Administration - Law Clerk

Overview

FLSA:
Exempt.

This specialized position assists the Courts in legal research and mediating small claims settlement. Employees in this class require specialized legal training to perform the required research. Reports to Judges for assignments and direction, and is supervised and evaluated by Clerk of Courts. The role comprises 60% traditional law clerk duties, 30% mediation related tasks, and 10% special project work.

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints
• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives

• Review motions and briefs submitted by parties, offering legal opinions as requested.
• Conduct independent legal research and provide advisory opinions for judges and court staff; prepare memoranda, decisions, and orders.
• Advise judges on novel and unusual legal issues as they arise.
• Stay current on statutes and precedential case law, advising judges and staff of critical developments.
• Respond to letters from attorneys and pro se litigants on behalf of judges.
• Maintain a record of assignments, balancing workloads from multiple judges to meet due dates and requirements.
• Assist judges and Clerk of Courts with other projects as required.
• Mediates all small claims cases in La Crosse County before trial, including landlord/tenant disputes and eviction cases.
• Report to work when scheduled, with minimum use of sick leave; occasional in-state travel may be required.
• Maintain courteous, cooperative and respectful conduct with the public and clients; establish and maintain respectful relationships with employees, supervisors and public officials.
• Physical demands: sits at desk, reading, writing, talking, hearing, judgment and near vision; sits, stands and bends intermittently; minimal time moving about the County Courthouse.

• Assist judges in developing new programs to improve administration of justice.
• Review court procedure and recommend changes.
• Assist sitting judges from other jurisdictions as requested.
• Schedule and coordinate small claims mediation.
• Explain small claims procedure to the public.
• Perform mediation for civil cases at the request of judges or parties.
• Maintain the law library, advising judges and Clerk of Courts of revisions or additions to subscriptions.
• Manage the law clerk file share.
• Perform additional tasks as required or directed by judges or Clerk of Courts.
• This job description is illustrative and may be supplemented by other duties to be assigned.

• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to perform highly technical legal research.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understand complex legal arguments, motions, briefs, decisions, and directions.
• Explain legal principles to laypeople.
• Mediate disputes fairly and impartially.
• Manage difficult litigants in Small Claims Court.
• Work effectively with the general public, County officials, employees, especially in legal profession.

• Juris Doctorate or an LL.M. from an accredited law school, or a foreign equivalent.
• Legal research experience and practical experience drafting legal memoranda preferred.
• Arbitration and/or mediation experience preferred.
• Knowledge of landlord/tenant law is a plus.
• Familiarity with Wisconsin law is a plus but not required.