This Local Government Externship is named after long-serving League of Minnesota Cities’ General Counsel Thomas L. (“Tom”) Grundhoefer whose untimely passing in 2017 was deeply felt in Minnesota’s municipal law community. This externship reflects Tom’s legacy of public service and a passionate commitment to local government. It is designed to provide second-year or third-year law students with a wide range of experiences and opportunities to learn and observe civil side municipal practitioners and local government experts in two or three settings where the legal work is focused on local government clients. Externs will be exposed to a variety of legal issues potentially including contracts, torts, personal injury, employment, civil rights, land use and real estate, and data privacy. Externs will also be involved in a variety of local government-related projects and activities while learning the fundamental mission, structure, and operations of a municipal law practice in Minnesota. There is also the opportunity to attend the Minnesota Association of City Attorneys’ Annual Educational Conference in February 2020.
Participant Requirements
- Completion of one year of law school
- Successful completion of a legal writing class
- Submission of resume, transcript, and letter of intent describing experience and interest in public law. Must be emailed to Prof. Denise Roy (roy@mitchellhamline.edu) by 11:59 p.m. on November 15, 2019. The deadline may be extended as needed, but submission by November 15 will ensure full consideration.
- Ability to travel between worksites and to off-site events
Hours and Compensation
Externs will be considered League of Minnesota Cities employees during the duration of the program. The positions are non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and will pay $15/hour. Workweeks will typically involve up to 20 hours at various assigned locations, but with flexible scheduling to support Externs’ class schedules.