MJF is a not-for-profit organization.Donate now to support equal justice for all. Donations are tax deductible.
For Students
Through MJF you can choose to volunteer your time on a project in an area of law which most closely matches your interests and strengths. In doing so, you make an enormous difference for low-income Minnesotans who might otherwise go underrepresented.
For Attorneys
Public interest and pro bono attorneys working with low-income clients may request the assistance of law students through MJF. Law students may help with client intake and interviewing, community legal education, courtroom representation, fact investigation, legal research and writing, government paperwork, or special projects. Law students can work in your office on a weekly basis throughout the semester or can help you with a specific case or project.
Our Programs
MJF accomplishes its goal to help meet the legal needs of low-income Minnesotans through three primary tracks: the Law School Public Service Program (LSPSP); the Summer Fellowship Program (SFP); and Street Law.
About Us
In 1982, law students concerned about serving Minnesota’s low-income community founded MJF. These visionary students believed that lawyers and law students have a special professional obligation to provide quality legal services to those who cannot afford legal representation. MJF developed a broad vision in the mid-1980s as civil legal service providers were suffering massive cutbacks in federal funding; in response to this crisis, MJF created volunteer and Summer Fellowship programs, establishing the organization’s commitment to provide law student assistance to public interest and pro bono attorneys working in the community. Over the years, MJF’s members have highlighted the need for legal services for low-income individuals and for creating pro bono opportunities for law students and lawyers.
GET TO KNOW MJFSummer Fellowship Program
As MJF’s oldest program, the Summer Fellowship Program provides funds for Minnesota law students to work as summer fellows at public interest law offices.
These agencies are hosting summer fellows in 2023:
Anishinabe Legal Services
Central Minnesota Legal Services – Minneapolis
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
International Institute of Minnesota
Leech Lake Tribal Court
Legal Assistance of Dakota County, Ltd.
Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid – Minnesota Disability Law Center
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid – St. Cloud and Willmar
Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy
Neighborhood Justice Center
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services – Mankato
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services – St. Paul; Economic Justice
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services – St. Paul; Education Law Advocacy Project