Discover MINNESOTA LAW
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A PREEMINENT LAW SCHOOL with
nearly 135 years of history in the vibrant Twin Cities, Minnesota Law is an exceptional community that includes the brightest students training to become lawyer-leaders for the region, the country, and the world. With highly influential professors, scholars,
WALTER F. MONDALE HALL is named for one of our most distinguished graduates. The late Walter F. Mondale ’56 was the 42nd Vice President of the United States and left a legacy of furthering international diplomacy, advocating for civil rights, and supporting the Law School and its students.
CONTENTS
and practitioners, one of the nation’s most
2 Inspire
distinguished clinical education programs,
4 Focus
and a culture of collaboration and respect
6 Engage
across disciplines, the University of Minnesota
8 Connect
Law School is waiting for you.
10 Aspire
▼
DEAN GARRY W. JENKINS is the 11th dean in the Law School’s history. He is an award-winning scholar in the fields of nonprofit law, global justice, and corporate law. Prior to entering academia, he clerked for a federal appellate court judge, worked for a New York City law firm, and was chief operating officer and general counsel for one of the 10 largest corporate foundations in the country.
World-Class Faculty
Transformational Programs
Collegial Community
Local Community, Global Impact
Launch Your Career
12 Explore A World of Possibilities
14 Belong Student Experience law.umn.edu 1
World-Class Faculty
Inspire
the Next Generation of Lawyer-Leaders Professor FIONNUALA D.
Imagine learning directly from faculty who have spearheaded national legislative and judicial reforms,
NÍ AOLÁIN, faculty director
founded programs that provide free legal services to underserved individuals and communities,
of the Human Rights Center
advised the president and Congress, and led governmental bodies, businesses, and major nonprofit
at the Law School, also serves
organizations.
as the United Nations Special
Our faculty are not only influential scholars and leaders, they are also remarkable educators; in fact,
Rapporteur on the Promotion
nearly half of them have been recognized with awards for their teaching excellence.
and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism. Professor Ní Aoláin engages with
These esteemed professors will become your lifelong mentors as they bring their real-world experiences and perspectives into the classroom. Through our uniquely collaborative approach, you will work shoulder-to-shoulder with them to co-author scholarly articles, represent clients in our law clinics, and develop your lawyering and leadership skills.
student research assistants closely on these important humanitarian issues. She frequently travels with students to present at the United Nations in New York City and Geneva, Switzerland.
8:1
STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO
61%
25%
FACULTY HAVE RECEIVED
LAW STUDENTS WERE FACULTY
TEACHING-RELATED AWARDS
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS IN 2020–21.
CIVILITY, COOPERATION, AND SUPPORT DEFINE THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA LAW SCHOOL. OUR FACULTY ARE SOME OF THE MOST ACCOMPLISHED SCHOLARS IN THE WORLD, AS WELL AS ACTIVE MENTORS DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS. 2
Professor FRANCIS X. SHEN is an award-winning scholar who works on issues at the intersection of law and the brain sciences. He is currently collaborating on a federally-funded grant from the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative examining the ethical implications of portable neuroimaging.
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Focus
Transformational Programs
on Life-Changing Learning JACKIE FIELDING ’20,
As one of the nation’s premier public law schools, Minnesota Law offers you a stellar academic
is a recipient of a Robina
experience. You’ll choose from a robust selection of courses, including cutting-edge topics such as
Public Interest Postgraduate
artificial intelligence and the law, neuroscience and liability, and data privacy. You may also elect to
Fellowship. She works at
gain a competitive edge by focusing your studies through one of our 11 concentrations, such as Business
the Brennan Center for
Law, Environmental & Energy Law, Health Law & Bioethics, and Human Rights Law.
Justice in New York City, an
With 26 diverse clinics, our nationally ranked clinical training program allows you to hone your practical
independent, nonpartisan
legal skills while working with actual clients in a supportive setting. You will gain hands-on professional
law and policy organization
experience through public and private externships, public service fellowships, and pro bono opportunities.
dedicated to advancing the interests of democracy and justice.
