DESCRIPTION:
The Minnesota Court of Appeals is hiring up to two law clerks for the 2026-27 term (through August 2027), with the possibility of extension through the 2027-28 term (through August 2028).
The Minnesota Court of Appeals reviews cases appealed from district courts and administrative agencies. Court of Appeals law clerks participate in the judicial decision-making process by providing legal research and case analysis to the judges of the Court of Appeals. Through this challenging and intellectually stimulating work, law clerks will develop their skills in legal research, reasoning, strategy, and writing; gain exposure to multiple substantive areas of law; receive valuable training and mentoring from judges; and form friendships and career-long relationships with their fellow judicial law clerks. A Court of Appeals clerkship is an opportunity to engage in public service while receiving training and experience that will distinguish law clerks from other applicants for practitioner positions throughout their career.
EXAMPLE OF JOB DUTIES :
The primary duties of a law clerk are to analyze and research cases on appeal. A law clerk's typical responsibilities include closely reviewing the record and transcripts from the district court, evaluating opposing briefs, supplementing the legal research submitted in the briefs, assisting the judge in accurately synthesizing the facts and the law through preparation of bench memoranda, assisting the judge in drafting opinions, and cite-checking opinions.
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS :
Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited law school is required to begin employment. Professional skills and academic record are both considered. Strong writing and research skills are essential. Significant legal writing experience, which may include experience on a law journal or moot court, is preferred.
SALARY: The anticipated salary for the 2026 -27 term will be at least $35.92/hour ($75,000/year) or possibly more, depending on future legislative appropriations. This position is eligible for state of MN employee benefits.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Position Logistics:
This position is classified as a Court of Appeals Law Clerk. Work will be performed at the Minnesota Judicial Center located in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.
TO APPLY: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on May 24, 2026 . Interviews will take place June 8-9, 2026, in person in the Minnesota Judicial Center.
Complete the application thoroughly, including the supplemental questions. Please note that the application itself, including responses to the supplemental questions, are submitted verbatim to the hiring judges. To be considered, you must attach a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and list of professional references to the online application. In addition, please arrange for your official transcript, with class rank, to be mailed or emailed directly to the address listed below. Letters of recommendation are highly recommended and should also be mailed or emailed to the address listed below:
Minnesota Judicial Center
Human Resources Department, Rm. 120
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
MNLawClerkRecruiting@courts.state.mn.us
Projected Start Date : This position is expected to start August 17, 2026.