Legal Education in Minnesota
Law schools, paralegal programs, certifications, bar exam resources, and continuing education in Minnesota.
Law Schools
ABA-accredited JD programs in Minnesota
University of Minnesota Law School
Top-ranked public law school in Minneapolis offering JD, LLM, and joint degree programs. Home to 20+ centers and institutes including the Human Rights Center.
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Private law school formed from the 2015 merger of William Mitchell and Hamline University School of Law. Pioneered the hybrid (on-campus + online) JD format.
University of St. Thomas School of Law
Private Catholic law school in downtown Minneapolis emphasizing ethics, service, and mentorship. Interprofessional programs with business and social work.
Paralegal Programs
Accredited paralegal education and certificate programs
Inver Hills Community College — Paralegal Program
ABA-approved since 1978 — associate degree and certificate programs preparing students for careers as paralegals in law firms, government, and corporate legal departments.
North Hennepin Community College — Paralegal Program
ABA-approved associate degree and certificate options. Highest-rated community college paralegal program in Minnesota per Minnesota Lawyer Reader Rankings.
Minnesota State University Moorhead — Paralegal Program
ABA-approved four-year bachelor's degree in paralegal studies with emphasis options in transactions or litigation — one of the few BS paralegal programs in the Upper Midwest.
Hamline University — Online Paralegal Certificate
ABA-approved graduate-level online paralegal certificate — 20 credits across five courses, completable in approximately 12 months.
Minnesota Paralegal Association
Statewide professional organization for paralegals — networking events, CLE, job board, and advocacy for the paralegal profession.
Court Reporter & Captioning Programs
Stenography, digital reporting, and real-time captioning training
Anoka Technical College — Judicial Reporting Program
The only NCRA-approved judicial reporting program in Minnesota. AAS degree with specializations in judicial reporting and real-time captioning.
Minnesota Association of Verbatim Reporters and Captioners (MAVRC)
Professional organization for court reporters, captioners, and CART providers — NCRA affiliate promoting stenographic reporting in Minnesota.
Mediator & ADR Certification
Alternative dispute resolution training and qualified neutral roster
Minnesota Rule 114 Qualified Neutral Roster
The Minnesota Supreme Court maintains a roster of qualified neutrals under Rule 114. Neutrals must complete approved ADR training and meet experience requirements.
Mitchell Hamline Dispute Resolution Institute (DRI)
Nationally recognized ADR program offering a Certificate in Dispute Resolution, LLM in ADR, and Rule 114 qualifying training for mediators and arbitrators.
Minnesota State Bar Association — ADR Section
MSBA section for attorneys practicing mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law — events, publications, and mentorship.
Legal Nurse Consulting
Certification programs for RNs providing litigation support
Duke University — Legal Nurse Consulting Certificate
Online certificate program for registered nurses providing litigation consulting, case analysis, and expert testimony services. Classes taught by practicing professionals.
American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC)
National professional organization offering the LNCC certification — the gold standard credential for legal nurse consultants.
Notary Public Certification
How to become a notary public in Minnesota
Minnesota Secretary of State — Notary Public
Official guide to becoming a Minnesota notary public. Requirements: 18+, MN resident or bordering-state resident, complete state-approved course, pass exam, $120 filing fee.
Minnesota Notary Commission Renewal
Information on renewing your Minnesota notary commission — five-year terms, renewal requirements, and application process.
Bar Admission & Exam
Pathways to becoming a licensed attorney in Minnesota
Minnesota Board of Law Examiners
Administers the Minnesota bar exam and oversees attorney admission. Minnesota adopted the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) — scores are portable to other UBE jurisdictions.
Minnesota Bar Exam Information
Detailed bar exam requirements, testing dates, passing score (260 on UBE), application deadlines, and character & fitness review process.
Admission by Transferred UBE Score
Transfer a qualifying UBE score (260+) from another jurisdiction to gain admission to the Minnesota bar without retaking the exam.
Minnesota State Board of Legal Certification
Board-certified specialist designations in civil trial, criminal trial, real property, labor & employment, and other practice areas through the MSBA.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
Requirements for licensed Minnesota attorneys
Minnesota State Board of Continuing Legal Education
Official CLE regulatory board — attorneys must complete 45 CLE credits every three years, including 3 ethics credits and 2 elimination of bias credits.
Minnesota CLE
Primary CLE course provider for Minnesota attorneys — seminars, webinars, and on-demand programs covering all major practice areas.
Legal Secretary & Legal Assistant Programs
Certificate and degree programs for legal support professionals
Rasmussen University — Paralegal Programs
Associate and certificate programs in paralegal studies preparing students for careers as legal assistants, office administrators, and corporate compliance roles.
Association of Legal Administrators — Minnesota Chapter
Professional development organization for legal administrators and support staff — over 200 members, education programs, networking, and career resources.
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