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2021 GRADUATES WERE ROBINA PUBLIC INTEREST SCHOLARS
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You will develop your written and oral advocacy skills through our nationally and internationally competitive moot court and mock trial programs.
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CONCENTRATIONS
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NATIONALLY RANKED SPECIALTY PROGRAMS (Business, Clinics, Criminal, Environmental, Family, Health, Human Rights, Intellectual Property, International, Legal Technology, Tax, Trial Advocacy)
58,375 HOURS OF FREE LEGAL SERVICES
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LEGAL CLINICS
provided to the public by Minnesota Law students last year.
LAW IN PRACTICE, ONE OF THE FIRST COURSES OF ITS KIND IN THE U.S. FOR 1Ls, COMBINES CLASSROOM TEACHING WITH SIMULATION EXPERIENCES TO BUILD THE PROFESSIONAL SKILLS NEEDED TO PRACTICE LAW.
BRANDIE BURRIS, 3L, is from Ashburn, Virginia. She is the 2021–22 editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Law Review. Brandie currently works in the Minneapolis office of a complex civil litigation firm. Last summer, she participated in the Twin Cities Diversity in Practice 1L Clerkship program and the Leadership Council for Legal Diversity 1L Scholars program. Brandie serves on the executive board of the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) and the Diversity & Inclusion Committee of the Federal Bar Association.
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Collegial Community
Engage
in Your Shared Journey Minnesota Law is filled with
At Minnesota Law, you will join a welcoming student community of hard workers, team players, and
students who are driven to
creative thinkers. Our collaborative and collegial culture helps foster personal growth in problem solving,
work for social change and
leadership, and persuasion—skills that you’ll find essential in law school and beyond.
improve the legal profession. It has been an honor to work for these changes alongside my friends, classmates, and colleagues. JESSICA SZUMINSKI ’21 Law Clerk for Judge Mark Kapplehoff, 4th Judicial District of Minnesota
Beyond the classroom walls, you’ll form friendships that will last a lifetime. From creating informal study groups to connecting with upper-level classmates as mentors, you will learn as a team and encourage each other to succeed. With an active student life community that hosts events, guest speakers, and lively debates, and oversees dozens of student organizations, you’ll have plenty of ways to pursue your passions. You will also have many opportunities to connect with engaged alumni in the Twin Cities and around the globe who are eager to mentor, teach, and hire our students. At Minnesota Law, your student experience will be an exceptional one.
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6
240+
STATES + WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTIONS
REPRESENTED IN THE STUDENT BODY
REPRESENTED IN THE STUDENT BODY
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COUNTRIES REPRESENTED IN THE STUDENT BODY
KATHERINE CHEN, 3L and VICTOR JIMENEZ, 2L, were elected by their peers to serve as the 2021–22 Law Council president and vice president, respectively. The students ran on a platform of improving the student experience and deepening support and communication for BIPOC students.
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Local Community, Global Impact
Connect
to the Dynamic Twin Cities EURA CHANG, 3L, is from
The Twin Cities is one of the most energetic, livable, and highly educated communities in the country. Here,
Rochester, Minnesota. She
you will enjoy our incredible park systems with hundreds of miles of trails and an amazing chain of lakes, the
worked as a summer associate
second largest theater community in the country, and an internationally renowned music scene. Add to that
for Lockridge Grindal Nauen in
distinctive neighborhoods, numerous professional sports teams, a modern light rail system just steps from
Minneapolis. Eura was one of
the Law School’s front door, and you’ll see why so many people who come to the area choose to stay.
four law students selected
Our prime location affords you ready access to state and federal courts, the state capitol, and the thriving
nationally to receive the
Twin Cities legal and corporate world. With nearly 135 years as one of the nation’s top law schools,
National Asian Pacific
Minnesota Law’s established network of alumni provide you unparalleled access to the area’s legal and
American Bar Association
business leaders.
