Staff Attorney/Law Clerk

The Hon. Gene A. Petty, District Judge, in Caldwell, Idaho has an opening for a Staff Attorney/Law Clerk starting in August 2025. A two-year commitment is required that could lead to a permanent position. Application requirements: cover letter, resume (with class rank and GPA), law school transcript, references and/or letters of recommendation, and a writing sample (min. 10 pages). The writing sample should be a brief, memorandum, etc., that shows your legal analysis and has not been significantly edited by anyone else. Some interviews may occur during Christmas break.

Compensation: $72,488.00 - $86,257.60 annually DOE, plus County benefits and PERSI

Application Period Ends: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 or until filled

General Statement of Duties

Performs a variety of technical duties related to legal research required to expedite court cases heard by a District Judge.

Classification Summary

This is a non-classified position under the Canyon County Personnel System in which the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the appointing District Court Judge.

Examples of Work (Illustrative Only)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (may vary with specific positions):

•Conducts and performs research of statutes, ordinances, case decisions, law review articles, documents, treatises, briefs, memorandum decisions, administrative directives and other sources related to rules of procedure and related legal authorities;

•Prepares research memoranda for consideration by the District Judge; reviews and summarizes all files in preparation for pre-trial conferences, pre-trial motion hearings, and trial as required to assist the judge in deciding issues which may arise;

•Coordinates case processing by maintaining contact with counsel to insure timely completion of the various phases of the trial process; attends as necessary hearings on motions and trials to enable the judge to make advance preparations to effectively deal with issues;

•Assists the judge in reviewing and preparing proper jury instructions; assists in drafting and preparing memorandum decisions and opinions; reviews and summarizes appeals from the magistrate division; drafts orders as directed and tracks appeals process to insure timely completion of processes and orderly conclusion of appeals.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

•Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

•Thorough knowledge of substantive and procedural law as taught in an accredited law school;

•Thorough knowledge and understanding of, and experience with the use of modern legal research materials and techniques.

Ability to:

•Ability to quickly identify and analyze a legal issue, conduct research, and prepare a concise and clear summary of applicable law with possible alternative resolutions of the issues;

•Ability to write precisely and clearly;

•Ability to maintain the strictest confidences with regard to court activities;

•Skills in using a personal computer for both word processing and automated legal research functions are necessary;

•Adhere to the Idaho Judicial Branch Code of Conduct for non-judicial employees.

Acceptable Experience and Training

•Graduation from an accredited law school with Juris Doctorate required; and

•Must obtain licensure within the first six (6) months from hire.

Special Qualifications

•Must successfully complete a background investigation through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Essential Physical Abilities

•Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, use a telephone, and communicate with others;

•Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and review, evaluate, and prepare and review a variety of written documents, legal forms and other materials;

•Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate standard office equipment and computer systems;

•Sufficient personal flexibility, mobility, strength, and agility, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office environment.

EOE Statement

Canyon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions related to recruitment and selection are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.