Clerks will be assigned to work in one of our divisions:
One of the primary responsibilities of all law clerks is legal research and writing. The types of assignments vary by division. Law clerks eligible to become certified student attorneys are encouraged to gain courtroom experience.
Administration
Law clerks work with County Attorney Mary Moriarty, Department Directors, and other administration staff on matters relating to legislation, public policy, and office initiatives. Law clerks are also responsible for responding to citizen inquiries that come in through the Citizen Information line. Their primary duties are research and writing. Law clerks have an opportunity to gain court experience under the supervision of an attorney by participating in various court proceedings, including the municipal County Attorney (COAT) calendar.
Criminal Divisions
Adult Prosecution
Teams in this division handle felony crimes against person and gang cases. Law clerks receive assignments directly from attorneys on a variety of legal issues related to criminal and constitutional law. Law clerks’ primary responsibilities are legal research and writing. Law clerks have an opportunity to gain court experience under the supervision of an attorney by participating in various court proceedings including the COAT calendar and other legal hearings.
Community Prosecution
Attorneys in this division handle property and drug cases. Law clerks are assigned work on a rotating basis from requesting attorneys. Law clerks’ primary responsibilities are legal research and writing. Law clerks her also have an opportunity to participate in the municipal COAT calendar and other legal hearings.
Juvenile Prosecution
Teams in this division prosecute all crimes committed by juveniles from traffic offenses to murder. Law clerks receive assignment requests directly from attorneys. JPD law clerk responsibilities will include legal research and writing, citation processing, and staffing the serious traffic and expungement calendars. JPD law clerks will have other opportunities for courtroom experience through direct case work with attorneys based on assignments.
Major Litigation/Special Litigation
Teams in this division include Appeals, Complex Crimes and Post-Conviction. Work assignments are distributed to law clerks directly from attorneys. Law clerks' primary responsibilities are legal research and writing. Law clerks here have an opportunity to gain court experience by participating in various court proceedings including the municipal COAT calendar and other legal hearings. Criminal Appeals law clerks may have an opportunity to argue a case in front of the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
Civil Divisions
Adult Services
This division handles legal matters related to civil commitment, adult protection, and economic assistance appeals related to these matters. Law clerks’ primary duties are legal research and writing. They draft appellate briefs and petitions for “sexually dangerous person” civil commitments. Law clerks also review and organize records for complex commitment cases including “mentally ill and dangerous cases.” Additionally they assist attorneys with court appearances in mental illness and chemical dependency commitments. Law clerks can also participate in the municipal County Attorney COAT calendar.
Child Protection
This division provides legal advice and represents the Human Services and Public Health Department, Child Protection Department. Child protection attorneys intervene in child protection cases where there is an imminent threat that a child may be harmed as well as cases where parental rights are terminated in order to protect children. Law clerks’ primary responsibilities are legal research and writing. Law clerks appear in court on child protection cases, and represent the client on truancy and other specialized calendars. Law clerks also assist on appellate briefs and may have an opportunity to do an appellate argument.
Child Support
This division serves as legal counsel to the Hennepin County Child Support Agency. The attorneys in this division establish parentage and child support orders, as well as enforcement of such orders. Law clerks primary responsibility is to represent the Child Support agency in hearings. This includes handling daily court calendars by preparing cases for hearing, attending the hearings, negotiating settlements, utilizing trial skills and providing representation on some appeals. Law clerks also research legal topics and prepare legal memoranda, correspondence and other pleadings and documents.
Civil
The Civil Division of the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office provides a full range of legal services for the County of Hennepin, including legal advice and representation to its various departments and elected officials. Law clerks in the Civil Division support attorneys by conducting legal research and writing memoranda. Clerks must collaborate with attorneys and support staff within the division and may also interact with clients. Clerks are assigned to work with a team of attorneys and are expected to attend team meetings and trainings. Additionally, all clerks have the opportunity to participate in the municipal County Attorney COAT calendar.