laws regulating local government agencies.

If you have questions, please contact:

Hennepin County Attorney's Office Law Clerk Program

[e-mail]