Staff Attorney-District Court-Valley

We understand that compensation isn’t a one-time discussion. Please see Compensation for more details on our compensation strategy.

This position is largely in-house with the possibility of remote work after training is completed and as approved by the supervising judge.

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and copy of law school transcript.

The North Dakota Court System offers employment opportunities that provide a rewarding career in public service working together to deliver justice. The Court System offers an excellent benefits package including employer‑paid family health insurance premiums, retirement contributions and generous vacation and sick leave accruals.

If you are drawn to and want to play an integral role in supporting a judge or judicial referee by providing extensive legal research and analysis of legal issues and cases to make recommendations on the proposed disposition of cases, this opportunity may be right for you.

• Easily engages and communicates with others orally and in writing.
• Enjoys researching, analyzing, and writing.
• Obsesses with detail, ensuring accuracy of work.
• Deliberately and thoroughly organizes and analyzes information.
• Demonstrates an ability to provide sound judgment including the ability to think critically, identify, break down, evaluate, and write information in a concise and logical manner.
• Thrives on having a constant workload and organizing, planning, and prioritizing work priorities.
• Finds it rewarding to be highly dependable.
• Seamlessly works as part of the courtroom team in providing necessary trial preparations.

• Juris doctor degree from an accredited law school;
• 2 years of related experience conducting legal research, preparing or presenting cases in state courts. Any combination of education, training, or experience which demonstrates the ability to successfully complete the major responsibilities and essential functions may be substituted for the experience requirement;
• North Dakota law license or ability to obtain within one year of job entry; and
• Valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Title of Immediate Supervisor:
Presiding District Court Judge

FLSA Status:
Exempt

The Staff Attorney-District Court is responsible for providing extensive legal research and analysis of legal issues and cases pending before the North Dakota District Courts and making recommendations on the proposed disposition of cases. Assists judges and judicial referees by applying legal principles and research in the drafting and writing of judicial orders and provides support services on other related matters.

Makes a verbatim record of district and juvenile court proceedings using audio recording equipment, writing court logs, and noting appearances and essential events during the proceedings. Performs courtroom duties.

• Conducts in-depth legal research and analysis of legal precedents, statutes, regulations, and legislative history for all judges and judicial referees in the district. Reviews case records, including briefs and transcripts/recordings of prior hearings when necessary. Drafts findings and orders for the district court judges and judicial referees on complex cases in all areas of the law, including civil, criminal, juvenile, family law, and administrative appeals.
• Edits draft opinions prepared by other law clerk staff, judges, and judicial referees and offers changes in style or content. Reviews legal analysis and proofreads findings and orders for both style and content.
• Confers with judges and judicial referees on pending cases. Provides background research and analysis on the law and facts. Provides summary and analysis of relevant similar issues faced by other judges in the district and resolution of prior similar cases. Identifies nuances in the cases and suggests areas that will need clarification at any hearing. Suggests possible resolutions and alerts judges to any possible concerns or appealable issues surrounding proposed resolutions of issues.
• Drafts jury instructions and special verdict forms for upcoming trials. Conducts…