Temporary Law Clerk

Burleigh County; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Burleigh County in North Dakota seeks a law student (JD candidate) to support the office of an Assistant State's Attorney. You will conduct legal research, draft motions and orders, prepare memos, and assist in court with trials. A background in criminal law and strong writing skills are essential.

The role is full-time, temporary, non-exempt, with no benefits. A background check is required after a job offer, with transcripts and writing sample requested as part of the application.

Qualifications

• Law student at an accredited law school pursuing a JD (preferred 2Ls).
• Eligible for limited practice of law under ND rules for law students.
• Post-offer criminal background check required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with 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 quasi-legal tasks as assigned.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Proficiency with word processing and typing required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting motions

Legal writing

Courtroom support

Communication

Education

Law student (J.D. candidate)

Tools

Word processing

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