Career Law Clerk

Job Duties

The United States District Court for the District of Minnesota invites applications for the position of Career Law Clerk to United States District Judge Nancy E. Brasel. The nature of a career law clerk includes working closely with the judge on a daily basis. The ideal candidate must be willing and able to physically report to chambers most days, but a partially remote/hybrid work schedule is negotiable.

Law Clerks are an integral part of chambers: They consult with the judge on civil and criminal matters pending before the Court; research legal issues; draft legal memoranda, opinions, and orders; prepare pre-hearing bench memoranda; and assist in preparation for hearings and trials.

The primary responsibilities of the position include 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. Candidates must have excellent legal writing skills on fast-paced timelines. Additional duties include interacting with chambers staff, court personnel, litigants, and the public, and providing trusted legal support to the judge. A 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 top 10% 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 or similar experience; 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

• Prior federal clerkship.

• Experience in a comparable position emphasizing legal writing and analysis.

• Superior research and writing skills.

• Prior work experience in a legal or non-legal setting.

• Possess a demonstrated commitment to public service or public interest law.

• Proficiency in computer-assisted legal research and Microsoft Office products, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote.

• Strong analytical ability.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.

• A track record that demonstrates outstanding organizational skills.

• Good communication skills and attention to detail.

• A strong work ethic.

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

1

Public Transportation Accessible

No

Veterans Encouraged to Apply

Yes

Physical Required

No

Drug Test Required

No

Compensation

$

Postal Code

55415

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

2026-11

Job Benefits

• Vacation/annual leave (13-26 days increasing with years of service) and sick leave (13 days per year).

• Paid parental leave (12 weeks) for the birth or adoption of a child after one year of employment.

• 12 paid federal holidays.

• Extensive health, life, dental, and vision plans.

• A defined benefit pension plan (for career law clerks).

• Traditional (pre-tax) and Roth (after-tax) retirement savings and investment plans through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401K style plan with employer matching contributions (for career law clerks).

• Pre-tax transportation, medical, and childcare reimbursement accounts.

• Transit Subsidy Program.

• The U.S. District Court is a qualifying employer for possible Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

• No cost on-site fitness center.