News from NDIRF

We’re hiring a Summer Law Clerk!

The NDIRF is seeking a Summer Law Clerk to support legal research, policy development, and claims analysis within a public-entity risk pool. This role offers hands-on experience in public-entity liability and statutory immunities, coverage interpretation, employment and governance matters, contract review, regulatory compliance, and litigation support—providing a well-rounded introduction to in-house legal practice. Ideal for a motivated law student interested in government, public-entity law, or an in-house legal career.

1. INTRODUCTION: The Law Clerk performs a variety of professional and administrative duties in support of the Legal and Claims Departments for the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund (“NDIRF”). This is a paid, temporary summer clerk position and is intended to provide meaningful educational experience in public-entity pooling, legal research, claims administration, and risk management. This job description is not an employment contract and is subject to modification as duties change and responsibilities change.

2. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief Operating Officer/General Counsel, with coordination and direction from Claims Department leadership as appropriate. Assignments are made with defined objectives and deadlines, and work is reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to NDIRF policies and procedures.

The Law Clerk is expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and seek guidance when issues fall outside the scope of assigned responsibilities.

Performance will be evaluated through direct observation; review of assigned work and projects; and feedback from Legal and Claims staff.

3. CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES: General job performance, including interaction with NDIRF members, co-workers, and other third parties, shall be guided by the following tenets:

• Support the NDIRF’s goals and values through performance of assigned job duties.
• Adhere to applicable NDIRF policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
• Promote teamwork within the departments and throughout the NDIRF.
• Maintain effective communication and professional working relationships with co-workers.
• Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn and apply new skills.
• Conduct all work with professionalism, discretion, and integrity.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Legal Department Support (Research and Policy Focus)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct legal research related to public-entity pooling, coverage interpretation, liability exposure, employment law, open records and open meetings, governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist with the development, review, revision, and organization of NDIRF policies and procedures, including legal, claims, governance, employment, and operational policies, under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer / General Counsel.
• Conduct research to support policy and procedure updates, including review of statutory, regulatory, and best-practice considerations applicable to public-entity risk pools.
• Assist with drafting and reviewing legal memoranda, correspondence, internal guidance documents, coverage endorsements, and board or management materials.
• Support contract review and organization, including vendor, professional services, and intergovernmental agreements.
• Assist with litigation and pre-litigation support, including document review, issue summaries, and coordination with outside counsel.
• Organize and maintain legal research materials, files, and internal reference resources.
• Assist with special projects related to governance, compliance, enterprise risk management, and organizational initiatives.

HR Collaborative – Legal Research and Support

• Provide legal research and analytical support for the NDIRF HR Collaborative, focusing on employment law issues affecting political subdivisions, including hiring, discipline, leave, accommodations, civil rights, and workplace policies.
• Assist with reviewing, summarizing, and organizing employment-related statutes, regulations, guidance, and best practices to support HR Collaborative training, resources, and member education.
• Support development and updating of HR-related legal materials, templates, and guidance documents for educational use.
• Assist with research and preparation of legal content for HR Collaborative trainings, workshops, and educational initiatives.
• Identify and summarize emerging employment law and risk trends relevant to member education and loss prevention efforts.

Claims Department Support

• Assist Claims staff with organization and review of claim files involving NDIRF member political subdivisions.
• Prepare factual summaries, timelines, and issue analyses for liability, property, auto, and specialty claims.
• Conduct legal and factual research related to statutory liability limits, immunities, defenses, and coverage considerations applicable to public entities.
• Assist with tracking claim documentation, correspondence, and deadlines.
• Support claims-related data organization and reporting projects.
• Attend, observe, and assist with claims-related legal proceedings as appropriate, including court hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and depositions, in coordination with the Chief Operating Officer/General Counsel, Claims Department leadership, and outside counsel, for educational and observational purposes.

OTHER DUTIES

• Gather information and prepare correspondence, summaries, reports, and research materials as assigned.
• Assist with cross-departmental research requests and special projects.
• Attend internal meetings, trainings, or educational sessions as appropriate.
• Perform related duties as assigned in support of Legal and Claims operations.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Enrollment in an ABA-accredited Juris Doctor (J.D.) program is required; candidates must have completed their first or second year of law school at the time of the law clerk position.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research and analysis through coursework or academic projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.
• Coursework or demonstrated interest in one or more of the following areas is a plus:

o Insurance law
o Employment or labor law
o Administrative law
o Government or public-entity law

If you would like more information regarding the job position, please contact Renae Kondos at renae.kondos@ndirf.com for further details.