Term Law Clerk

Job Duties

The United States District Court for the District of Minnesota invites applications for the position of Term Law Clerk to United States District Judge Jerry W. Blackwell. The nature of a law clerk position includes working closely with the Judge on a daily basis. This is a collaborative chambers position requiring regular in-person work in St. Paul, subject to approved scheduling arrangements. The successful candidate must be available for significant hearings, conferences, and other court proceedings and capable of meeting demanding deadlines.

The Judge places particular value on clear and disciplined writing, careful attention to detail, ownership of assignments, and the ability to distinguish core issues from peripheral disputes.

The primary duties of the position include responsibilities such as researching substantive issues of federal and state law, drafting bench memoranda, opinions, and orders, attending court conferences and proceedings, and case tracking and management under deadlines in a wide variety of civil and criminal cases. Excellent legal writing skills are required. Additional duties include interacting with chambers staff, court personnel, litigants, and the public, and providing trusted legal support to the judge. The selected candidate may perform other duties as assigned. The successful candidate must exhibit the highest standards of excellence and integrity, and display a courteous, professional, and cooperative attitude to all.

Minimum Education Required

Graduation from a law school of recognized standing, and have one or more of the following attributes:

o Standing within the upper third of the law school class from a law school on the approved list of either the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools;

o Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school;

o Graduation from such a school with an LLM degree; or

o Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies, which in the opinion of the appointing judge is the equivalent of one of the above.

Minimum Experience Required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least three years of substantial litigation or judicial clerkship experience; five or more years of relevant experience strongly preferred.

• Exceptional legal research, analytical, and writing skills.

• Significant experience with complex federal civil litigation, including MDLs, class actions, antitrust, products liability, commercial litigation, or federal appellate litigation.

• Familiarity with federal civil procedure, discovery management, and electronic litigation records.

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple substantial assignments without sacrificing accuracy.

• Demonstrated sound judgment, intellectual independence, discretion, and professional maturity.

• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with judges, chambers personnel, and court staff.

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

1

Public Transportation Accessible

Yes

Veterans Encouraged to Apply

Yes

Physical Required

No

Drug Test Required

No

Compensation

$

Postal Code

55101

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

2026-14

Job Benefits

• The opportunity to serve in a rewarding public service position.

• 12 paid holidays.

• Extensive health, dental, and vision plans.

• Pre-tax transportation reimbursement accounts.

• Transit Subsidy Program.

• On-site fitness center.

• More information about our valuable benefits found on https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits