Position Overview
The Seventh Judicial District Court is seeking a qualified and highly motivated Law Clerk to provide comprehensive legal research and analytical support to a District Court Judge. The Law Clerk assists the Judges in the timely and effective resolution of civil and criminal matters by conducting substantive legal research, preparing written memoranda, drafting proposed orders and opinions, and assisting in the day-to-day operation of the court.
This position requires strong legal research and writing skills, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality. The Law Clerk works under the general supervision of an assigned District Court Judge and performs work of a highly responsible and professional nature.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Identifies, researches and analyzes legal issues and conflicting legal opinions as assigned by a Judge; researches and analyzes citations submitted by attorneys; conducts self-directed independent research as may be needed to further clarify issues and reach sound judicial decisions.
- Assists a Judge in preparing for court appearances; performs legal research, analysis and writing; examines briefs, case records and legal authorities; writes and or drafts written opinions and memoranda.
- Prepares memoranda detailing relevant legal issues, addressing argument strengths/weaknesses and recommending judicial action; prepares ad hoc reports court decisions, administrative action, state statutes, county ordinances, and other matters not directly related to caseload.
- Research, studies, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities to process suits, trials, hearings, appeals, and other litigated matters. Recommends disposition of cases, and under guidance of a judge, drafts decisions, orders, findings of fact, conclusions of law, judgments and other legal documents for judge's review and approval; synthesizes information from court files and identifies issues facing the Court and communicates those issues to the Judge, clearly analyzing all of the appropriate law, and recommending and substantiating informed decisions.
- Reads and digests opinions, briefs, and motions and extracts excerpts pertinent to points of law and fact. Tracks the progress of, and effectively manages, assigned cases; advises the Judge on the relative status and priority needs of assigned cases; drafts orders as requested.
- Assists the Court with jury trials. Acts as liaison between the jurors and the Court. Provides support to the Court, judicial assistant and judicial staff during jury trials.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.
Education
Minimum Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school; OR
- Current enrollment in an accredited law school with completion of at least two years of study.
Experience
- Demonstrated experience in legal research and writing required.
- Prior judicial internship, externship, or clerkship experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Knowledge of
- Nevada court procedures, legal terminology, and court operations.
- Principles of legal research, including the use of statutes, case law, and secondary legal sources.
- Case file management and court case processing procedures (preferred).
- Legal writing standards and formats for memoranda, orders, and judicial recommendations.
- Business English usage, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Basic mathematical principles, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratios, and percentages.
- Modern office practices, procedures, and standard office equipment.
- Computer applications used for legal research, document preparation, email communication, and case management.
- Corel WordPerfect and Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Outlook.
Skills in
- Identifying and analyzing legal issues presented in pleadings, motions, and evidentiary materials.
- Conducting independent legal research using statutes, case law, and electronic legal research tools.
- Applying legal principles to case facts and formulating well-reasoned legal conclusions.
- Preparing clear, concise, and well-organized legal memoranda, recommendations, and written reports.
- Presenting legal analyses and recommendations verbally and in writing.
- Listening carefully to oral arguments and discussions to identify underlying legal issues.
- Utilizing legal research software, word processing programs, and email systems efficiently.
- Operating standard office equipment, including telephones, calculators, copiers, fax machines, and scanners.
- Reading and interpreting safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance procedures, and policy manuals.
Ability to
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including speaking before groups of County employees or members of the public.
- Apply logical reasoning and sound judgment in evaluating legal issues and procedural matters.
- Confer with and advise judicial officers, attorneys, court staff, and the public regarding procedural and substantive legal issues.
- Handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
- Coordinate work effectively with others while maintaining independent responsibility for assigned tasks.
- Recognize and respect the limits of authority and responsibility within the judicial structure.
- Work effectively in an environment with competing priorities and strict deadlines.
- Carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Maintain composure and professionalism in potentially complex or high-pressure situations.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk. The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office/courtroom environment where the physical demands require sitting for extended periods of time; frequent use of computers and standard office equipment; will work under high stress of deadlines; regular interaction with members of the public experiencing a wide range of emotional states; and exposure to emotionally sensitive, stressful, or mentally challenging situations and documentation..
Position Hours
Full-time 40 hours per week
Pay Rate
Salary Range $80,000 - $90,000
FLSA Status
Exempt
Closing Date
Open until filled
Applications
Employment applications are available from the District Court Office located at 1786 Great Basin Blvd., Suite 2. Applications can be requested through email by contacting Courtney Thornal at cthornal@whitepinecountynv.gov or by calling (775)-293-6904.
Applications should include (1) resume; (2) transcript of law school grades; (3) writing sample; and (4) letters of recommendations (optional). The Court may request a virtual interview.
