administration - law clerk

About La Crosse County:
At La Crosse County, we are committed to creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we focus on economic growth, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, and robust public services that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Why Join La Crosse County?

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): A top-rated pension program.
• Affordable Insurance Premiums: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, and 10+ paid holidays annually.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and wellness programs.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB):
At La Crosse County, we believe that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued.

Overview

FLSA: Exempt.This is a specialized position created to assist the Courts in legal research and in mediating small claims settlement. Employee in this class must have specialized legal training to perform the required research. Reports to Judges for assignments and direction, and is supervised and evaluated by Clerk of Courts. Position breaks down into 60% traditional law clerk duties, 30% mediation related tasks, and 10% special project work.

Essential Leadership Functions

Act with Integrity and Build Trust

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints
• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives

Drive for Results

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes
• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results
• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring

Develop Talent and Effective Teams

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth
• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential
• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team

Lead with Vision and Strategy

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives
• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking

• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives
• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment
• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization
• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking
• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service

• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community
• Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes
• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

• Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations
• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks
• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others

Essential Job Functions

Reviews motions and briefs submitted by parties, offering legal opinions as requested.

Conducts independent legal research and provides advisory opinions for the judges and court staff. Prepares memoranda, decisions, and orders for the judges.

Advises judges on novel and unusual legal issues as they arise.

Stays current on statutes and precedential case law, advising judges and court staff of critical developments affecting the operation of the court.

Responds to letters from attorneys and pro se litigants on behalf of the judges.

Maintains a record of assignments, balancing workloads from multiple judges to comply with due dates and assignment requirements.

Assists the judges and the Clerk of Courts with other projects as required.

Mediates all small claims cases in La Crosse County before trial, including all landlord/tenant disputes and eviction cases.

Employee is expected to report to work when scheduled, with minimum use of sick leave, to build up sick leave balance for income protection for unexpected illness. Occasional in-state travel may be required.

In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors, and public officials.

Physical demands: Sits at desk, reading, writing, talking, hearing, judgment and near vision. Sits, stands and bends intermittently throughout the day. A lesser amount of time is spent moving about the County Courthouse.

Related Job Functions

Assists Judges in developing new programs to improve administration of justice.

Reviews court procedure and recommends changes.

Assists sitting Judges from other jurisdictions as requested.

Schedules and coordinates small claims mediation.

Explain small claims procedure to the public.

Performs mediation for civil cases at the request of the judges and/or parties.

Maintains the law library, advising the judges and the Clerk of Courts when revisions and/or additions to the subscriptions are necessary.

Manages the law clerk file share.

Performs additional tasks as required or directed by the Judges or Clerk of Courts.

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility, but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent legal research and writing skills.

Ability to perform legal research of a highly technical nature.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in verbal and written form.

Ability to comprehend complex legal arguments, motions, briefs, decisions, and directions.

Ability to explain legal principles to laypeople.

Ability to mediate disputes fairly and impartially.

Ability to manage difficult litigants in Small Claims Court.

Ability to work effectively with the general public, County officials and employees, particularly those in the legal profession.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements

Juris Doctorate or an L.L.M. from an accredited law school or a foreign equivalent required. Legal research experience and practical experience drafting legal memorandums preferred. Arbitration and/or mediation experience preferred.

Knowledge of landlord/tenant law is a plus.

Familiarity with Wisconsin law is a plus but is not required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
La Crosse County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you need accommodations for a disability during the selection or interview process, please get in touch with Human Resources at

Application Process:
All applications must be submitted through our career website. Please ensure your application is complete and accurate,our hiring process highly values attention to detail.