For over a decade, the TCDIP 1L Clerkship has helped
launch the careers of law students in the Twin Cities.
We strengthen a diverse legal talent pipeline with strategic partnerships
between TCDIP Members from law firms and corporate legal departments.
Programming and benefits for TCDIP 1L Clerks include the following:
• Exposure to Leadership: Throughout the summer, TCDIP 1L Clerks have multiple opportunities to engage with senior leadership from across TCDIP. Our Board of Directors, Emerging Leaders Group, and Members all devote time to getting to know Clerks and sharing more about the Twin Cities legal community.
• Professional Development: TCDIP 1L Clerks participate in professional development programs focused on developing authentic relationship-building skills.
• Small Group Professional Coaching: TCDIP 1L Clerks have the opportunity to sign up for small group sessions with a professional coach. TCDIP 1L Clerks are encouraged to discuss topics such as work-life balance, navigating office politics, and specific individual concerns during the coaching sessions. These sessions take place outside of work hours and are confidential.
• Meaningful Mentorship: TCDIP 1L Clerks have the opportunity to meet with mentors from outside their organization throughout the summer.
• Connections to Alumni: At the beginning of the summer, TCDIP 1L Clerks connect with program alumni who share their tips and tricks for building a successful summer experience.
TCDIP 1L Clerkship Positions
View 2025 TCDIP 1L Clerkship Positions and Apply
View our 2025 TCDIP 1L Clerkship opportunities below by clicking “open”! We are proud to host over 35 paid positions for 1L students. The mission of TCDIP is to attract, recruit, advance, and retain attorneys of color in the Twin Cities through education and collaboration with member organizations. TCDIP 1L Clerkship Applications are open to all students and there is no prohibition to apply based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, or other characteristics.
All TCDIP 1L Clerks are hired and employed directly by the law firm for the duration of their TCDIP 1L Clerkship experience.
To apply, please read the application instructions for each firm closely, and apply as instructed. Application instructions are called out, but please be sure to read the full job posting for each firm closely to understand the position available and the qualities each firm is seeking. Students will need to submit individual applications for each position. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact the 1L Clerkship contact for the firm, or email info@diversityinpractice.org. Most firms accept applications on a rolling basis, and some firms have additional specific deadlines.
Open
Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A.
Corporate Partner: Travelers Insurance
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates for potential future employment, but without specific knowledge of 2026 2L Summer Associate hiring needs.
Apply to: recruiting@arthurchapman.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Ballard Spahr
Corporate Partner: H.B. Fuller
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: naegelej@ballardspahr.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Corporate Partner: N/A
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates for potential future employment, but without specific knowledge of 2026 2L Summer Associate hiring needs.
1L Clerkship Contact: Kim.Finney@btlaw.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Best and Flannagan
Corporate Partner: To Be Determined
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: recruitment@bestlaw.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Carlson Caspers Vandenburgh & Lindquist PA
Corporate Partner: Abbott
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: mlaschansky@carlsoncaspers.com
Application Instructions: This positions is closed, thank you.
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Corporate Partners: Prime Therapeutics, US Bank, UnitedHealth Group, Xcel Energy
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: otto.kirsten@dorsey.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Dykema
Corporate Partners: N/A
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: KPortillo@dykema.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Corporate Partners: Cargill, Intact Insurance Group, Target, and Xcel Energy
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: keara.bores@faegredrinker.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
Corporate Partner: General Mills
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: sborgendale@fredlaw.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Greenberg Traurig LLP
Corporate Partners: U.S. Bank
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates for potential future employment, but without specific knowledge of 2026 2L Summer Associate hiring needs.
1L Clerkship Contact: sam.choo@gtlaw.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Greene Espel PLLP
Corporate Partner: Cargill and Medtronic
Hiring Goals: Providing great legal experience for 1L Clerks.
1L Clerkship Contact: cokerson@greeneespel.com
Application Instructions: These positions are closed, thank you.
Gustafson Gluek
Corporate Partner: Not applicable, plaintiff’s firm.
