Temporary Law Clerk

County-of-Burleigh; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Burleigh in North Dakota seeks a law student to assist the State's Attorney's Office with a broad range of duties, including legal research, drafting motions and orders, and trial support. Under supervision, you will prepare documents and assist in court as needed.

Applicants must be a law school student pursuing a JD, with preference for 2Ls, and be eligible for limited practice for law students. Background checks may be required.

Qualifications

• Must be a law school student working toward a JD.
• Preference given to 2Ls.
• Eligible for limited practice of law by law students.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare research memos.
• Draft motions and orders; assist in courtroom with trials.
• Assist attorneys with legal work and quasi-legal tasks.
• Communicate clearly, orally and in writing.
• Proficient with word processing; accurate typing.

Skills

Legal terminology

Clear written & verbal communication

Word processing proficiency

Typing accuracy

Education

J.D. candidate (2L preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Description

TERMS: Full-Time - Temporary / Non-Exempt / No Benefits

SALARY: $21.62 per hour, Grade 4

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 16, 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Under supervision of an Assistant State's Attorney, is responsible for a broad range of duties including conducting legal research, preparing research memos, drafting motions and orders, and assisting in the courtroom with trials.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES:

• Assist with the preparation of legal documents, pleadings, motions, briefs and orders; appear in court as required.
• Assist with legal research and criminal prosecutions including jury trials and appeals.
• Assist attorneys with legal work and anything that is quasi-legal in nature.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of appropriate legal terminology necessary.
• Thorough knowledge of purpose and content of documents required and used within the court system.
• Must be proficient with word processing software and possess excellent typing skills.
• Perform other duties as required and assigned.

A complete job description is available from the Burleigh County Human Resources Office.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The employing agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services, and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

Requirements

1. Must be a law school student from an accredited law school working toward a juris doctorate degree, preference given to 2Ls.
2. Must be eligible for practice under the rules for limited practice of law by law students.
3. Applicants will be subject to a post offer criminal background check.

THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED:

• Law school transcript
• A non-law review writing sample