Law Foundation’s inaugural Sharon and Ivan Leadership Scholarship for outstanding
For students who opt to stay local, the Twin Cities offers a wide array of opportunities for summer positions, clerkships, and postgraduate employment.
professional promise and leadership potential. Eura is an editor on the Minnesota Law Review, a Robina Public Interest Scholar, and co-president of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association.
#1 METRO AREA FOR
FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES PER CAPITA
125+
LAW FIRMS IN THE TWIN CITIES WITH 10 OR MORE ATTORNEYS
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LIGHT RAIL LINES just steps away from the Law School that connect both downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis.
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FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES
U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT RANKS MINNESOTA THE 2ND BEST STATE TO LIVE (2021) 8
TANNER SPARROW, 3L, worked as a summer associate at Taft Stettinius & Hollister in downtown Minneapolis. He currently takes part in the Litigation and Trial Advocacy Group, the Fall Chess League, the Sports Law Association, and plays intramural sports. He also worked for UnitedHealth Group and U Care while in law school.
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Launch Your Career
Aspire
to Practice and to Lead TYLER AKEEM ANDERSON, 2L,
Our highly experienced Career Center team will work closely with you from the very beginning to help you
is from Brooklyn, New York.
achieve your career goals and ensure you are empowered for lifelong career success. We will work with you
He is currently working at
to focus on your professional development to prepare you for a wide range of career paths.
Fredrikson & Byron as an
In addition to one-on-one guidance, the team provides access to networking events, hosts career fairs,
immigration law clerk. Prior
offers workshops and training opportunities, assists in the clerkship application process, and much more.
to attending Minnesota Law,
The Career Center also includes dedicated employer-relations and public-interest staff who work tirelessly
he was awarded a Mellon Mays
to cultivate employment opportunities for students and alumni.
Undergraduate Fellowship and later worked at Bank of America supporting diversity and inclusion and workforce reporting.
Local, regional, and national employers, including law firms, government entities, and public interest organizations, recruit students and graduates through on campus interviews (OCI), job fairs, and postings throughout the year. At Minnesota Law, we not only help you define your career path, we help you achieve it. EMPLOYMENT CATEGORIES IN 2020 LAW FIRMS: 45%
98%
BAR PASSAGE RATE (MN FALL 2020)
JUDICIAL CLERKSHIPS: 15% PUBLIC INTEREST: 14% BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY: 10% GOVERNMENT: 8%
PREVIOUS YEARS’ CAREER STATISTICS CAN BE FOUND AT: Z.UMN.EDU/WHEREGRADSGO 10
YEMAYA HANNA, 3L, is from St. Cloud, Minnesota. She worked as a summer associate at a business litigation firm, and as an intern for the Minnesota Legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous Caucus. Yemaya is a certified student attorney and student director in the Immigration and Human Rights Clinic. She recently served as co-president of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), and is a board member of the Student Employment and Labor Law Association.
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A World of Possibilities
Explore
Where Minnesota Law Can Take You As a 2L, ANA DELGADO
The strong reputation of Minnesota Law brings with it intrinsic respect and significance that will help
HUALDE ’21, traveled to
open doors for you across the globe. With more than 13,000 alumni worldwide, Minnesota Law is making
Geneva, Switzerland as part
a profound impact in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 70 countries.
of a University of Minnesota
You will become part of a network of graduates already working in large coastal law firms, global corporations,
delegation to discuss human
international NGOs, state and federal courts, government agencies, and more. These valuable connections help
rights issues with officials
you gain leverage throughout your career as a lifelong member of this vibrant community of lawyer-leaders.
at the United Nations. After graduation, Ana accepted a
WHERE OUR GRADUATES GO: CLASSES OF 2018, 2019 & 2020
position in her hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, as an associate attorney at Garfinkle Immigration Law Firm.
