WJB-0706 Law Clerk/Staff Attorney Third Judicial District Court

Description and Functions

If you are interested in a challenging and dynamic legal position, the Third Judicial District Court, Sweetwater County, Wyoming, seeks to hire a Law Clerk/Staff Attorney to join the rest of the team supporting the work of Judge-Select Clark Stith.

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-Select Stith. You may also get the opportunity to act as the District Court Commissioner for Title 25, Involuntary Hospitalization hearings. In addition, you will be asked to work with Judge-Select Stith 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 vibrant city of Green River, Wyoming, covering the diverse landscape of Sweetwater County. Green River offers a relaxed pace of life with a strong sense of community. Enjoy affordable living, short commutes, and easy access to hiking, fishing, and nearby national parks.

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 10 or more years of experience, the range is $94,640 - $108,945 annually.

Human Resources Contact: Brenda Reedy, hr@courts.state.wy.us, 307-777-7629

• 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 for 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. 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.

• 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.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

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

This position requires an 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 and 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 to include 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:

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position requires mobility to work in a typical office setting.

• 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.

• Employment is an at-will position subject to a background check.
• FLSA Exempt
• The Third Judicial District Court is an independent State Agency under the Wyoming Judicial Branch and a State of Wyoming employer.

Supplemental Information

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.