Law Clerk - County Attorney's Office

Full Job Description

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (HCAO) is one of the Upper Midwest’s premier public law firms, with the largest civil and criminal practice in Minnesota.

Our attorneys come from a variety of backgrounds and bring diverse experiences to the office. Each year, we offer paid summer and academic year law clerk programs that offer hands-on, challenging work experience to students from local and national law schools.

In addition to research and legal writing, clerks may have the opportunity to work closely with prosecutors on specific cases, attend meetings, complete research and writing assignments and appear in court as Certified Law Student Practitioners.

Law clerks will be assigned to one of our nine divisions. Learn more at Divisions | Hennepin County

Pay starts at $24.35/hour

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program.

Find us here at upcoming career fairs!

Location and hours:
These positions are hybrid and will be performed both on-site at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 south 6^th Street, Minneapolis MN 55487 and/or the Health Services Building, 525 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415 and remote as job duties require.

While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

Law Clerks are encouraged to work in-person as much as possible during the summer law clerk program. A hybrid schedule is more practical during the academic year.

• Academic Year - Fall Semester (August – December); 15-19 hours per week
• Academic Year - Spring Semester (January – April); 15-19 hours per week
• Summer (May – August); 32-40 hours per week

Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2026 Summer Law Clerk program. Candidates are encouraged to apply with future interest.

About these position types:

These are part-time, non-benefit earning, limited duration (during the academic year and summer) position.

These positions are internally classified as Law Clerk.

Click here to view the job classification specification.

Externship opportunities may be available for law clerks enrolled in an externship course through their law school. Students should inquire with their school about any relevant policies and requirements for externship placements.

Note: You must attach a cover letter, resume, writing sample, Law School Transcript (unofficial) and list three references with your application materials to be considered for this position.

In these positions, you will:

• Represent the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
• Conduct legal research and prepare written assignments.
• Participate in court hearings as a Certified Law Student Practitioner, under the supervision of a licensed Attorney.
• Attend comprehensive trainings, coordinated by the Law Clerk Program.

Need to have:

• Current enrollment in an accredited law school.
• A graduate of an accredited law school.

Nice to have:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in a J.D. program and have completed at least two full-time equivalent semesters by the program start date.
• Registered for externship credits through current law school.
• Experience working with diverse communities.
• Familiarity with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office vision, mission, and strategic goals (a full copy of our strategic framework can be found on our website).
• Genuine interest in a public sector law career and dedicated to serving the diverse communities of Hennepin County.
• Knowledge of legal research and writing principles, methods and practices, including sources of legal information, court procedures, and laws regulating local government agencies.

About the department:
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is a fierce advocate for justice and equity, pursuing holistic community safety and providing quality legal services through evidence-informed practices and collaborative problem-solving.

We prosecute crimes with fairness and integrity. We advocate for victims of crime by seeking meaningful accountability and supporting healing.

We use preventive and restorative approaches to address the complex root causes of crime and violence. We engage with partners to pursue system accountability.

Additionally, we provide proactive and innovative legal services in the areas of mental health, child support, child protection, and civil legal representation for Hennepin County to advance the County’s efforts to reduce disparities and enhance the quality of life of our community.

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive.

Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (login as Guest).

Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.

Your future. Made here.

This posting will be used to fill current and future non-benefit earning, part-time, limited duration law clerk positions during the academic year and summer.

Watch this video for application best practices and tips.

These positions may have access to systems or other documentation that contains HIPAA data.

Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.
Final candidates may be required to complete a background check.

Applicants with convictions are not automatically disqualified. Each case is considered on its individual circumstances and the type of work.

If you have questions, please contact:
Ashlyn Crawford
Law Clerk Program Administrator
Lawclerkprogram@hennepin.us