Minnesota Disability Law Center - Summer Law Clerk

Position: Minnesota Disability Law Center – Summer Law Clerk 

Position Type: ​Temporary Full-Time Non-Exempt ​ 

Location: ​Minneapolis, MN 55403​ 

Introduction: 

The Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC), a division of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA), is seeking rising 2L and 3L law students to work in our Minneapolis office. We have two paid, full-time law clerk positions open for the coming Summer. In your cover letter, please indicate your experience with civil rights/disability.

MDLC is a statewide program of MMLA. MDLC receives federal funding to serve as Minnesota’s Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system for individuals with disabilities. MDLC represents Minnesotans with disabilities to enforce and to protect their basic civil rights. MDLC also engages in community outreach, education of policy makers, and public education efforts to advocate for people with disabilities throughout the state. See our priorities here: current MDLC priorities (mylegalaid.org)

MMLA/MDLC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, and communities to apply. We welcome information about how your experience can contribute to serving our diverse client communities. Applicants are encouraged to share in their cover letter how they can further our goal of equal justice for all. We are committed to a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace.

What’s in it for you? 

• We believe in work-life harmony. This role offers the flexibility to blend remote work with in-office collaboration.  
• On Fridays, the office closes at noon and employees enjoy a half-day of paid flex time. 
• MMLA invests in you. We provide on-the-job training and mentorship, with opportunities for growth within the organization. 

Why MMLA? 

• We’re not just ticking boxes. We’re genuinely committed to diversity. Bring your unique identity, experiences, and perspectives—we want them all! 
• Discrimination and harassment have no place at MMLA. We’re building a respectful, supportive workplace where everyone thrives. 
• Discrimination and harassment have no place here. We’re building a respectful, supportive workplace where everyone thrives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply the principles of MMLA's Racial Justice Values Statement in all interactions
• Interview clients
• Conduct legal research
• Prepare case documents including pleadings, memoranda, letters to opposing counsel, etc.
• Help with hearing preparation and potentially assist with hearings
• Investigate and research complex disability rights issues and complex state systems
• Research current policy issues 
• Prepare and present community education materials
• Participate in weekly team meetings
• Engage in monitoring facilities that serve people with disabilities
• Other duties as assigned

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to the needs of individuals with disabilities
• Excellent attention to detail, interpersonal skills, and oral and written communication skills
• Ability to handle a variety of assignments while building collaborative relationships with clients, staff, and the community
• Some travel across Minnesota may be required
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working with people with disabilities 
• Second language ability, particularly Spanish, ASL, or Somali
• Diverse economic, social, or cultural experiences

COMPENSATION INFORMATION: 

$6,000 total stipend for 10 weeks, provided through generous support from the Eugene and Bonnie Nugent Foundation.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION: 

Submit resume and cover letter online at https://mylegalaid.org/employment by February 21, 2025.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in our employee selection process, please contact Megan Cook at mcook@mylegalaid.org.  

Please direct all other inquiries to hiring@mylegalaid.org.  

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. This position is subject to collective bargaining agreements.