Self-Help Center Intern, Self-Represented Litigant Program, Hennepin County

Minnesota Judicial Branch•Minneapolis, MN

14h•$21•Onsite

About The Position

Hennepin County District Court is pleased to offer an excellent opportunity for a candidate seeking entry-level experience in the legal field. With the guidance of the Self-Help Center (SHC) Supervisors and Senior Self-Help Center (SHC) Specialists, the selected candidate will support the Self-Help Center (SHC) staff by providing assistance to Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs). The Self-Help Center (SHC) provides legal information to Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs) with legal issues that can be addressed in District Court, pursuant to Minn. Gen. R. Prac. Rule 110. The goals of the Self-Help Center (SHC) include increasing access to justice and improving the efficiency of the Minnesota Judicial Branch. This position is part of a cohort of internship positions with District Court for the summer, and will participate in professional development trainings, as well as opportunities to learn about the work of the courts and Self-Help Center’s (SHC) role in supporting the court's mission and vision. The position is classified as an Intern Professional, with a working title of Self-Help Center Intern. It is a temporary position for the summer of 2026, with an expected start date on or near June 2, 2026, and an anticipated end date of August 29, 2026. Candidates will be considered on a full-time or part-time basis, which will be negotiated with the supervisor. Standard business hours for District Court are 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Scheduled work hours for this position will be finalized between the candidate and supervisor. This position will work onsite at the Self-Help Center (SHC), which is located at the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis. .[LZ1] The Minnesota Judicial Branch offers a comprehensive benefits package. To learn more about benefits, click here.

Requirements

Current enrollment in vocational or technical school, college, university, or graduate or professional school
Be 18 years or age or older by 06/02/2026.
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment.
Ability to simplify legal concepts and terminology to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs).
Ability to effectively work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with little experience with the judicial system.
Ability to work in an inclusive, multicultural environment that values diversity and relationships.
Customer service experience.
Successful candidate will be required to pass a Criminal Background Check prior to appointment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a court or legal setting.
Knowledge of issues facing people experiencing homelessness, violence, and poverty.
Current enrollment in a juris doctorate program from an accredited law school.

Responsibilities

Support Self-Help Center (SHC) staff in providing legal information to Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs) in-person for a variety of court-related matters, including civil and family matters
Provide scribing assistance to Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs) filling out court forms for a variety of court-related matters, such as Harassment Restraining Orders and Dissolution of Marriage
Determine appropriate resources and referrals for customers within the Self-Help Center (SHC), the court, and outside organizations
Research legal matters & changes in the law as to how they could affect Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs) and the forms and information that the Self-Help Center (SHC) provides
Other administrative duties as assigned