Introducing our 2026 1L Clerkship Class
(Updated Weekly)
Weslyn Harmon
Faegre Drinker, Intact Insurance
Vanderbilt Law School
Weslyn is a J.D. Candidate at Vanderbilt Law School, with an interest in Antitrust and Competition litigation and compliance work. Weslyn completed her B.A. at Howard University in Political Science, and while in D.C. she interned on Capital Hill, and served as a student worker at the Howard University Center for Women, Gender & Global Leadership. She also participated in the Young Innovators Program with the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota to host a summer sewing and entrepreneurship program in 2023. Upon graduating, she took a gap year to work as a paralegal in Minneapolis before starting law school. This summer she will be a summer associate at Faegre Drinker and also a Judical Extern in the U.S. District Court for the Northen District of Illinois.
Ben Hackett
Nelson Mullins, Pentair
University of St. Thomas
Ben is a rising 2L at the University of St. Thomas School of Law with an interest in commercial litigation, transactional, and election law. Ben first became interested in a legal career while he worked in a congressional office directly helping and being an advocate for constituents. This interest was solidified when he later worked as a program coordinator at LegalCORPS, a Minnesota legal aid organization. Outside of law school, Ben loves to camp, hike, and rock climb. Ben also loves running and has run Grandma’s and the Twin Cities marathons. Ben loves to yap (and drink coffee), so feel free to reach out to him at hack4373@stthomas.edu to connect!
Aimee Christenson
University of St. Thomas
Meagher + Geer, Ameriprise
Aimee is a rising 2L at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. She is currently exploring multiple areas of law, with a particular interest in sports and entertainment law. Before law school, Aimee earned a B.A. in Political Science at Bemidji State University with minors in International Relations and History. During her time at Bemidji, Aimee worked in NCAA compliance where she assisted in monitoring eligibility requirements, adhering to NCAA regulations, and supporting student-athletes and staff. She was a four-year member of the softball team, earning numerous academic accolades throughout her collegiate career. Aimee brings the same work ethic, discipline, and competitive drive from her experience as a student-athlete into her legal studies and professional pursuits.
Jett Bailey
University of Minnesota
Kennedy & Graven
Jett is a J.D. candidate at the University of Minnesota Law School and plans to work in the Twin Cities after graduation. Before law school, he studied Education Policy at the University of Wisconsin Madison and worked for the Madison Metropolitan School District as an Employee Relations Analyst conducting staff misconduct investigations. He also worked at the Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau as a Compliance Auditor and served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Wisconsin Army National Guards 132D Army Band. Jett is passionate about disability rights, veterans issues, government accountability, and education law and policy. He hopes to build a legal career counseling governmental entities and other regulated institutions, something he is already gaining experience with this summer at Kennedy & Graven, Chartered. Reach out to Jett at bail0593@umn.edu to connect!
Yusuf Mohamed
University of St. Thomas School of Law
Arthur Chapman, LifeTime
Yusuf Mohamed is a J.D. candidate at the University of St. Thomas School of Law with a strong interest in litigation, particularly in products liability, and complex civil matters. His decision to attend law school was shaped by his early exposure to legal work and his interest in advocacy, especially in environments where legal strategy directly impacts real people and communities. Prior to law school, Yusuf worked for over two years at a personal injury firm, where he gained experience in legal drafting, case management, and client relations. He has worked on matters involving litigation, arbitration, and depositions, developing a practical understanding of how cases progress from intake through resolution. Yusuf also studied comparative and international law abroad in Tokyo, where he worked in English on international legal projects. Outside of law school, he enjoys attending court proceedings, staying active, and spending time with friends and family. Reach out to Yusuf at moha5110@stthomas.edu to connect!
Min Park
University of Minnesota Law School
Taft, Stettinius & Hollister
Min is a rising 2L at the University of Minnesota Law School with an interest in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and leveraged finance. Min brings a business and regulatory background to the practice of law, completing his B.A. in Economics at the University of Idaho after spending a year on the football team at Hillsdale College. Before law school, Min spent 2.5 years as a regulatory analyst at Intermountain Gas, where he developed an understanding of how regulated industries navigate complex financial and compliance frameworks. He hopes to draw on this foundation to contribute to transactional work where business strategy meets legal practice. Currently, Min is a summer associate at Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, where he is looking forward to gaining experience in M&A, private equity, and leveraged finance transactions. Reach out to Min at park3277@umn.edu to connect!
Maya Lorentz
University of St. Thomas School of Law
Stoel Rives LLP, FujiFilm
Maya is a rising 2L at the University of St. Thomas School of Law with an interest in products liability and healthcare. Prior to law school, she graduated with a B.B.A. in International Business from Loyola University, Chicago and spent a couple of years working in accounting at a medical real estate firm. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, running, and making stained glass windows. This summer, Maya will be a summer associate at Stoel Rives LLP in Minneapolis, where she is looking forward to learning more about their environmental and energy practices, as well as gaining experience in a variety of other areas. Reach out to Maya at maya.lorentz@stthomas.edu to connect!