30 2020 grads were hired in
JUDICIAL CLERKSHIPS
TOP MARKETS FOR 2020 GRADS:
ILLINOIS 12
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MINNESOTA
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NEW YORK
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TEXAS
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WASHINGTON, D.C.
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WISCONSIN
Originally from Washington, D.C., BEN ROGERS ’21 spent his 2L summer as an intern for the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps. During his internship, he provided legal analysis and case strategies, wrote trial motions, and observed a high-profile Navy SEAL trial from the gallery. This summer, he joined the U.S. Navy as a JAG Officer.
87%
EMPLOYMENT RATE AT 10 MONTHS (2020 GRADS: FT/ LT JD REQ’D/JD ADV)
11 STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES
MINNESOTA LAW ALUMNI WORK IN ALL
50 STATES AND 73 COUNTRIES
AROUND THE WORLD.
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Student Experience
Belong
to a Diverse and Talented Student Body SARANI RANGARAJAN MILLICAN, 3L, competes in moot court, works as a certified student attorney for the Human Rights Litigation and International Legal Advocacy clinic, serves in student governance (on Law Council and in the University Senate),
Minnesota Law celebrates each student’s contribution to our unique and strong legal community. By fostering a diverse, inclusive, and unbiased environment, Minnesota Law strives to ensure that individuals from all cultures and backgrounds feel included and welcome when engaging with our community. From the yearly MLK Convocation, which addresses equity and diversity in the legal profession and judicial systems, to the summer Pre-Law Scholars Program, which prepares underserved students for admission to law school, Minnesota Law embraces all perspectives that enhance the law school experience. Minnesota Law has a wide variety of student-led initiatives, programs, and events; a community book club devoted to reading books by diverse authors; and experiential learning opportunities available to all students.
and is a certified privacy professional (CIPP-US). This summer, she worked as a law clerk for the Minnesota Attorney General’s office.
PROFESSIONAL AFFINITY GROUPS
10+
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
35
400+
IN THE TWIN CITIES
WERE ACTIVE IN 2020–21.
HELD IN THE LAST 3 YEARS.
STUDENT-LED EVENTS WERE
A RICH VARIETY OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ENHANCE THE CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE. 14
Law students in TORT (THEATRE OF THE RELATIVELY TALENTLESS) write and produce an annual musical every spring that is performed at a local theater. In 2021, TORT was recognized by the University of Minnesota Student Activities Office with a Tony Diggs Excellence Award for Excellence in Recreation and Entertainment.
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TOP 10
PUBLIC LAW SCHOOL (PreLaw)
Financial Information > Minnesota Law has nonresident and resident (reciprocity) tuition rates. Students from SD, WI, and Manitoba qualify for resident tuition.
> Merit scholarships are awarded to highly qualified candidates at the time of admission and range from $5,000 to full tuition. No separate application is required.
> Summer funding and/or fellowships are available to students through the Human Rights Center Fellowship, Robina Public Interest Scholars Program, and the Career Center.
> Many student paid positions exist at the Law School for law students, including research assistant, structured study group leader, library assistant, and orientation leader.
> Travel reimbursement funds are available for students to attend 20+ national diversity, practice area, and law schoolhosted job fairs.
Application deadlines: Early decision (binding). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31 Priority consideration for scholarship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 1 Final day to submit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 1 SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING: • Completed application with $60 fee • Personal statement • Resume • Letter of recommendation (one required) • Optional supplemental statement
Apply to Minnesota Law Today Our Admissions Committee looks forward to reviewing your application and conducting a holistic review of the materials you submit. We consider many factors in our decision, such as student engagement and leadership, professional experience, writing ability, community service, academic achievements, and references.
For more details on the application process at Minnesota Law, please visit LAW.UMN.EDU/JDADMISSIONS
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jdadmissions@umn.edu
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