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The University of Minnesota Law Schools Clemency Project is seeking applicants who are recent law graduates for the Hassan & Nazie Nemazee Clemency Fellowship. The fellowship will begin in August 2026 and is a two-year commitment.
The Clemency Project advocates for a humane criminal justice system that diverts individuals from the conviction process, provides second look opportunities for those serving excessive sentences, and mitigates the long-term impact of a criminal record. It is an integrated program, involving individual representation, impact litigation, policy advocacy and research that connects law students directly to the human realities of mass incarceration. The Project also explores issues relating to the quality of incarceration. Drawing from work in individual cases, the Project generates research insights and drives judicial and policy reforms that benefit a broader community of justice-impacted individuals.
The Clemency Clinic is housed within the Legal Clinics at the University of Minnesota Law School. The Law School currently offers over twenty-five clinical courses with a broad diversity of subject matters. The Law School is committed to providing national leadership in clinical education and to ensure that students are prepared for the increasing complexities of legal practice in a diverse community. 
The Fellow will work with and report to the director of the Clemency Project. The position requires on-site physical presence at the Clemency Project Clinic (the Clinic) but also allows for a portion of the work to be done remotely.
The fellowship is ideal for individuals with interests in: 
Direct client representation 
Academic clinical work
Policy development and initiatives 
Coordinated impact-litigation 

This is a 100% time, renewable, 12-month academic professional appointment. The initial appointment will be for one year. The appointment may be renewed for up to an additional one year following the successful completion of the first year. This is a hyrbid position. 
Duties and Responsibilities: Under the mentorship of the director of the Clemency Project, the Clinic Fellow will provide direct legal representation to prisoners and those seeking relief from the consequences of their convictions, and assist in the supervision of law students providing such representation. Beyond direct representation, the Fellow has some flexibility and discretion in taking on additional responsibilities depending on their interests. A goal of this position is to facilitate the professional development of the Fellow. 
Additional responsibilities or opportunities that the Fellow is likely to engage with include publishing practitioner oriented or scholarly articles; conducting empirical research; developing outreach strategies and educational material; coordinating impact litigation projects; drafting legislation, regulations and/or comments for legislators and policymakers; providing guidance and feedback to students; assist in teaching clinic seminar sessions.

Required Qualifications: J.D. degree from an A.B.A. accredited law school. Applicants must have at least one year of experience as a practicing lawyer (and ideally three years) and must be licensed to practice law in at least one state (whether Minnesota or another state).

Preferences: Knowledge of criminal and sentencing law and previous completion of advanced criminal law and sentences courses is preferred but not necessary for the position. Preferred applicants will have experience working with criminal defendants and/or prisoners, or strong prior clinical or practice experience. 

Pay Range: $70,000 - $75,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

This position is open until filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. We are hoping to hire with a start date in mid-August 2026. A complete application consists of a cover letter and resume. The priority deadline for applications is July 6, 2026 and the position is open until filled. 

For further information, applicants can contact JaneAnne Murray, Director of the Clemency Project Clinic, at murrayj@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.