Student Attorney

Olmsted County has earned the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work - Southeast Minnesota designation.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

*** There are two positions.  Provisional end date is 9/30/2025. ***

Current enrollment in a School of Law in Minnesota approved by the American Bar Association or another School of Law approved by the American Bar Association who otherwise meets the qualifications of Student Practice Rules; has completed at the time of the original certification legal studies equivalent to at least two (2) semesters of full-time study and; has been certified by the Dean or designee of the Law School as being in good academic standing.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver’s license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Nature of Work

Under direct and regular supervision, Student Attorneys perform professional legal work in the County Attorney’s office. Work involves regularly appearing on the record in uncontested and contested hearings and legal research and writing.

Examples of Work

• Student attorneys in the criminal division will conduct legal research and writing as assigned by attorneys. Writing assignments include general research, omnibus briefs, and appellate briefs. Students appear in court hearings such as arraignments, omnibus hearings, contested evidentiary hearings, court trials, and jury trials. Students assist in complaint drafting and charging decisions. Students will be responsible for the prosecution of petty misdemeanor and misdemeanor traffic offenses, which includes negotiating settlements and conducting trials. Students in the criminal division will also participate in a trial school for newly hired members of law enforcement. 
• Student attorneys in the civil division will conduct legal research and writing as assigned by attorneys. Writing assignments include general research regarding municipal law, commitments, and legal support of other Olmsted County entities. Students also draft appellate briefs related to these topics. Students appear in court hearings such as juvenile delinquency, truancy, child protection, child support, forfeiture, and commitment proceedings. Students are responsible for negotiating settlements regarding forfeited property during criminal proceedings. Students in the civil division also participate in a trial school for newly hired members of law enforcement.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of the principles of both criminal and civil law and their application.
• Knowledge of legal research methods.
• Knowledge of trial procedure and the rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of administrative law.
• Knowledge of the Minnesota and United States Constitution.
• Skill in the use of computers and technology.
• Ability to analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.
• Ability to present statements of law, facts, and arguments clearly, logically, and forcefully, and in written and verbal form.
• Ability to work effectively with others.

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.