Pia Puentsepina standing on the university campus, with the city skyline behind her.

The Minnesota Difference

Minnesota Law has long been known for academic rigor, expert faculty, and public service. But what sets us apart from other top law schools is the combination of that excellence with one of the strongest clinical and experiential education programs in the nation. That’s the Minnesota Difference: our students don’t just learn to think like a lawyer, but how to act like one, too. As AI transforms routine legal analysis, they are prepared to step boldly into practice—to become the interviewers, negotiators, creative problem-solvers, and insightful counselors who will shape the future of our profession. 

Prentiss Cox '90 teaching civil procedure to his 1L class.

Transforming the 1L Experience

Professor Prentiss Cox ’90 Makes the Case for a New Approach to Civil Procedure

 The University of Minnesota Law School stands apart for its rigorous academics and robust experiential learning. Our Law in Practice course gives 1Ls an early, unmatched introduction to real legal work — an opportunity few law schools offer. Clinics, field placements, externships, summer employment, and simulation courses in the 2L and 3L years build on that foundation, preparing students for practice long before graduation. Learn about our clinics and experiential education opportunities.

The FILC and CRA clinics outside of the U.S. Supreme Court

A Supreme Experience

Minnesota Law students from the Federal Immigration Litigation Clinic and the Civil Rights Appellate Clinic built a case in preparation for oral argument at the U.S. Supreme Court

Professor Caleb Smith and Caroline Rice standing in a court room.

Turning Debt into Relief: Minnesota Law’s Tax Clinic Rights an IRS Wrong

A client’s tax burden became a refund after the Ronald M. Mankoff Tax Clinic uncovered a critical error in the IRS’s electronic filing system.

Savannah Klein ’25 and Jack Thomas ’26.

An Experience Like No Other

Minnesota Law’s Experiential Education Programs Sets Students on the Path to Becoming Successful Lawyers

Katelyn Tarrolly ’25.

Hands-On Experience in a ‘Dream Job’

The Corporate Externship Field Placement Program Sets Students Up for Success

TOP 10
in Practical Training
(Prelaw)
95%
Employment Rate
(2024 Grads; FT/ LT JD Required/ JD Advantage)
97%
Bar Passage Rate
(2025 MN July First-Time Takers)
TOP 20
Overall Law School
(U.S. News & World Report)

Highlighted Clinics & Experiential Education Faculty

Minnesota Law provides a dynamic academic environment led by distinguished faculty who are scholars and practitioners at the top of their fields. Learn more about our exceptional faculty

245+
Law Students
Took One or More Clinical Courses Last Year
250+
Externships and field placements
Available with Community Partners and Organizations
400+
Law Students Enrolled
in Externships & Field Placements Last Year
105,826
Hours
of Free Legal Services Provided to Clients and the Community Last Year

Ready to Lead

Our graduates stand out for their sharp legal minds, real-world experience, and the confidence to tackle complex challenges. Whether in law firms, public service, business, or government, employers know they’re gaining colleagues who can contribute immediately and grow into leaders. That’s why Minnesota Law alumni are in high demand—and why they quickly become indispensable members of any team. See where our grads go

Students from the Business Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic, Shannon Schooley '25, Nate Moorse '25, Ethan Wold '25 Kasey Sullivan '25 Sean Villeneuve  '25, Harris Scharf '25, Matthew Wedin '25, and Eddie Brody '25, recently visited MidCity Kitchen and heard from clinic client Sam West about the vision he has for his business.

Giving Small Businesses the Boost They Need to Get Started

Students in the Business Law and Entrepreneurship Clinic help small businesses get established with legal services while gaining hands-on experience

Nate Bander

Addressing a Growing Need

Nate Bander ’25, Frank De Jong ’25, and Rose Lewis ’25 are named Robina Postgraduate Fellows