WJB-0711 Law Clerk/Staff Attorney Fourth Judicial District Court

Law Clerk/Staff Attorney - Fourth Judicial District Court - Buffalo Open Until Filled •Application For This Position Cannot Be Accomplished On This Site.•Please Follow The Directions In The "How To Apply" Section At The Bottom Of This Job Description.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

If you are interested in a challenging and dynamic legal position, the Fourth Judicial District Court, Johnson County, Wyoming, seeks to hire a Law Clerk/Staff Attorney to join the rest of the team supporting the work of Judge Benjamin Kirven. Work is performed onsite at the Johnson County Judicial Center; however, remote work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, and in-person presence is required for jury trials.

What You'll Be Doing:

As a Staff Attorney, you will get the opportunity to attend hearings and jury trials, conduct professional legal research, and provide critical support to Judge Kirven. In addition, you will be asked to work with Judge Kirven to craft memoranda, opinions, jury instructions, and orders. Your work will contribute to the judge's decision-making process, as an integral part of ensuring fair decisions based on the facts presented in diverse cases.

About Us:

The District Court presides over a variety of cases, ranging from felony criminal matters to large civil cases, domestic relations, mental health, juvenile, and probate issues. The Court also hears appeals from lower courts and administrative decisions, making a meaningful impact on the community. Our home is in the historic city of Buffalo, Wyoming, where the rolling Great Plains meet the towering peaks of the Bighorn Mountains. Buffalo offers a relaxed pace of life with a deep connection to Western history and a strong sense of community. Enjoy affordable living, uncrowded spaces, and easy access to world-class hiking, fishing, and year-round mountain adventures. Why Join Us? The Perks Are Fantastic! In addition to the challenge, the job comes with a competitive annual salary, and working with the Wyoming Judicial Branch comes with great benefits. As a valued member of the judicial staff, you will enjoy the State of Wyoming retirement pension, a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, and an affordable health insurance package that includes health, dental, life, vision, disability insurance, ambulance coverage, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. Plus, you will get well-deserved paid time off to recharge and enjoy life outside the courtroom.

Your Compensation:

Your salary will be determined based on your valuable work experience as an attorney, recognizing your expertise and contributions to the legal field. The hiring range is $70,000 - 90,000 annually for attorneys with less than 5 years of experience. For attorneys with 5-9 years of experience, the range is $90,000 - $101,552, and for those with 10 or more years of experience, the range is $94,640 - $111,200 annually.

Human Resources Contact:

307-777-8648 Chelsea Riden, CRiden@courts.state.wy.us

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ DUTIES

Job duties include the following: Review, search, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities. Extensive legal research of the law into issues arising during hearings and trials. Research and construct legal memoranda, statements of issues involved, opinions, and judgments for review by the judge. Observe judicial proceedings; attend court sessions to hear oral arguments, record necessary case information, and maintain notes attendant to court proceedings. Prepare jury instructions and verdict forms, assist with trial questions from counsel, ensure the courtroom is ready for trial, and ensure computer equipment is functioning properly. Track the docket, including new and pending appeals. Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations. Confer with the judge concerning legal questions, construction of documents, factual issues, and orders. Attend conferences with litigants, attorneys, and the judge; may conduct scheduling conferences for civil matters. Act as a liaison between the District Court and attorneys, the public, the clerk's office, the University of Wyoming Law School, and other stakeholders. Expected to perform such other duties as may be necessary, assigned, and/or directed.

PREFERENCES

Preference may be given to applicants with work experience as a staff attorney or practicing attorney

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

This position requires the ability to: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people at all knowledge levels. Research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles. Be highly self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail. Provide analytical assessments and use effective problem-solving techniques. Provide objective guidance based on case law, statutory analysis, and construction. Present research and articulate legal conclusions. Represent the court in a respectful manner. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Travel, including overnight stays.

This position requires skills in:

Organization and attention to detail. Time management with the ability to meet deadlines. Legal research and writing. Analytical thinking and problem-solving. Assessing, evaluating, prioritizing, and handling multiple tasks, projects, and demands. Listening and being open to different ideas and opinions. Establishing and maintaining effective work relations with peers and others having any interactions with the Court. Microsoft Office Suite.

This position involves knowledge of:

Wyoming statutes, court rules, policies, and procedures. General law, state law, established precedents, and sources of legal reference. Application of legal principles and legal analysis. Legal terminology and concepts. Principles and protocols for managing official documents and records. Westlaw and court case management systems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA accredited law school

Experience:

Be admitted to practice law in Wyoming within one year of appointment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Demands:

This position requires mobility to work in a typical office setting. The applicant must have the ability to: Use standard office equipment. Sit at a desk or stand for prolonged periods and work on a computer. Stand and/or walk occasionally to frequently. Read printed materials and computer screens. Communicate in person, by e-mail, video, or over the phone. Travel.

NOTES:

Employment is " at-will " and subject to a background check.

FLSA:

Exempt The Fourth Judicial District Court is an independent State Agency under the Wyoming Judicial Branch and a State of Wyoming employer. This position is a State of Wyoming employee. In addition to an annual salary, employees of the Wyoming Judicial Branch receive a generous benefits package including the State of Wyoming retirement pension plan and 457 Deferred Comp plan; an affordable health insurance package including health, dental, life, vision, STD, LTD, ambulance coverage, and Employee Assistance Program; paid annual, sick, and holiday leave, and much more.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants must visit and create an account on the careers page on the Wyoming Judicial Branch website for consideration. Once an account is created, applicants may apply to the open vacancies listed. Please attach a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to your Wyoming Judicial Branch application.

Veterans:

If you are a United States Armed Forces veteran or the spouse of a veteran who was married to that veteran at the time of that person's death and receives survivor benefits, to receive veteran's preference under Wyo. Stat. Section 19-14-102, you must complete the Veteran's Preference section of the Wyoming Judicial Branch At-Will Employment Application and attach a Form DD214 to the application. The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.