Judge Designee Luke Godzala, newly appointed to the Stearns County District Court and chambered in St. Cloud, Minnesota, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Law Clerk to join his judicial team. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a wide range of legal matters, work closely with the Judge, and contribute to the fair and efficient administration of justice in Stearns County.
Judge Designee Godzala is committed to working closely with his law clerk and fostering a collaborative dynamic within his judicial team, ensuring every member has an active and meaningful role. He values professionalism, thoughtful legal analysis, effective communication, and a strong commitment to public service. He is equally committed to fostering professional growth and development among his staff.
Luke Godzala has built a diverse legal career in central Minnesota, currently serving as a senior attorney in the Civil Division of the Stearns County Attorney’s Office. Previously, he served as an Assistant St. Cloud City Attorney and a member of the Stearns County Drug Court Team, providing him with broad experience in both civil and criminal matters.
As a Law Clerk, you will conduct legal research, draft memoranda and court orders, assist with case management, and observe courtroom proceedings. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other court staff and interact with attorneys and court participants, building valuable insight into Minnesota’s judicial process.
This Position Will:
- Work both in person and remotely, with the schedule to be determined by the Judge and the Law Clerk.
- Initially involve predominantly in-person work for training and onboarding purposes.
- Require the Law Clerk to be present in the courtroom with the Judge, court staff, judicial team, attorneys, and litigants for specific hearings and trials identified by the Judge.
- Provide an opportunity to work closely with and develop relationships with other law clerks, judges, court staff, litigants, justice partners, and attorneys.
- Provide an opportunity to expand and enhance legal research and writing skills.
- Provide reasonable work hours and support a healthy work-life balance.
Provide a strong foundation in legal skills and knowledge of the court system, judicial decision-making, and the ability to work on a variety of case types.
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What You Will Do
The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position:
- Review and research laws, court decisions, briefs, court rules, and other legal authorities.
- Confer with the Judge regarding legal issues, prepare legal memoranda, and assist with drafting orders for the Judge.
- Attend court sessions to observe court proceedings and record relevant case information.
- Perform courtroom duties in arraignments, motions, hearings, pretrial conferences, and trials, including calling the calendar, swearing in jury panels and witnesses, and assisting in documenting court proceedings.
- Assist with case preparation and management.
- Perform administrative and organizational duties within the Judge’s chambers.
- Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive case and court information.
Perform other duties as assigned by Judge Designee Luke Godzala.
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What You Must Have
Law Clerk: Graduation from an accredited law school at the time of employment.
Law Clerk 1 (Student): Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and current enrollment in, and completion of at least one year of law school training at, an accredited law school.
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 and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people, including attorneys and self-represented parties.
- Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles.
- Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Ability to represent the court in a respectful, professional, and impartial manner.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and attention to detail.
- Skill in the operation of a personal computer, word-processing programs, and legal research software.
- Ability to professionally demonstrate cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding in the course of work duties.
- Commitment to public service and the fair and impartial administration of justice.
Law Clerks are at-will employees, and the work is performed under the supervision of a District Court Judge. Work is performed primarily in an office/chambers setting or courtroom.
Supplemental Information
- Judge Designee Luke Godzala is looking for a person who has both the ability and interest to serve as a successful judicial clerk and become an integral member of his judicial team. This position will remain open until filled.
- Current Judicial Branch employees must have satisfactory performance in all competencies in their most recent performance evaluation and no discipline above an oral reprimand in the preceding six months.
- Full State of Minnesota benefits package.
- District Court Law Clerks will be placed within the applicable pay range based upon post-law-school graduation legal work experience.
- In addition to completing the online application, please upload and attach a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and a writing sample of no more than 10 pages.
- 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] .
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 .
