Working Title: Legal Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: Clemency Review Commission
• Job ID: 93075
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time or Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Intern
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/25/2026
• Closing Date: 04/15/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Clemency Review Commission / Clemency Rev Com-Non Employee
• Division/Unit: ClemencyReviewCommission(CRC) / Clemency Executive Director St
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday (Variable)
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $25.00/hour
• Classified Status: Non-Status
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 223 - Non-Employee/Unrep
• FLSA Status: No FLSA Required
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
About The Clemency Review Commission Legal Internship Program
The Clemency Review Commission’s Legal Internship Program is an exciting and unique opportunity for Minnesota law students interested in public service. As a legal intern with the Clemency Review Commission, you will gain insight into the new clemency process in Minnesota and learn valuable skills to prepare you for your future career, all while seizing a unique opportunity to give back to the State of Minnesota.
Internship Program Details
• Up to 4 internships are available.
• Full-time or Part-time hours (20-40 hours per week) Monday – Friday.
• Applications and a cover letter for Summer 2026 are due Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
• Flexible start and end dates between May and September.
Internship Position Summary
The Clemency Review Commission (CRC) provides administrative support and recommendations about clemency decisions to the Board of Pardons (comprised of the Governor, Attorney General, and Chief Justice). The CRC includes 9 members, 3 appointed by each member of the Board of Pardons, and 6 agency staff members. Legal interns help investigate and draft summaries of clemency applications in preparation for the monthly Commission meetings and quarterly Board of Pardons meetings.
Job Duties Include:
• Process, screen, investigate, and summarize applications for clemency submitted to the Minnesota Board of Pardons.
• Investigate eligible applicants through gathering and review of court records, criminal records, prison records, and driver’s license records.
• Prepare written summaries of eligible applications for pardons, commutations, waivers of the waiting period, and permission to reapply early that will be on the Board’s meeting agenda.
• Prepare and file pardon and commutation certificates, proposed court orders, and court correspondence.
• Provide support during meetings of the Clemency Review Commission and Board of Pardons.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest in working for the Clemency Review Commission. An additional writing sample (not to exceed 5 pages) will be requested of internship applicants as part of the selection process via email prior to interview selection.
Internship Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for an internship, you must meet the following requirements:
• You must be a student at an accredited educational institution; AND
• You must be enrolled in a law school program; AND
• Your advisor must certify that you will either receive academic credit or fulfill an academic requirement. The signature of a sponsoring academic instructor is required prior to beginning an internship.
Interns must meet the following minimum qualifications:
• Strong written communication and analytical skills
• Ability to understand, clearly explain, and synthesize facts in written reports and recommendations.
• Interest or experience in criminal law.
Preferred Qualifications
• Strong preference for 2L/3L law students
Additional Requirements
Interns must pass a criminal background check prior to employment. Applicants will be screened for a criminal history, predatory offender registration, offender associations and/or other applicable background information through the MN Department of Corrections. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.
Interns must be eligible for CJIS certification and will be fingerprinted within the first 30 days of employment.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Jessica Fenlon at jessica.fenlon@state.mn.us or 651-201-2492.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
