Please submit a resume and cover letter. Applications submitted without these materials will not be considered.

Are you looking for a rewarding summer experience? Join the State of Minnesota Board of Public Defenders!

We are proud to offer a robust Summer Law Clerk program that not only provides valuable, hands-on experience but a great starting salary of $20.00/hour, a housing stipend of $1,500 (if eligible), and up to 12-weeks of full-time employment (40-hours a week)!

Under general supervision of the Managing Attorney or Chief Public Defender, Summer Law Clerks can expect to perform an array of duties of ranging difficulty. Duties may vary based on the Judicial District.

ESTIMATED INTERVIEW TIMELINE:
APPLICATION REVIEW: DECEMBER 1ST – DECEMBER 12TH
FIRST REQUESTS FOR INTERVIEWS: WEEK OF DECEMBER 15TH
FIRST INTERVIEWS (VIRTUAL): EARLY JANUARY

• Provide direct services to clients in your district community
• Legal research
• Drafting briefs
• Interview clients
• Assist in trial preparation
• Attend and participate in court proceedings under the rules of Student Practice
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of criminal law
• Knowledge of criminal procedures
• Knowledge of legal writing
• Knowledge of the principles of legal research

Skills:

• Considerable skill in interviewing and listening
• Considerable skill in written and oral communications
• Considerable skill in preparing and organizing materials for use by others
• Considerable skill in analysis of facts and data.

Abilities:

• Ability to use legal research tools such as statutes, digests, practice manuals and computerized legal bases
• Ability to develop written and oral reports
• Ability to complete assignments under time constraints;
• Ability to perform job duties independently, organize workflow efficiently, set priorities and meet deadlines;
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion;
• Ability to provide staff attorneys with a variety of legal processes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled and actively attending an accredited law school.
  • Students seeking certification as a Student Practitioner must have completed at least two semesters of Law School