Law Clerk

MISSION STATEMENT

The Judicial Department works to provide equal access to justice, contribute to public safety, and strengthen the rule of law across Colorado. Together our courts and probation departments are committed to impartial and timely dispute resolution; support for families, litigants, and victims; client rehabilitation; and meaningful community engagement.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

General Statement Of Duties:
Provides assistance and research to a district court judge in the Colorado Judicial Department.

Distinguishing Factors:
Positions in this classification are distinguished from legal research attorneys due to the concentration on legal services for a district judge and often includes courtroom and bailiff duties. Supervision is received from a District Court Judge. The Law Clerk is a classified, non-certified position that is considered at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

This posting is for two law clerk positions in the 19th Judicial District.

Division 1 Water Judge Todd Taylor: . Responsibilities of this position include legal research, writing and other duties related to serving as a law clerk for judicial officers who preside over water and civil matters. Work is supervised by District Court Judge Todd Taylor and is reviewed through conference and written reports. Preference is given to applicants with an interest in Colorado water and civil law. Applicants who possess a J.D will be given preference for this position.

Judge Shannon Lyons: Responsibilities of this position include legal research, writing and other duties related to serving as a law clerk for judicial officers who preside over a mostly civil caseload, with a limited amount of water, domestic relations, petitions to seal, probate, and municipal and county court appeals. Work is supervised by District Court Judge Shannon Lyons and is reviewed through conference and written reports. Preference is given to those who possess a J.D.

Law clerk positions are one-year temporary assignments with district court judges. Please attach a cover letter indicating a preference in Judge if any, that specifically outlines how your education, qualifications and skills are directly related to the position. We also request a copy of your most recent resume, transcript, a writing sample and letters of recommendation.

***This position will be open until filled. After meeting the minimum requirement of 5 calendar days this position will have a first review date of Monday, May 20th, and every week after. ***

Please attach a resume and cover letter that specifically outlines how your education, qualifications and skills are directly related to the position. We also request a copy of your most recent transcript, a writing sample and letters of recommendation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Researches, studies, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities to process suits, trials, hearings, appeals, and other litigated matters. Reads and digests opinions, briefs, and motions and extracts excerpts pertinent to points of law and fact. Prepares briefs, legal memoranda, and statement of issues involved in a case, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge. Inspects courtroom for cleanliness, orderliness, proper heat, light, and ventilation; opens court by announcing the entrance of the judge. Maintains the order, decorum, and dignity of the court by seating jurors, witnesses, and spectators in specific areas of the courtroom and by ejecting persons disturbing court proceedings. Arranges for food and lodging for jurors, and is responsible for the security of the jury so as to preclude mistrials. Obtains and delivers file jackets, minutes, supplies, forms and related items necessary for use by the judge and the staff. Attends meetings and training as required. Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS CONT.

Supervisor Responsibilities:
No formal supervisory responsibility. Responsibility for one's own work product and work within a unit performing similar functions. Rarely provides lead function, advice, or explains work instructions to other employees or volunteers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and successful completion of two years at an accredited law school.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands and arms to perform repetitive motions; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:
Occasionally handles emergency or crisis situations; frequently subject to interruptions, and multiple calls and inquiries. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

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