Entrylevel Legal Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Are you ready for a rewarding career supporting your community and making a positive impact in the lives of the youth and families we serve?

If so, apply today for a position at the Minnesota Judicial Branch!

Hennepin County District Court invites qualified applicants for two entry level Court Operations Associate positions assigned in the Juvenile Division. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another's growth.

Court Operations Associates are placed on four distinct teams within this division and may be re-assigned between teams as business needs require: Delinquency, Child Protection/Adoptions, Court Services, and Chambers. Work is completed individually and in teams using available resources. Administrative assignments require the use of independent judgment, dedication to providing excellent customer service, strong attention to detail, high level of multi-tasking which requires a high level of organization, critical thinking, and technological skills. While this position does not work directly with juveniles, they do have an impact on the juvenile justice system.

These AFSCME-represented positions are assigned to the Juvenile Division in court administration located in the administrative clerk's office (first floor, suite 100) or in judicial chambers based on business needs. The Juvenile Justice Center is located in downtown Minneapolis at 590 Park Avenue. Typical hours for this position are 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, with some flexibility based on business needs. This position is required to work primarily onsite.

There are multiple options for public transportation, including discounted transit passes that include light rail lines and bus routes, and an optional transit expense account.

 Example of Duties:

• Accurately complete administrative work in the office and in judicial chambers by performing high level case processing, writing orders and emails on behalf of judges, and performing detailed data entry work for child protection, juvenile delinquency, and adoption cases utilizing court technology systems.
• Provide excellent customer service by assisting and communicating with court users in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner to ensure the customer's needs are effectively met in-person, over the phone, or through electronic means by answering questions, processing records requests, and processing financial transactions.
• Provide courtroom support by working with judges, court reporters, and other justice partners to effectively manage court and judicial calendars, meet the business needs of the court, and assure equal access for the fair and timely resolution of cases and controversies.

Typical Qualifications:

Below are the past experiences that will lead to success in the role. For education requirements listed, the equivalent number of years of related experience may serve as a substitute.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year of relevant job experience or greater, which may include but is not limited to customer service, administrative work, office, and clerical work. (For example: bank teller, cashier, court clerk, legal assistant, medical billing specialist).
  • OR equivalent education and experience
• Access to reliable internet connection is required.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to multi-task, work well under pressure, and work in a high- volume, fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with the public, stakeholders, and court staff.
• Ability to understand and explain instructions, policies, statutes, rules, procedures, and systems to the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with attorneys, probation, court staff, judicial officers, and the general public.
• Team oriented, with a positive attitude.
• Reliable, with the ability to meet commitments and keep work projects on task.
• Ability to comply with data privacy laws and maintain confidential information.
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets/exceeds customer expectation and satisfaction.
• Ability to work in an inclusive, multicultural environment that values diversity and relationships and professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience, and understanding in the course of work duties.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to learn other, job- related software.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Associate, paralegal, or bachelor's degree
• Experience with high-volume data entry
• Experience providing exceptional customer service in a high- volume, fast-paced environment
• Experience working in a courtroom setting, preparing court orders, and court forms
• Experience scheduling multiple appointments/hearings
• Knowledge and working experience with a case processing system such as MNCIS (Minnesota Court Information System) and EFS (Electronic File and Serve)

Supplemental Information:

The expected starting salary for external candidates is $23.50 - $28.45 per hour, $49,068 - $59,403.60 annually. The offer will take into consideration other equivalent qualifications. The full classification earning potential is $21.45 - $35.44 per hour, $44,787.6 - $73,998.72 annually, with the top end of the range being what someone could be making after years of service in the role of Court Operations Associate. 

This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of Minnesota employee benefits.

These AFSCME-represented positions are posted for bidding, internal, and external application simultaneously and will be filled in accordance with the AFSCME contract.

All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check. An employment offer may be rescinded if the background check identifies job-related convictions.