Salary: $70,000.00 - $116,000.00 Annually
Location : Pinedale, WY
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 0716
Department: Wyoming Judicial Branch
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Determined by Position
Job Classification: WJB

Description and Functions
Law Clerk/Staff Attorney - Ninth Judicial District Court - Pinedale
Open Until Filled

**Application For This Position Cannot Be Accomplished On This Site.
Please Follow The Directions In The "How To Apply" Section At The Bottom Of This Job Description.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Ninth Judicial District Court, Sublette County, Wyoming, seeks to hire a Law Clerk/Staff Attorney to support the work of Judge Katharine McKay. This at-will position is full-time, and remote work arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What You'll Be Doing:

As a Law Clerk/Staff Attorney, you will get the opportunity to attend hearings and jury trials, conduct professional legal research, and provide critical support to Judge McKay. In addition, you will be asked to work with Judge McKay to draft memoranda, opinions, jury instructions, and orders. The Law Clerk/Staff Attorney is a critical contributor to the efficient, proper, and professional functioning of the court.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: General expected duties for this position include making, preserving, transcribing, and delivering the verbatim record of proceedings for criminal, civil, juvenile, probate, and other cases as follows:

• Job duties include the following:
  
  • Extensive legal research of the law into issues arising through motions, during hearings, and trials.
  • Research and draft 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, ensure the courtroom is ready for trial, coordinate with the clerk of court, and ensure courtroom technology and equipment are functioning properly.
  • Track the docket, including substantive motions, upcoming trials, 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, and other stakeholders.
  • Expected to perform such other duties as may be necessary, assigned, and/or directed.

Qualifications
PREFERENCES/AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Preference may be given to applicants with work experience as a staff attorney or practicing attorney.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
This position requires the ability to:

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Organize work priorities.
• Assist the judge in tracking and prioritizing pending matters.
• Research complex legal problems or questions and apply legal principles.
• Be highly self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
• Provide objective guidance based on case law, statutory analysis, and construction.
• Present research and articulate legal conclusions.
• Represent the court in a respectful and professional manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Travel, including rare overnight stays.
• Maintain strict ethical standards and confidentiality in accordance with the Code of Judicial Conduct and Wyoming Rules of Professional Responsibility.

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.
• 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.
• Ethical rules.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:
Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Be admitted to practice law in Wyoming within one year of appointment
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.

NOTES:

• Employment is an at-will position subject to a background check.
• FLSA Exempt
• The Ninth Judicial District Court is an independent State Agency under the Wyoming Judicial Branch and a State of Wyoming employer.
• 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 $85,000 - 98,300 annually for attorneys with less than 5 years of experience. For attorneys with 5-9 years of experience, the range is $98,300 - $106,800, and for 10 or more years of experience, the range is $106,800 - $116,000 annually.

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.

Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 11 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

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