Law Clerk For The Honorable Lisa Janzen, Fourth Judicial District

Expand your court experience or launch your legal career as a District Court Law Clerk. In this role, you will work within the Minnesota Judicial Branch at the Trial Court level, gaining valuable insight into judicial and court processes while developing a unique perspective on the administration of justice through direct exposure to the work of the court.

This position supports the chambers of the Honorable Lisa Janzen in the Fourth Judicial District (Hennepin County). Judge Janzen is assigned full time to preside over criminal cases. The assigned division or case type may change as operational needs require. This position is in-person, working with the judge at the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis.

Law Clerks work directly with a District Court Judge 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.

Candidates with an interest in criminal law are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 10/27/2026; early submission is recommended.

Examples of Duties

• Conduct legal research.
• Draft Orders, Memoranda and jury instructions.
• Perform courtroom administrative duties; including taking court minutes, making court record entries, and staffing court hearings and jury trials.
• Perform administrative duties in judge's chambers, including maintaining the judge's calendar and scheduling court hearings.

Minimum Education and Experience for Law Clerk Position

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school or JD candidate in upcoming months

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to research and analyze complex legal issues
• Strong legal writing skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• 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

Supplemental Information

• Complete and submit your online application with resume and cover letter attached by 10/27/2026 at 11:59pm.

• All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check. An employment offer may be rescinded if the background check identifies job related convictions.

• Please contact Human Resources with questions regarding this posting via email: 4th.Human.Resources@courts.state.mn.us; or phone: 612-540-6488.