Law Clerk I

Role summary

This is a professional legal role supporting the Honorable Judge Zink in the 13th Judicial District in Billings, Montana. The appointment is planned to begin in September 2026. If the person hired remains in the role for more than two years, they may be considered for senior law clerk status.

Key duties

• Conduct detailed legal research and related administrative support for drafting memoranda, opinions, and court orders.
• Examine and annotate statutes, case law, documents, briefs, opinions, and other legal sources.
• Prepare legal briefs, issue statements, draft opinions, and proposed orders, along with recommendations for the judge when appropriate.
• Gather and organize authorities and references needed for legal decisions.
• Discuss legal questions, theories, document interpretation, and order preparation with the judge.
• Attend court proceedings to listen to testimony, capture required case details, and maintain records connected to those proceedings.
• Assist with jury instruction selection and preparation.
• May also handle courtroom support tasks such as recording testimony or arguments and performing bailiff-related duties.
• May be asked to transcribe proceedings if the position requires it.
• May help maintain the law library collection.

Required application documents

Applications must include all required materials on the State of Montana Careers website. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

• Resume, including employment dates and each supervisor’s name and phone number.
• Cover letter.
• Three professional references.
• Writing sample.
• When uploading files, the relevant document box must be checked so the attachments are matched correctly to the application.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree is required.
• Prior legal research experience is required.
• Strong writing ability is required.
• Knowledge of general law, state law, precedent, and legal reference sources.
• Familiarity with trial court practices, rules, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to research complex legal issues and apply legal principles.
• Ability to represent the court respectfully.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to transcribe audio recordings, if needed for the role.
• Ability to use a computer with word processing and legal research software.
• Ability to operate electronic recording equipment for trial court proceedings.

Employment terms and conditions

This is a regular, full-time day position. Travel may be required, and working hours can include evenings and weekends. A one-year probationary period applies to employees new to the Judicial Branch. The successful candidate will need to pass a criminal background check. Telework may be possible with supervisor approval, but full-time telework is not available.

About the employer

The Montana Judicial Branch is a service-focused organization committed to an independent, accessible, responsive, impartial, and timely forum for dispute resolution. Its mission also includes preserving the rule of law and protecting the rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. and Montana Constitutions.

Benefits

• Support for work-life balance.
• Family-friendly policies.
• Supportive and caring team environment.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays totaling up to 38 days per year.
• Opportunities for professional growth.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through State of Montana employment.

Equal opportunity and accommodation

The Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, minorities, and people with disabilities to apply. Reasonable accommodations for the application or hiring process may be requested through the agency HR contact or Montana Relay at 711. State government does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor unrelated to merit and qualifications.

Additional notes

Applications remain open until filled. If another vacancy in this same job title opens within six months, the same applicant pool may be used. The position is not part of a training assignment. Contact for this role is Mandi Edlin ([email protected], 4068412965).