Law Clerk - Court of Appeals Dist IV

at  State of Wisconsin

INTRODUCTION

The Court of Appeals District IV is currently considering applications for a Staff Law Clerk. The primary responsibility of this position is to provide professional support and assistance to the five judges on the District IV Court of Appeals by researching and writing initial drafts of opinions assigned to a single judge under WIS. STAT. § 752.31(2), collaborating with the assigned judge on subsequent drafts, and completing any other tasks as assigned.
While many law clerk positions are meant to be for a limited term, this Staff Law Clerk position is intended to be a long-term appointment, and is subject to annual renewal at the discretion of the judges. This position is considered a personal appointee.

POSITION SUMMARY

LOCATION: The District IV office is located in Madison, Wisconsin, and some in-office work will be expected to facilitate collaboration between the staff law clerk and the judges. However, flexible work hours are allowed, and there is the opportunity for some remote work.
SALARY: Starting salary will be in the range of $72,553 to $74,972 annually, with a State of Wisconsin benefits package.

QUALIFICATIONS

1) Degree from accredited law school. 2) Superior legal writing and analytical abilities. 3) Good knowledge of civil and criminal law and legal processes. 4) Good knowledge of legal research methodologies and resources. 5) Good knowledge of appellate procedures. 6) Ability to apply critical thinking skills to research, review of legal arguments, and drafting. 7) Ability to prepare legal memoranda. 8) Ability to communicate proficiently orally and in writing. 9) Ability to timely complete tasks, sometimes in an expedited fashion. 10) Ability to multitask assignments from five judges, some of which are subject to statutory deadlines. 11) Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion. 12) Ability to use common word processing and database software. 13) Ability to work flexible hours consistent with the needs of the judges. 14) Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1) Employment will require a criminal background check. 2) The Wisconsin Court System does not sponsor work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form upon hire.

1) Reviews and analyzes the parties’ briefs. 2) Reviews and analyzes arguments and the record, including pertinent decisions from the circuit court proceedings. 3) Performs legal research. 4) Verifies case and record citations in the briefs. 5) Writes drafts of opinions for the assigned judge’s review and revises and edits according to the judge’s directives; proofreads, edits, and checks citations in opinion drafts. 6) Monitors and keeps abreast of changes in the law, especially at the appellate level. 7) Performs other tasks as assigned by the judges.