LAW
A PREEMINENT LAW SCHOOL with
130 years of history. One of the nation’s most distinguished clinical education programs. Highly influential professors, scholars, and practitioners. The energetic Twin Cities. A culture of collaboration and respect across disciplines. All combined at the University of Minnesota Law School, waiting for you to discover. WALTER F. MONDALE ’56 is among our most distinguished graduates and the person for whom the building is named. Mondale was 42nd Vice President of the United States and has a long history of furthering international diplomacy, advocating for civil rights, and supporting the Law School and its students.
DEAN GARRY JENKINS is the eleventh 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.
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Professor FIONNUALA D. NÍ
AOLÁIN, faculty director of the Human Rights Center at the Law School, also serves as the United Nation’s Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism. Professor Ní Aolain engages with student research assistants closely on these important humanitarian issues.
World-Class Faculty 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.
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Collaborate with Field-Leading Teacher-Scholars Imagine learning directly from faculty who have spearheaded national legislative and judicial reforms, founded programs that provide free legal services to the under-served, advised the President and Congress, and led governmental bodies and major nonprofit organizations. But our faculty are not only influential scholars and leaders, they are also remarkable educators; in fact, nearly half of them have been recognized with awards for their teaching excellence. These esteemed professors will become your lifelong mentors as they bring their real-world experiences and perspectives into the classroom. And 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.
8:1
STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO
Professor Francis X. Shen works on issues at the intersection of law and the brain sciences. This year, he is teaching Law & Artificial Intelligence at the Law School.
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45% FACULTY HAVE RECEIVED
TEACHING-RELATED AWARDS
139 LAW STUDENTS IN 2017–2018 WERE FACULTY RESEARCH ASSISTANTS.
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Experience Life-Changing Learning As one of the nation’s premier public law schools, Minnesota Law offers you a stellar academic experience. You’ll choose from a robust selection of courses, including cutting edge topics such as artificial intelligence and the law, neuroscience and liability, and data privacy. You may also elect to gain a competitive edge by focusing your studies through one of our 11 concentrations, such as Business Law, Environmental & Energy Law, Health Law & Bioethics, and Human Rights Law. With 24 diverse clinics, our nationally ranked clinical training program allows you to hone your practical legal skills while working with actual clients in a supportive setting. You’ll gain additional hands-on professional experience through fellowships, practicums, and public service, as well as pro bono opportunities. Furthermore, you can develop your written and oral advocacy skills through our nationally and internationally competitive moot court and mock trial programs. Our International Moot Court team recently took first-place honors in a competition in Mumbai, India.
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26,822
NATIONALLY RANKED SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
HOURS OF FREE LEGAL SERVICE PROVIDED
(CLINICS, CORPORATE, CRIMINAL,
TO THE PUBLIC BY MINNESOTA LAW STUDENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH,
DURING THE 2017–2018 SCHOOL YEAR
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INTERNATIONAL)
LAW IN PRACTICE, ONE OF THE FIRST COURSES OF ITS KIND IN THE U.S., COMBINES CLASSROOM TEACHING WITH SIMULATION EXPERIENCES TO BUILD THE UNDERSTANDING AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS NEEDED TO PRACTICE LAW.
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While a third-year student,
AMY HANG ’18 successfully represented a client in U.S. Tax Court through the Law School’s Tax Law Clinic. She also helped prepare a First Amendment case for oral argument before the U.S. Supreme Court through a clerkship program with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
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Transformational Programs Students in the James H. Binger Center for New Americans’ Immigration Law Clinic helped win the landmark Mellouli v. Holder case at the U.S. Supreme Court.
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James Soper ’18, is currently completing his Corporate Fellowship at US Bank. He completed both the Business Law and IP concentrations. He also participated in the IP and Entrepreneurship Clinic as a student.
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VEENA TRIPATHI, 3L, came to Minnesota Law after working in San Francisco, determined to take full advantage of her student experience. She studied abroad in Dublin for a semester and is the Lead Online Editor of the Minnesota Law Review, President of the Student Intellectual Property Association, and Co-President of the South Asian Law Student Association.
