The Consumer Protection Clinic works with public agencies, private attorneys, legislators, advocacy groups and others on developing impact litigation and legislation.
Most of our work is under an appointment with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Students receive a designation as a Special Assistant Attorney General for their time in the clinic. We assist the Attorney General’s Office with research, investigation, and drafting related to public enforcement of Minnesota deceptive trade practices laws and other consumer protection laws. Example topical areas for public enforcement work include mortgages and residential home purchases, predatory lending and other consumer credit issues, abusive debt collection, landlord-tenant law, wage theft, and public health.
In our work with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, and in support of legislators and advocacy groups, we sometimes draft consumer protection legislation and engage in other public policy projects.
Additional Commitments: None
What to expect when working on cases and with clients:
Students mostly work in teams of two. Almost all cases will require extensive legal research and writing, usually on matters of enforcement authority, financial regulation, or the interpretation of federal and state laws governing marketplace fraud. Students also often engage in research related to specific business sectors or public records searches about particular investigatory targets. Many cases require students to review documents, draft investigative demands or pleadings, and interview consumers or other witnesses. Students typically work closely with one or more Assistant Attorney Generals in charge of the case.
With rare exception, cases in this clinic do not involve representing individual clients or appearing in court. This clinic is most appropriate for students interested in more complex issues of law and serving as part of a team building public enforcement actions and similar cases.
NOTE: This course requires certification pursuant to the student practice rule and is open to JD students only.