Job Description

Full job description

Judge Michelle Dietrich, who is chambered in Lyon County, is seeking motivated, professional, and qualified candidates for a Judicial Law Clerk position. The primary work location will be the Lyon County Government Center located at 607 West Main Street, Marshall, MN.

The successful applicant will have a good academic record, excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to work both individually and as part of a team. Judge Dietrich’s judicial team is collaborative, collegial, and dedicated to offering a positive work environment along with a reasonable work/life balance.

This Greater Minnesota opportunity will provide you with exposure to a multi-faceted caseload—criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile, child protection, administrative-allowing you to learn about many areas of the law as well as the practical aspects of litigation in a number of areas. Judge Dietrich enjoys working collaboratively with her law clerk, including exchanging views and helping the law clerk understand what is happening in and out of the courtroom. Serving as a Judicial Law Clerk provides invaluable experience in understanding how the legal process works in practice as well as helping individuals explore what area of the law they may want to focus on in their career.

Applications will be accepted from November 12 – December 20, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a regular basis with interviews scheduled throughout the duration of this posting.



Example of Duties

(Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.) The following are examples of major job duties expected for this position to perform.

• Reviews, studies, researches, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Prepares briefs, legal memoranda, and statement of issues involved, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the justice or judge.
• Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
• Confers with justice, judge or court official concerning legal questions, construction of documents and granting of orders.
• Attends court sessions to hear oral arguments and records necessary case information; maintain records attendant to court proceedings.
• May perform courtroom duties including calling the calendar; swearing in jury panels and witness; taking court minutes; and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences and trials.

Typical Qualifications

Any combination of education, training, and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below will be considered. An example of an acceptable qualification is:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school.

• Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, 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.
• 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.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word/Windows operating system and legal research software

Supplemental Information

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) unrepresented position. Work will be performed at the Lyon County Government Center located at 607 West Main, Marshall, MN, 56258. All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check.



All applications MUST include a law school transcript, a brief writing sample, cover letter and resume.


Please contact Human Resources at 5thDistrictHR@courts.state.mn.us with questions regarding this position.

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 5thDistrictHR@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 .

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