Collegial Community >
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The Minnesota State Bar Association, including 13 of its affinity bar associations, actively partner with student organizations to provide guidance, networking opportunities, and event speakers.
212
Number of student organization sponsored events in 2017-2018
Start a Shared Journey At Minnesota Law, you will become part of a welcoming student community of hard workers, team players, and creative thinkers. Our collaborative and collegial culture helps foster personal growth in problem solving, leadership, and persuasion—skills that you’ll find essential in law school and beyond. Beyond classroom walls, you’ll begin friendships that will last a lifetime. From creating informal study groups to connecting with upper-level classmates as mentors, you’ll learn as a team and encourage each other to succeed. And with an active student life community that hosts events, guest speakers, and lively debates, as well as oversees dozens of student organizations, you’ll have plenty of ways to pursue your passions. At Minnesota Law, your student experience will be an exceptional one.
41 STATES + WASHINGTON, DC
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MORE THAN 40 STUDENT
40+
REPRESENTED IN THE
ORGANIZATIONS
STUDENT BODY
Law students in TORT (Theatre of the Relatively Talentless) write, produce, and perform an annual musical at a local theater.
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Live and Learn in a Location You’ll Love The Twin Cities is one of the most energetic, livable, and highly educated communities in the country. Here you’ll enjoy a recognized park system with hundreds of miles of trails and an amazing chain of lakes, the largest theater community outside New York City, and an internationally renowned music scene. Add to that distinctive neighborhoods, numerous professional sports teams, a modern light rail system just steps from the Law School’s front door, and you’ll see why so many people who come to the area choose to stay. Our prime location affords you ready access to state and federal courts, the state capitol, and the thriving Twin Cities legal and corporate world. Our 130-year history in the area and our strongly established network of alumni provide you unparalleled access to the area’s legal and business leaders. For students who opt to stay local, the Twin Cities offers a wide array of opportunities for summer positions, clerkships, and post-graduate employment.
LAW FIRMS IN MINNESOTA WITH
TWIN CITIES #1 METRO AREA FOR
10 OR MORE ATTORNEYS
FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES PER CAPITA
MINNEAPOLIS PARKS SYSTEM
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#1
115
was ranked #1 in nation in 2017
2 LIGHT RAIL LINES
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Just steps away from the Law School that connect both downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis, the Mall of America, MSP International airport, and more!
ALEX PARK, 2L spent his 1L summer getting hands-on experience less than two miles from campus at Winthrop & Weinstine. P.A., an established Twin Cities law firm with a bustling business practice, and at Thrivent Financial, a Fortune 500 financial services organization. Originally from California, Alex enjoys the Twin Cities so much that he plans to stay in Minneapolis after graduation.
Minneapolis named one of the nation’s TOP 10 MOST LIVABLE CITIES by Business Insider
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Vibrant Location QUALITY OF LIFE Minnesota named Happiest State in America (WalletHub, 2017)
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Thanks to regular interview preparation sessions with her career counselor, SHEA HOLMAN, 2L, landed a summer associate position at Berenzweig Leonard in Washington, D.C. She credits the Career Center for providing personalized counseling and detailed information on the plethora of positions available to Minnesota Law students.
Nationally Recognized Career Center 2,200+ Jobs posted for students and alumni last year
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9,900
Counseling appointments held by the Career Center last year
Advance Your Career Our highly experienced and caring Career Center team will work closely with you from the very beginning to help you achieve your career goals and ensure you are empowered for lifelong career success. The team’s motto is “Explore, Engage, Transition,” and they will focus on your professional development to prepare you for a wide range of career paths. In addition to one-on-one guidance, the team provides access to networking events, hosts career fairs, offers workshops and training opportunities, assists in the clerkship application process, and much more. The Career Center also includes dedicated employer-relations and public-interest staff who work tirelessly to cultivate employment opportunities for students and alumni. 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 help you define your career path and achieve it.
2017 GRAD EMPLOYMENT RATE BY AREA LAW FIRMS BUSINESS & INDUSTRY GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC INTEREST JUDICIAL CLERK
90%
EMPLOYMENT RATE
(full-time, long-term employment and graduate studies within 10 months after graduation)
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Students who complete Professional Essentials Milestone workshops from our nationally recognized professional development curriculum receive a notation on their transcript.
