POSITION OVERVIEW The United States District Court for the District of Minnesota invites applications for the position of Staff Attorney (full-time). The Staff Attorney will work with each judge and magistrate judge in the District, primarily in habeas corpus and civil rights actions. The ideal candidate must be able to physically report to the courthouse as needed, but a remote/hybrid work schedule is available. This position is subject to funding based on caseload. Based on current data, funding for the position is expected to last at least until September 30, 2028, and may be renewed thereafter, depending upon availability of funds.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES • Conduct substantive review of new prisoner pleadings (such as habeas corpus petitions and civil rights complaints) and new cases in which a plaintiff files an in forma pauperis application. • Perform research, provide recommendations, and prepare drafts in a fast-paced environment. • Provide advice to Clerk’s Office and Chambers staff as needed. • Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS At the time of appointment, the candidate must possess the following minimum requirements: • A J.D. degree with standing in the upper one-third of the class from a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association. • Excellent written and verbal communication. • Strong organizational skills, analytic ability, and work ethic. • Ability to prioritize work while dividing attention across multiple projects. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Prior clerkship, judicial staff attorney, or pro se law clerk experience. • Law review experience, moot court experience, publication of a noteworthy article in a law school publication or other scholarly publication, or prior legal employment. • A background in prisoner habeas corpus and civil rights actions, and knowledge of the Prison Litigation Reform Act and the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act. • Experience in a comparable position emphasizing legal writing and analysis. • Prior work experience in a legal or non-legal setting. • Proficiency in computer-assisted legal research and Microsoft Office products, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote.