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates for potential future employment, but without specific knowledge of 2026 2L Summer Associate hiring needs.
1L Clerkship Contact: tgrill@gustafsongluek.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Jones Day
Corporate Partner: Ameriprise Financial
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: cbrasser@jonesday.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Kennedy & Graven
Corporate Partner: Minnesota municipalities
Hiring Goals: Providing great legal experience for 1L Clerks.
1L Clerkship Contact: sschmale@kennedy-graven.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Larkin Hoffman
Corporate Partner: Mall of America
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates for potential future employment, but without specific knowledge of 2026 2L Summer Associate hiring needs.
1L Clerkship Contact: hrmail@larkinhoffman.com
Application Instructions: This position has been filled, thank you.
Larson King LLP
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates for potential future employment, but without specific knowledge of 2026 2L Summer Associate hiring needs.
1L Clerkship Contact: cboisen@larsonking.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Lathrop GPM LLP
Corporate Partner: CHS
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates for potential future employment, but without specific knowledge of 2026 2L Summer Associate hiring needs.
1L Clerkship Contact: Jaclyn.Steiner@lathropgpm.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Lewis Brisbois
Corporate Partner: Ameriprise Financial
1L Clerkship Contact: Carlene.Holter@lewisbrisbois.com
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates for potential future employment, but without specific knowledge of 2026 2L Summer Associate hiring needs.
Application Instructions: This position has been filled, thank you.
Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates for potential future employment, but without specific knowledge of 2026 2L Summer Associate hiring needs.
Partner Organization: Metropolitan Council
1L Clerkship Contact: segirard@locklaw.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Maslon LLP
Corporate Partner: Mortenson, Life Time
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: angie.roell@maslon.com
Application Instructions: These positions are closed, thank you.
Meagher & Geer
Corporate Partner: Allianz
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates for potential future employment, but without specific knowledge of 2026 2L Summer Associate hiring needs.
1L Clerkship Contact: dweiss@meagher.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Merchant and Gould
Corporate Partner: Ecolab
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: ratencio@merchantgould.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Nelson Mullins
Corporate Partner: Pentair and Medtronic
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: ashley.taylorlampkin@nelsonmullins.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Nichols Kaster
As a plaintiff’s firm, Nichols Kaster does not have a partnering organization.
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: tmorin@nka.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Robins Kaplan
Corporate Partner: Inspire Medical
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: EHusemann@RobinsKaplan.com
Application Instruction: This position is closed, thank you.
Saul Ewing
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: romaisa.sulemany@saul.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Stinson LLP
Corporate Partner: US Bank
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: recruiting@stinson.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Stoel Rives
Corporate Partner: UnitedHealth Group
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates for potential future employment, but without specific knowledge of 2026 2L Summer Associate hiring needs.
1L Clerkship Contact: attorneyrecruiting@stoel.com
Application Instructions: This position has been filled, thank you.
Taft Stettinius & Hollister
Corporate Partner: Xcel Energy
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class.
1L Clerkship Contact: msauceman@taftlaw.com
Application Instructions: This position has been filled, thank you.
Winthrop & Weinstine
Corporate Partners: Sherman Associates
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates to fill their 2026 2L Summer Associate class
1L Clerkship Contact: slocsin@winthrop.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Zelle LLP
Corporate Partner: Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions, Travelers Insurance
Hiring Goals: Evaluating candidates for potential future employment, but without specific knowledge of 2026 2L Summer Associate hiring needs.
1L Clerkship Contact: lbartlow@zellelaw.com
Application Instructions: This position is closed, thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the TCDIP 1L Clerkship?
Open
TCDIP encourages law students from across the country to apply, especially 1L students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. Anyone can apply for the positions and there is no prohibition based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other characteristics.
What is the summer schedule for TCDIP 1L Clerks?
Open
Employers work together to customize a schedule that works best for their organizations and Clerks. Most TCDIP 1L Clerks work some portion of the summer in a Member law firm and some portion of the summer in a Member corporate legal department. Other clerks may work primarily in a law firm setting, with regular opportunities to visit and engage with corporate employers. The TCDIP 1L Clerkship usually lasts between 10 and 12 weeks.
