Law Clerk, Ramsey County, Judge Gilligan

The Second Judicial District is accepting applications for a Judicial Law Clerk for Judge Thomas Gilligan. This position supports Judge Gilligan and promotes the court’s mission of providing justice through a system that assures equal access for the fair and timely resolution of cases and controversies.

A District Court Law Clerk will gain insight into judicial and court processes within the Minnesota Judicial Branch and the Second Judicial District, with a focus on the administration of justice. Judge Gilligan is currently chambered at the out of the Ramsey County Courthouse at 15 W Kellogg, St Paul, MN 55102.

This position will require mostly in-person work, but may also include occasional flexibility to work remotely. A reliable internet connection will be required when working remotely.

Regular hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position will require the ability to work full time during these hours.

Responsibilities

The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position.

• Review, study, and research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Prepare proposed orders and legal memoranda including appropriate suggestions or recommendations.
• Compile information necessary for legal determinations.
• Confer with the Judge on legal questions, construction of documents, and granting of orders.
• Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments and record necessary case information; maintain records related to court proceedings.
• Courtroom duties including taking court minutes, calling the calendar, swearing in witnesses, and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences, and trials.
• Administrative duties as assigned, including maintaining chambers operations, corresponding with attorneys, and filing on behalf of the court.

Minimum Qualifications

The Minnesota Judicial Branch recognizes the diverse set of skills, strengths, and attributes that an individual may bring into a role. If you have any combination of the experience, training, and education required for this position, please consider applying.

• Law Clerk - Graduation from an accredited law school at time of employment.
• Law Clerk I – Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and current enrollment in third year of law school with an expected graduation date of Spring 2026.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work a full-time schedule during regular business hours.
• 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, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people including attorneys and self-represented parties.
• Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles.
• Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner.
• Proficient computer skills, including experience using Westlaw, Zoom, and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, professionalism, and empathy in the course of work duties.

All applicants must also upload and attach a cover letter, resume, law school transcripts, and brief writing sample (no more than 10 pages in length).

All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of our background check processes.

Successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal background check.  

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office setting, courtroom or at a public counter. Work involves contact with persons who may be angry, abusive, or threatening.

Physical Demands

Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending and carrying items up to 25 pounds. Some assignments may require periods of extended sitting, standing or computer use.

Salary

The anticipated starting salary for a law school student (Law Clerk I) is $25.27-$27.91/hour based on qualifications and experience.

The anticipated starting salary for a law school graduate (Judicial Law Clerk) is $31.55-$39.00/hour based on qualifications and experience.

This position is not eligible for overtime compensation and is eligible for State of Minnesota employee benefits. 

ABOUT 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 - Career Opportunities - State Court Administrator's Office. 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 2ndHR@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.

Questions:

Please contact Human Resources at 2nddistrictHR@courts.state.mn.us with questions regarding this position.