District Court Law Clerk to Honorable Melissa J. Houghtaling

A District Court Law Clerk has the opportunity to work within the Minnesota Judicial Branch at the Trial Court level, and gain insight into judicial and court processes, with a court perspective on the administration of justice.

The law clerk will work directly with Judge Melissa J. Houghtaling performing professional legal research, preparation of memoranda, opinions, and orders and related clerical/administrative work. This position supports the functions of a District Court Judge to uphold the court’s mission of providing justice through a system that assures equal access for the fair and timely resolution of cases and controversies.

• Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.
• Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities
• Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, and jury instructions, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the Judge
• Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations
• Confer with Judge or court official concerning legal questions, construction of documents and granting of orders
• Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments and record necessary case information; maintain records attendant to court proceedings
• Courtroom duties, including taking court minutes; calling the calendar; swearing in jury panels and witness; and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences, and trials
• Administrative duties as assigned

Juris Doctor (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 verbally and in writing
• Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles
• Ability to work in an inclusive, multicultural environment that values diversity and relationships
• Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding in the course of work duties
• Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer with word processing and legal research software