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Take Your Minnesota Law Degree Anywhere The strong reputation of Minnesota Law brings with it intrinsic respect and significance that will help open doors for you across the globe. With more than 13,000 alumni worldwide, Minnesota Law graduates are making a profound impact in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and in more than 70 countries. You’ll become part of a network of graduates already working in large coastal law firms, global corporations, international NGOs, state and federal courts, government agencies, and more. These valuable connections help you gain leverage throughout your career as a lifelong member of this vibrant community of lawyer-leaders.
CLASS OF 2017 IS PRACTICING IN 26 STATES AND WASHINGTON, D.C.
TOP MARKETS FOR 2017 GRADS California | Illinois | Minnesota New York | Washington, D.C. | Wisconsin
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73
number of countries in which alumni are working
Chicago is one of the most popular destinations for Minnesota Law graduates.
LAUREN GRAFF, 3L, spent her 2L summer at the Chicago office of McGuireWoods LLP, a large law firm with a strong corporate and banking practice and 23 offices worldwide. After graduation, she’ll move to Chicago to become an associate for the firm.
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A World of Possibilities
Ben Skoglund ’10 is Corporate Counsel, M&A and Strategic Investments at Amazon in Seattle, WA.
91%
61
BAR PASSAGE*
*Minnesota summer 2017 exam, first-time takers
2017 grads in JUDICIAL CLERKSHIPS, putting Minnesota Law among the top 10 law schools in the country for judicial clerkships
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CONNOR SHAULL, 2L, has felt extremely supported at Minnesota Law as he immersed himself in the student experience. Connor started a family in his 1L year, was selected to join the Minnesota Law Review staff, elected to Law Council, completed a judicial externship, and also works with a faculty member as a research assistant.
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Torie Watkins, 3L, moved 1,200 miles from Texas to attend Minnesota Law. While on a tour with a current student, many professors and students stopped to meet her and introduce themselves. The collegiality she felt during her campus visit sold her on attending the Law School.
Visit Campus and See for Yourself The best way to get a feel for our community and culture is to visit the Law School in person. The Admissions Office hosts at least a dozen information sessions each academic year, which include an admissions overview, class observation, and tour of the Law School with a current student. FALL 2018 INFORMATION SESSIONS • Monday, September 10 • Wednesday, September 19 • Monday, October 1 • Wednesday, October 17 • Monday, October 22 • Wednesday, October 31 • Monday, November 12 • Wednesday, November 21
For additional dates or to meet a Minnesota Law representative near you, please visit: LAW.UMN.EDU/RECRUITMENT
CLASS OF 2021
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224 J.D. STUDENTS | 121 U.S. undergraduate institutions | 12 International institutions 69% From outside Minnesota | 34 States represented + Washington, D.C. 24 Average age | 54% Female | 16% Students of color | 13% LGBTQ 8% International students
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Join the Minnesota Law Community
Financial Information >
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
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ability, community service, academic achievements, and references.
APPLICATION DEADLINES: Early decision (binding)
January 15
Priority consideration for scholarship
March 1
Final day to submit
July 15
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SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING: Completed application with $60 fee
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Personal statement Resume Letter of recommendation (one required) Optional supplemental statement For more details on the application process at Minnesota Law, please visit LAW.UMN.EDU/JDADMISSIONS
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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 participating in the Human Rights Center Fellowship, Robina Public Interest Scholars Program, and Saeks Public Interest Residency Program. 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 school-hosted job fairs.
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University of Minnesota Law School Admissions N130 Mondale Hall 229 19th Ave. South Minneapolis, MN 55455
jdadmissions@umn.edu
law.umn.edu University of Minnesota Law School Admissions Photography: WRKWRK - wrkwithus.com, Abbey Eagles, Bill Klotz, Jay Mallin, Tony Nelson, Bruce Silcox The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. All statistics herein are correct as of September 1, 2018. Visit our website to review the ABA required disclosures. Š 2018 University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.
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