Law Clerk (Temporary)

The City of Bloomington is seeking a law clerk to provide skilled and confidential legal support for the attorneys in its in-house Legal Department.  The City’s Legal Department has a Civil Division (four attorneys), Criminal Division (six attorneys), and Compliance Division (one attorney), plus support staff for each division.  The law clerk will work under the direction of a supervising attorney.

A law student will be hired to work as a law clerk in a temporary in-person position. The student should expect to work at least ten hours per week during the school year, subject to negotiation after hiring.

CITY VALUES & EXPECTATIONS

• Models and contributes to a positive work environment, culture of communication, engagement and safety
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with employees and the general public, including but not limited to those of diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Works cooperatively as a member of a team; develops and maintains effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions
• Embraces the City’s shared values and contributes towards accomplishing the City’s vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Conducts legal research as assigned, examining applicable legal authority and providing analysis of legal issues
  1. Reads applicable statutes, case law, regulations, or legislative history regarding the assigned issue
  2. Analyzes legal issues and arguments
  3. Suggests courses of action and alternative courses of action based on legal research and analysis
• Drafts legal memoranda and summaries, providing comprehensive legal analysis and recommendations for a course of action
• Assists the Civil Division with drafting City ordinances, resolutions, and policies
• Assist the Criminal Division with drafting motions, pleadings, and memoranda
• Assists with reviewing City contracts and agreements for consistency with legal requirements and City policies
• Attend client meetings, meetings with external parties, enforcement hearings, criminal hearings/trials, and/or public meetings, as requested by supervising attorney
• Review and summarize state and federal legislation impacting the City and its operations
• Other duties, as assigned by supervising attorney

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Ability to function and perform assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Ability to successfully complete work assignments in a timely manner and that are of a high quality
• Ability to efficiently perform legal research utilizing appropriate print and electronic research tools
• Ability to apply oral and written communication skills to present research, analysis, and advice to Legal Department attorneys
• Ability to analyze complex legal and regulatory schemes involving federal, state, and municipal laws, ordinances, and regulations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Legal Department attorneys and support staff as well as clients, colleagues, and external parties
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of Legal Department information.  Ability to use discretion relating to work material and assignments in a confidential manner as necessary and to exercise appropriate judgment in their release or presentation

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Enrolled in law school, having completed at least two semesters of coursework
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures involved in legal research
• Skill in applying fundamental legal principles, rules, concepts, precedents, and cases in addressing legal issues and problems

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS
This position does not supervise others.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $21.64 – $23.41 Hourly

2026 Full Salary Range: $21.64 – $25.32 Hourly

Full-Time Temporary; Non-Exempt; Non-Union; Benefits Ineligible

The City of Bloomington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. Applicants who are black, indigenous or persons of color are encouraged to apply. We also encourage women, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities to apply.