Law Clerk

Job Overview

Law clerks providing legal research and memoranda for Judge Olivia Rieger in the 7th Judicial District, Glendive, MT. The position involves professional legal research, drafting briefs, and assisting in court proceedings under general supervision. Travel may be required and working hours may include evenings & weekends.

• Reviews, studies, research, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Prepares briefs, legal memoranda, statement of issues involved, draft opinions and orders with suggestions or recommendations to the judge.
• Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
• Confers with judge concerning legal questions, legal theories, construction of documents, and preparation of orders.
• Attends court sessions to hear testimony and record necessary case information; maintains records attendant to court proceedings; assists judge in selection and preparation of jury instructions.
• May perform courtroom duties including observing court and presiding over proceedings as a special master or referee under the district court judge’s supervision.
• May assist with preparation of training materials.

• Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference.
• Knowledge of trial court practices, rules, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• 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 computer, word processing and legal research software.
• Skill in the operation of electronic recording equipment to record trial court proceedings.

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting or a courtroom.

• Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds such as papers and files. Some positions may require extended sitting, standing, or computer use.

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Legal research experience.

• Work/life balance.
• Family friendly policies.
• Dedicated and caring colleagues.
• Health coverage.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities and room for professional growth.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.

Required documents:
Resume, Cover Letter, Three Professional References, Writing Sample, Unofficial Law School Transcript (if less than 3 years from obtaining a Juris Doctor degree). Submit on the State of Montana Careers website. Position open until filled.

Contact Name:
Mandi Edlin
Email: mandi.edlin
Phone:

The Montana Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The State of Montana does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.