Law Student/Law Clerk (Minnesota Disability Law Center)

About the position 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 disability rights and/or disability advocacy. 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. The P&A protects people with disabilities from abuse and neglect through its monitoring and investigation work. MDLC represents Minnesotans with disabilities on civil legal matters relating to disabilities including but not limited to: Department of Human Services appeals of Medicaid waiver reductions, Minnesota Department of Human Rights claims of disability discrimination, special education due process, and state and federal litigation. MDLC also engages in policy advocacy through its work on state-wide task forces, commissions, and education of policymakers. 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 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 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

Requirements

• 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

Nice-to-haves

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

Benefits

• 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 flex time.
• MMLA invests in you.
• We provide on-the-job training and mentorship, with opportunities for growth within the organization.
• 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.

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