Law Clerk for the Honorable Judge Nelson Peralta, Hennepin County, Civil Division
Quick overview
Job description
JOB DESCRIPTION:
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 Judge Nelson Peralta in the Fourth Judicial District (Hennepin County). He is assigned full time to preside over civil cases. From time to time, the assigned division or case type may change as operational needs require. Candidates with an interest in civil law are encouraged to apply. This position is available for immediate hire. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through 11/6/2026; early submission is recommended.
Law Clerks work directly with a Judicial Officer performing professional legal research, preparation of memoranda, opinions, and orders and related clerical/administrative work.
This position supports the functions of a Judicial Officer 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.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.
Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities
Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, and jury instructions, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the Judge
Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations
Confer with Judge, Referee, or court official concerning legal questions, construction of documents and granting of orders
Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments and record necessary case information; maintain records attendant to court proceedings
Perform courtroom duties, including taking court minutes; calling the calendar; swearing in jury panels and witness; and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences, and trials
Collaborate with Judicial Clerk or co-Law Clerk on administrative duties and perform certain administrative duties as assigned
Draft orders in a wide variety of civil cases, including orders on motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment and other standard civil motions
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Education and Experience:
Law Clerk
Must have graduated from an accredited law school and received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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, both verbally and in writing
Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles
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, cover letter, and references attached by 11/6/2026
The anticipated start date will be in either November 2026 or early December 2026
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