What will you do as a TCDIP 1L Clerk?
Open
Clerks engage in meaningful work assignments designed to build legal skills and educate Clerks on the roles and responsibilities of attorneys working within a law firm and in-house legal department setting. Law firm and corporate employers will provide one or more designated Supervisors within each work setting. Supervisors and others will provide timely feedback and evaluation of Clerks.
What programming does TCDIP provide for TCDIP 1L Clerks?
Open
In addition to the programming offered by their employers, Clerks are invited to attend several TCDIP- sponsored events over the course of the summer, including a welcome reception, professional development workshops, and a networking brunch with our Emerging Leaders Group. In addition, TCDIP 1L Clerks will be paired with an Attorney Mentor from a Member Organization different from their primary employer so that each Clerk can learn more about the Twin Cities legal community. TCDIP’s Executive Director, Summra M. Shariff, also serves as a resource for all Clerks and employers over the course of the summer.
How are TCDIP 1L Clerks recruited and hired?
Open
TCDIP promotes the program to top 100 law schools nationwide, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and law schools in the Midwest to help recruit a diverse pool of candidates. Law students apply directly to participating law firm Members based on instructions posted on the TCDIP website. TCDIP 1L Clerkship jobs are posted to our website, and employers also post summer positions on other platforms. The law firms are responsible for screening, selecting, and hiring TCDIP 1L Clerks in coordination with their corporate partner.
What are the compensation guidelines for TCDIP 1L Clerks?
Open
Law firm Members are responsible for paying a salary to the summer clerk for the entire clerkship period, including the time clerks are working with the corporate Member. TCDIP does not provide specific compensation guidelines but asks that Members pay TCDIP 1L Clerks at the same rate as other 1L students working at their organization.
Who is responsible for supervising and evaluating clerkship participants?
Open
Law firm and corporate Members should make sure their Clerk has a designated supervisor within each work setting. Supervisors and others should provide timely feedback and evaluation of Clerks. We ask Members to provide meaningful work assignments designed to build legal skills and educate Clerks on the roles and responsibilities of attorneys working within a law firm and in-house legal department setting.
Information
For Employers
Open
Stay tuned for 2026 dates!
1. Review the TCDIP 1L Clerkship Employer Guide document which includes an Employer Best Practices Guide.
2. Determine the number of TCDIP Clerks your organization would like to host.
3. Identify a partnering Member Organization. We ask law firm and corporate Members to partner with each other to host a Clerk. Each law firm hires a Clerk who will also work with a partnering corporate legal department during the summer. If you are unsure what organization you would like to partner with, email info@diversityinpractice.org for a list of Member Organizations, Member Representatives, and recruiting contacts. Please contact info@diversityinpractice.org if you have any questions.
4. Negotiate the terms of the clerkship with your partner Organization. Be sure to discuss agreements or documents that may need to be signed (e.g., indemnity agreements, secondment agreements, etc.). You may also want to discuss how the Clerk’s schedule will be split between the firm and the corporation. It is important to ensure that both Organizations are in agreement about the details of hosting a clerk before registering with TCDIP. When contacting partner firms or corporations, please include both the Member Representative and recruiting professional(s) (if listed) on all communications.
5. Register with TCDIP. Once you have confirmed your agreements with a partnering organization, both the law firm and corporate Member Organizations should fill out a registration form. If you encounter any issues with the form, please email info@diversityinpractice.org. Once organizations have registered, we will reach out to the law firms for job postings and start promoting the clerkships to law schools across the country.
For Students
Open
Important dates for students:
November 2024: Applications open for law students to apply for 1L Clerkship positions. Many applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please read the instructions for each application carefully. Students are encouraged to apply early!
January 24, 2025: First deadline for TCDIP 1L Clerkship Applications.
Spring 2025: Clerks are notified of placements.
See our FAQ for more information! Available Positions: Stay tuned.