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Posted July 24, 2026

Law Clerk, Honorable Jacob C. Allen, Olmsted County

Minnesota Judicial Branch
Rochester, MN Full Time
Compensation: $39 Annually
Reference: MinnesotaJudicialBranch1795

JOB DESCRIPTION

Law school teaches you the law. Starting off your legal career as a district court law clerk will help teach you how to be a lawyer. District court law clerks obtain an invaluable, behind-the-bench courtroom perspective on how judges, parties, justice partners, and individuals work towards the administration of justice in Minnesota.

The Honorable Jacob C. Allen is seeking applications for a district court law clerk position as part of his chambers at the Olmsted County Government Center, located at 151 4th Street SE in Rochester, Minnesota. Judge Allen’s regular docket is specialized one: qualified applicants should exhibit an interest and passion in the areas of juvenile delinquency and child protection, mental and chemical health as they affect individuals in both civil and criminal case types, in addition to probate and trust cases.

As Judge Allen’s law clerk, you will work directly with the Judge as part of a dedicated judicial team, gaining meaningful, hands-on experience in the Minnesota Judicial Branch. This position offers a unique opportunity to observe courtroom proceedings, contribute to judicial decision-making, and collaborate with judges and fellow law clerks across Olmsted County.

What You Will Do

The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position:

  • Observe a wide variety of legal proceedings through daily in-person and remote hearings across multiple case types.
  • Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, opinions, and orders, while preparing case summaries and assisting with other court-related work.
  • Collaborate with a team of Olmsted County judicial law clerks to review family law stipulations and small claims matters through an established clerk rotation.
  • Provide support to other Olmsted County judges as needed and as workload permits.
  • Help advance the Minnesota Judicial Branch's mission by supporting the fair, timely, and impartial resolution of cases while ensuring equal access to justice.

  • Other duties as assigned

What You Must Have

  • To be considered for employment as a Law Clerk, you must meet the following qualification(s): Graduation from an accredited law school at time of employment.

What You Will Bring

  • Knowledge of laws, court rules, and sources of legal reference

  • Knowledge of court practices and procedures

  • Knowledge of legal terminology and concepts

  • Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and with an attention to detail, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people including attorneys and pro se parties

  • Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles

  • Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner

  • Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding in the course of work duties

  • Skill in the operation of a personal computer with work processing and legal research software

  • An interest and passion in the areas of juvenile delinquency and child protection, mental and chemical health as they affect individuals in both civil and criminal case types, in addition to probate and trust cases.

Supplemental Information:

Instructions for Applying

Please submit your online application with resume, cover letter, writing sample, and references.

ABOUT US

Why Work for Us?
Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB.​ We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another’s growth. ​

Employee Benefits
The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family’s wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.

Equal Employment Opportunity
​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 Human Resources at [email protected]. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the​ policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding​ recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of​ employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color,​ creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard​ to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights​ commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage​ applicants from diverse backgrounds.​

Internal Applicants
If you are a current employee of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, please apply to open positions conveniently through your Oracle account by visiting Opportunity Marketplace - Browse Opportunities.

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