JOB DESCRIPTION
The Tenth District is seeking qualified attorneys to serve as per diem conciliation court referees. Conciliation court, also known as small claim court, handles claims for money or property that do not exceed $20,000, and consumer credit claims not exceeding $4,000.
Conciliation calendars are held daily in half-day sessions, with one morning court session and one afternoon court session. All conciliation calendars are conducted remotely via Zoom.
Per diem referees will be compensated on a contractual basis at the rate of $75.00 per half day court session. These are contractor position and are not eligible for Minnesota Judicial Branch employee benefits.
This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Judge or their designee and is governed by Minnesota Statute 491A.03.
EXAMPLES OF JOB DUTIES
- Preside over general conciliation calendars and debt collection calendars ranging from 12 to 50 cases per half day session. Review court calendars, case filings, and related materials in advance of scheduled proceedings.
- Hear and evaluate testimony, allegations, and evidence presented by parties, witnesses, and technical experts. Determine whether claims are supported by the facts and applicable law, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and oversee the orderly presentation of testimony and proceedings.
- Prepare orders and related documentation in compliance with Minnesota Judicial Branch standards and perform legal research as necessary to support judicial decision-making. Prioritize assignments and promptly dispose of pending conciliation court matters.
- Exercise substantial discretion and independent judgment carrying out duties in accordance with applicable state statutes, court rules, local practices, and Minnesota Statute § 491A.03, Subdivision 1.
- Maintain order, decorum, and professionalism during all proceedings. Ensure all parties are afforded the opportunity to be heard in accordance with the law while maintaining timely and quality calendar management, treat all parties with courtesy and respect, and enforce prohibitions on broadcasting, recording, televising, or photographing court proceedings.
- Maintain compliance with the Minnesota Code of Judicial Conduct as adopted by the Minnesota Supreme Court.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must reside in Minnesota.
- Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Minnesota.
- Must have at least five years of experience as a practicing attorney.
- Must be in good standing with Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility board and have no disciplinary actions within the past five years
- Must pass criminal background check
- May not have a client base that would create a frequent conflict in the type of cases commonly heard in the conciliation court (e.g. credit card debt, landlord-tenant).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Civil litigation experience.
- Experience attending or facilitating remote hearings.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Quick to learn and effectively use technology and electronic devices.
- Perform well under pressure with demonstrated time management and problem-solving efficiencies.
- Experienced and comfortable working with technology and electronic records systems.
- Detail-oriented with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster teamwork and cooperation.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
- Must have access to a computer and webcam with reliable, high-speed internet allowing for video and document sharing.
- Must serve at least once every three months.
- Must not cancel a scheduled assignment more than twice in a twelve-month period.
- Must be able to hear cases from all counties in the Tenth District.
- Must produce orders to Court Administration within 48 hours of the hearing.
This posting will be accepting applications until the roles are filled.
About Us
Why Work for Us?
Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB. 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.
Employee Benefits
The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family's wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting Human Resources at 10thDistrictHumanResources@courts.state.mn.us. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Internal Applicants
If you are a current employee of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, please apply to open positions conveniently through your Oracle account by visiting Opportunity Marketplace - Browse Opportunities.
