Law Clerk

The League of Minnesota Cities is hiring for multiple Law Clerks within various divisions. This is a unique part-time (paid) work experience for law students who want to do substantive work while enrolled in law school on legal and policy matters involving Minnesota local governments and their communities. If you are a law student who is interested in government and public service work but not necessarily wedded to the idea of working for a state or federal agency, or legal services or non-profits, consider the role of a municipal lawyer. 

Candidates could be selected for either a clerkship, housed in the General Counsel and Research Offices or Litigation Office of the League of Minnesota Cities, providing students with hands-on experiences and shadowing opportunities in various aspects of municipal law and practice areas including research, amicus program, and corporate work. Applicants must be willing to work 20 hours per week during the school year in order to be eligible for benefits.

*Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample (not longer than 10 pages)* and complete an online application by midnight on September 27, 2026. Additional applications submitted after this date may be reviewed for consideration, but there is no guarantee.

This opportunity is being cross-posted. Applicants will be considered for both opportunities through one application.As a Litigation Law Clerk, your work will generally focus on the following:

• Researching and preparing memoranda relating to particular claims against LMCIT.
• Researching and preparing educational memoranda relating to common types of municipal liability claims.
• Assisting defense counsel in trial and trial preparation.
• Researching topical legal issues for other internal departments (especially for LMCIT Administration and Underwriting)
• Entering, keeping current and maintaining LMCIT research files.

As a General Counsel/Research Law Clerk, your work will generally focus on the following:

• Providing a variety of legal research projects while learning the fundamental mission, structure and operations of the League of Minnesota Cities and its related entities.
• Conducting research to formulate responses at a level of complexity and efficiency reflecting some knowledge of local government and government resources such as: 
  • finding applicable statute, case law and internal materials;
  • using computer databases to locate and retrieve internal file materials such as articles, attorney general opinions or memoranda and records of previous staff research;
  • using Internet or other on-line resources;
  • contacting state and federal agencies, professional associations and others for information, interpretation of rules or other assistance;
  • integrating findings in a comprehensive response.
• Writing detailed responses to member inquiries as needed.
• Documenting responses according to department guidelines.

Litigation Law Clerk Core Qualifications

• Completion of at least one year of law school and/or current enrollment in law school.
• Coursework in legal research.
• Work or volunteer experience with government at various levels, particularly municipal government. (Coursework in state and local government law may be substituted.)
• Work or school experience conducting computerized legal research.

General Counsel/Research Law Clerk Core Qualifications

• Enrolled in law school
• Some knowledge of the organization and operation of local government.
• Ability to generate computer-supported work products including, but not limited to: navigating computer databases and on-line services, entering and organizing information in electronic formats such as databases and spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Work or school experience conducting computerized legal research.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Basic methods and techniques of research and management analysis.

Desirables Qualifications

• Course work in general municipal or government tort law, employment law, land use and civil rights (Section 1983 litigation) desired.
• Experience conducting in-depth research using various resources and methods.
• Academic standing in top 1/3 of class and/or member of law review or legal journal.
• Become certified as a Student Attorney by the Minnesota Supreme Court to allow for participation in Litigation process.
• Experience working in an office setting.

• Shows initiative with the ability to work with independence and creativity.  
• Demonstrates attention to detail and organization and time management skills.
• Finds relevant case law in a timely manner.
• Thoroughly and effectively applies relevant facts to law (legal analysis).
• Meets deadlines in light of competing priorities.
• Demonstrates ability to prepare clear and concise reports and legal memoranda. Work product requires minimal revisions.
• Writes concise, organized responses including draft legal opinions, contracts and other formal agreements.
• Meets or exceeds results/timelines and other department performance measures.
• Promotes diversity and inclusion objectives, including race equity objectives, defined by the League and continually examines own performance to eliminate implicit bias in carrying out duties and interacting with the public, coworkers, and members.