Law Clerk I in Livingston

This position will be posted and accepting applications until filled. The start date for this position is September 8th, 2026.

Required Application Materials

• Resume – Include dates of employment and your supervisor’s name/phone number for each position.
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References
• Writing Sample

Applications with missing required documents will not be reviewed in the recruitment process. An employee new to the Judicial Branch will serve a one-year probationary period. The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check. Travel may be required and working hours may include evenings and weekends.

Benefits

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly policies
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF

Job Overview

Law clerks serving more than two years may be moved to senior law clerk status. This is professional legal work performed for the Honorable Judge Rebecca Swandal of the 6th Judicial District in Livingston, Montana. Perform professional legal research and related clerical/administrative work in preparing memoranda, opinions, or orders for a judge concerning the cases before him or her. Work is performed under general supervision of a judge and is reviewed through conferences and written reports.

Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities. Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, statement of issues, draft opinions and orders including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge. Compile references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations. Confers with judge concerning legal questions, legal theories, construction of documents, and preparation of orders. Attend court sessions to hear testimony and record necessary case information; maintain records attendant to court proceedings; assist judge in the selection and preparation of jury instructions. May perform courtroom duties including recording court testimony or arguments and providing bailiff services. May transcribe the record of court proceedings if required by the position. May maintain a law library collection.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference.
• Knowledge of trial court practices, rules, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles.
• Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to transcribe audio tapes, if required by the position.
• Skill in the operation of a computer with word processing and legal research software.
• Skill in the operation of electronic recording equipment to record trial court proceedings.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Legal research experience.
• Excellent writing skills.

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency’s HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.