Law Student/Law Clerk

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid•Minneapolis, MN

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

MMLA is seeking dedicated individuals to be part of our dynamic team. If you’re ready to contribute your skills and compassion to meaningful work, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity. The successful candidates will work fully in the office during the training period to ensure comprehensive onboarding and integration into our processes. Upon completion of training, a hybrid work model will be offered, allowing for a mix of in-office and remote work. 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. MMLA provides 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! Our mission? Equal justice for all. In your cover letter, tell us how your background can amplify this cause. Let’s change lives together. Discrimination and harassment have no place here. We’re building a respectful, supportive workplace where everyone thrives. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values for Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, and it is critical that we incorporate these values into all aspects of our work. We recognize the particular and highly detrimental impact of racism — and of Minnesota’s racial disparities — on MMLA’s clients and staff. We, therefore, devote special attention to issues of racial justice. Primary Responsibilities: Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Legal Aid) is seeking three part-time law clerks for its Minneapolis office as part of its immigration law unit. Positions are for 10-15 hours per week minimum with at least one day being on site. The ILP provides legal representation to clients in a full range of immigration contexts including removal work, adjustment of status, applications for citizenship and VAWA-based cases including U and T visas. We receive funding from several government and private sources and enjoy a close relationship with immigrant-led community organizations. We are seeking to provide externship opportunities or volunteer law clerk positions for three 2L or 3L students, one in each of the following focus areas: Removal Defense – Support the work of our attorneys providing removal defense in both detained and non-detained immigration court proceedings; assist in drafting motions, appeals, and briefs; preparing applications for relief; and organizing and attending legal consultations and Know Your Rights presentations at ICE detention facilities. Asylum/Community Clinics – Support the work of staff attorneys and accredited representatives at our immigration-focused community-based clinics at Waite House and Brian Coyle Community Center; this role will primarily focus on assisting with preparing pro se asylum and work permit applications at our community clinic sites (in person at clinic location may be required). Additionally, support other attorneys in filing asylum applications for unaccompanied immigrant youth. General Humanitarian/Immigration Benefits – Support the work of all of our ILP attorneys in the day-to-day work of preparing affirmative application forms for filing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; research and memo writing; preparing affidavits with clients; and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles
Currently a 2L or 3L
Familiarity with civil law procedures
Effectively conduct legal research
Handle emotionally charged situations with empathy and professionalism

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in a second language
Work, volunteer, or lived experience with diverse economic, social, rural, and/or cultural communities

Responsibilities

Support the work of our attorneys providing removal defense in both detained and non-detained immigration court proceedings
Assist in drafting motions, appeals, and briefs
Preparing applications for relief
Organizing and attending legal consultations and Know Your Rights presentations at ICE detention facilities
Support the work of staff attorneys and accredited representatives at our immigration-focused community-based clinics at Waite House and Brian Coyle Community Center
Assisting with preparing pro se asylum and work permit applications at our community clinic sites (in person at clinic location may be required)
Support other attorneys in filing asylum applications for unaccompanied immigrant youth
Support the work of all of our ILP attorneys in the day-to-day work of preparing affirmative application forms for filing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Research and memo writing
Preparing affidavits with clients
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

This role offers the flexibility to blend remote work with in-office collaboration.
On Fridays, the office closes at noon.
MMLA provides on-the-job training and mentorship, with opportunities for growth within the organization.

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