Law Clerk, Honorable Judge Beckman - Meeker County
Minnesota Judicial Branch
Litchfield, MN
Judge Stephanie L. Beckman, chambered at the Meeker County Courthouse in Litchfield, Minnesota, is seeking qualified candidates for a Judicial Law Clerk position with both in-person and remote work options.
Judge Beckman seeks a motivated, professional individual to become a part of her judicial team in Meeker County, Minnesota. The successful applicant will have a good academic record, excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to work both individually and as part of a highly energetic, dedicated, and positive team.
Judicial clerkships offer insights into the judicial decision-making process and practical litigation experience. One of the benefits of a greater Minnesota judicial clerkship is the exposure to a multi-faceted caseload, as opposed to working in a single area of the law. The judicial clerk is exposed to a wide range of case types, legal styles, and abilities. In this position, the law clerk will observe hearings and trials and assist the judge in managing court cases in all arenas: criminal, civil, family, probate, and guardianship. Some matters will be easily addressed, while others complex and challenging.
This position will:
- Work both in person and remote with the schedule to be determined by the judge and the law clerk.
- The position will initially start predominantly in person for training purposes.
- The law clerk will be in person, in the courtroom with the judge, court staff, judicial team, attorneys, and litigants for specific hearings and trials identified by the judge;
- Provide an opportunity to work closely and develop relationships with other law clerks, judges, court staff, litigants, justice partners, and attorneys;
- Provide an opportunity to expand and enhance research and writing skills; and
- Provide reasonable work hours/work-life balance; and
- Provide a foundation in legal skills and knowledge of the court system, judicial decision making, and ability to work on all case types.
Prior to assuming the bench, Judge Beckman was the Meeker County Attorney for 7 years and was an assistant county attorney prior that role. She enjoys working with her law clerks on a daily basis and emphasizes a collaborative approach with her judicial team to ensure every individual has an active and vital role. Judge Beckman is the current Chief Judge of the District and must meet requirements for that role as well.
Litchfield is located just west of the metro area with the courthouse located downtown. We encourage you to explore all that our amazing city and the surrounding area has to offer:
Litchfield, MN - Official Website | Official Website
Litchfield MN Visitors Bureau – Small Town, Big Community
Litchfield, MN Map & Directions - MapQuest
Litchfield Public Schools
Litchfield Area Chamber of Commerce -
Example of Duties:
The caseload involves all case types and issues, including criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile, housing court, and guardianships. The law clerk will work in each of these areas on a regular basis. Anyone with an interest in working in or around the courtroom will enjoy this opportunity.
Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, and statement of issues involved, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge.
Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations and confers with judge or court staff concerning legal questions and orders.
In addition to traditional duties of research and writing, you will be expected to interact with a variety of justice partners and participants, manage the judge’s case load and attend court sessions to hear oral arguments, and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully be a part of a court proceeding. The judicial team in Meeker County is positive, professional, and looking forward to an individual who will make a great addition to our work environment.
Judge Beckman is expecting initially a predominantly in personin person law clerk to work with her in the in the courtroom and office but, the position will move to remote work once the law clerk is trained and feels comfortable in the position. The judge and the law clerk will discuss an appropriate schedule.
Typical Qualifications:
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
An attorney who has taken and passed the Minnesota Bar Exam is preferred or is in the process to taking the Minnesota Bar Exam.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Ability Requirements:
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 and professionally, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people.
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 personal computer with work processing and legal research software.
Law Clerks are at-will employees, and the work is performed under the supervision of a District Court Judge. Work is performed primarily in an office setting or a courtroom.
Supplemental Information:
Judge Beckman is looking for a person who has both the ability and interest to serve as a successful judicial clerk. This position will remain opened until filled.
Current judicial branch employees must have satisfactory performance in all competencies in their most recent performance evaluation and no discipline above an oral reprimand in the proceeding 6 months.
Full State of Minnesota Package benefits.
District court law clerks will be placed within the pay range based upon post law school graduation legal work experience.
In addition to completing the online application, please upload and attach your cover letter, resume, transcripts, and a writing sample (no more than 10 pages)
It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting HR, 7th8th.HumanResources@courts.state.mn.us
If you have questions about this position, please contact us at:7th8th.HumanResources@courts.state.mn.us