Law Clerk, Honorable Allison Whalen, Swift County

Judge Allison Whalen is seeking a motivated, professional individual to serve as a full-time judicial law clerk. Judge Whalen is chambered in the Swift County Courthouse, Benson, Minnesota and assigned to cases in Swift, Kandiyohi, and Meeker counties in the Eighth Judicial District. 

This position includes the opportunity for a flexible work environment with the ability to work remotely. The anticipated start date is early August 2026. 

A judicial clerkship-particularly an out-state clerkship—provides the clerk a unique opportunity to develop courtroom-based knowledge, hone research and writing skills, and gain in-depth experience in a wide variety of legal issues. A judicial clerkship offers insight into the judicial decision-making process and practical litigation experience and provides an opportunity to interact with and observe a large number of practicing attorneys.

Law Clerks work directly with the District Court Judge performing legal research, drafting legal documents, jury instructions, correspondence, memoranda, draft orders, and other writings as required. The law clerk will communicate orally and in writing with attorneys, county and court personnel, and other members of the public as directed by the judge. The law clerk will assist the judge in managing cases through the court system as directed. 

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator and researcher, self-motivated, and organized. Applicants must demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills. Law Clerks are at-will employees, and the work is performed under the supervision of a District Court Judge.

Judge Whalen has a special interest in child protection and is involved in leadership and committees focused on this area of the law. Prior to her appointment, she worked in county attorney’s offices on a wide variety of criminal and civil matters. Judge Whalen also served as both an appellate and district court law clerk at the start of her legal career and intends to work closely with her law clerk to foster professional growth and development in addition to developing legal skills and knowledge.

This position will:

• Work on a schedule to be determined by the judge and the law clerk. Work may be remote or in person determined by the judge.
• The position may initially start predominantly in person for training purposes subject to the judge’s determination.
• The law clerk will be in person or present remotely, in the courtroom with the judge, court staff, judicial team, attorneys, and litigants for specific hearings and trials identified by the judge;
• Provide an opportunity to work closely and develop relationships with other law clerks, judges, court staff, litigants, justice partners, and attorneys;
• Provide an opportunity to expand and enhance research and writing skills; and
• Provide reasonable work hours/work-life balance; and
• Provide a foundation in legal skills and knowledge of the court system, judicial decision making, and ability to work on all case types. 

 

Example of Duties:

• The caseload primarily involves criminal, juvenile delinquency, and child protection matters. The caseload may, however, involve all case types from time to time. Anyone with an interest in working in or around the courtroom will enjoy this opportunity.

• Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.

• Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, and statement of issues involved, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge.

• Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations and confers with judge or court staff concerning legal questions and orders. 

• In addition to traditional duties of research and writing, you will be expected to interact with a variety of justice partners and participants, manage the judge’s case load and attend court sessions to hear oral arguments, and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully be a part of a court proceeding. The judicial team in Meeker County is positive, professional, and looking forward to an individual who will make a great addition to our work environment.

 

Minimum Education Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• An attorney who has taken and passed the Minnesota Bar Exam is preferred.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Ability Requirements:

• Knowledge of laws, court rules, and sources of legal reference.

• Knowledge of court practices and procedures.

• Knowledge of legal terminology and concepts.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely and professionally, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people. 

• Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles.

• Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

• Skill in the operation of a personal computer and Microsoft Word and legal research software.

• Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding the course of work duties

 

Supplemental Information: 

• Judge Whalen is looking for a person who has both the ability and interest to serve as a successful judicial clerk.

•  This position will remain open until it is filled. 

• Current judicial branch employees must have satisfactory performance in all competencies in their most recent performance evaluation and no discipline above an oral reprimand in the preceding 6 months.

• Candidates are required to pass a criminal background check. 

• Full State of Minnesota Package benefits.

• District court law clerks will be placed within the pay range based upon post-law school graduation legal work experience.

• In addition to completing the online application, please upload and attach your cover letter, resume, transcripts, and a writing sample (no more than 10 pages)
• It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. 
• Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting HR, 7th8th.HumanResources@courts.state.mn.us

 

 

Why Work for Us? Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB.​ We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another’s growth. ​
Employee Benefits The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family’s wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.
Equal Employment Opportunity ​It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting Human Resources at 7th8th.HumanResources@courts.state.mn.us. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the​ policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding​ recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of​ employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color,​ creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard​ to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights​ commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage​ applicants from diverse backgrounds.​
Internal Applicants If you are a current employee of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, please apply to open positions conveniently through your Oracle account by visiting Opportunity Marketplace - Browse Opportunities.