Caden Salo
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Dorsey & Whitney LLP, C.H. Robinson
Caden is a rising 2L at Mitchell Hamline School of Law with interests in labor and employment law and immigration. Before law school, Caden received a B.A. in Political Science and Hispanic Studies from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and later received his Master’s in Teaching ESL from Hamline University. A former middle school ESL teacher, Caden brings a unique, multilingual perspective to the workplace (Caden is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese), and he hopes to bring his passion for connection and collaboration to the workplace. Caden is a summer associate at Dorsey & Whitney, where he is excited to gain experience in new practice areas. In his spare time, Caden enjoys cross-country skiing in Northern Minnesota (where he was born and raised) or reading historical fiction. Caden can be reached at caden.salo@mitchellhamline.edu to connect!
Elizabeth Yang
University of St. Thomas School of Law
Robins Kaplan LLP
Elizabeth is a rising 2L at the University of St. Thomas School of Law with an interest in civil litigation. Before law school, Elizabeth graduated from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. As a 2nd generation Hmong American and native Minnesotan, Elizabeth is driven by a mission to make a real impact in the community. During her 1L year, she volunteered with middle school students as a mock trial coach through Maslon’s UPLIFT Program and K-3rd grade students as a literacy tutor through the East Side Learning Center. Most recently, Elizabeth won the pageant title of 2026 Ms. Princess of Asia Minnesota, where she continues to use her platform to uplift others and pave the way for tomorrow’s leaders. Currently, Elizabeth is a summer associate at Robins Kaplan, where she is looking forward to deepening her passion for client advocacy and storytelling.
Raphael Angoulvant
University of Minnesota Law School
Stinson LLP, Mortenson
Raphael Angoulvant: Stinson LLPRaphael is a JD candidate at the University of Minnesota and plans to work in Minneapolis after graduation. He completed a BA in History at University of Colorado Denver and an MA in History and Literature at Columbia University Paris campus. He worked for three years as an academic advisor at University of Colorado Boulder before moving to Minnesota to pursue law school. In his legal career, Raphael hopes to find intellectual rigor and opportunities to help others. Raphael is thrilled to be spending his summer at Stinson and looks forward to learning more about litigation practices. In his free time, Raphael enjoys playing drums, designing board games, and tinkering with bikes. Please don’t hesitate to contact Raphael at angou003@umn.edu.
Gabrielle Smith
University of Minnesota Law School
Maslon LLP
Gabrielle is a rising 2L at the University of Minnesota Law School with an interest in transactional law. She is originally from Plymouth, Minnesota, and plans to work in the Twin Cities after graduating. Before law school, Gabrielle majored in English with minors in Mathematics and Environmental Studies from Vassar College in New York. She then worked at a law firm in Boston (Seyfarth Shaw) for two years, where she worked in business immigration. This experience helped cement her desire to enter the legal field, and she decided to return to Minnesota to start law school. In her spare time, Gabrielle enjoys anything music-related, and especially loves singing and songwriting. Reach out to Gabrielle at smi03487@umn.edu to connect!
Melek Cansu Petek
University of St. Thomas School of Law
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Melek is a rising 2L at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. She is currently interested in civil litigation, as well as labor & employment law. She is originally from Adana, Turkey, and graduated from Bilkent University (Ankara, Turkey) with a degree in English Language and Literature. Prior to attending law school, Melek operated her own small business and storefront in Saint Paul, MN, importing and selling artisanal goods and textiles from Turkey. In her spare time, she loves to travel, host dinner parties, garden, and play board games with friends and family. Reach out to Melek at melek.petek@stthomas.edu to connect!
Kavya Karthic
University of Minnesota Law School
Dorsey & Whitney, U.S Bank
I am a J.D. candidate at the University of Minnesota. I am currently interested in labor & employment, intellectual property, and corporate governance. Before law school, I obtained my Bachelors in Political Science and International Studies at The Ohio State University. My undergraduate journey taught me the importance of giving back to my community. After graduation, I spent a year working as a Criminal and Civil Legal Advocate at Tubman, a part time program assistant at Minnetonka elementary school, and a paralegal at a personal injury law firm. My experience at Tubman and work as a paralegal reinforced my desire to help people navigate complex problems and find practical, creative solutions. In law school, I have received the 2026 MSBF Diversity Scholarship award and volunteered with the Binger Center for New Americans and the Adult English Learning Center. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, game nights with friends, watching horror movies, and traveling! Reach out to me at karth039@umn.edu to connect!
Kelsea Gillespie
University of Minnesota Law School
Dorsey & Whitney
Kelsea is a JD candidate at the University of Minnesota pursuing a concentration in business law. Kelsea holds degrees in Marketing and Finance from Creighton University, where she served as the Vice President for Finance for the student government, overseeing the budgeting and distribution of nearly a million dollars. Prior to law school, Kelsea dedicated a decade to educating her two children, also spending time working as a freelance marketing consultant, a nonprofit program advisor, and serving as the treasurer for an Iowa nonprofit. Kelsea is interested in tax law, public finance, ERISA, and health law, and was drawn to pursue a JD because of her passion for advocacy and solving problems. In her spare time, Kelsea loves spending time with her family, long walks, and playing board games. Reach out to Kelsea at gille761@umn.edu to connect!
Gabriela Evertsz Pulgar
University of Minnesota Law School
Winthrop & Weinstine, Sherman Associates
Gabriela is a rising 2L at the University of Minnesota. Before law school, she received her Bachelors in Sociology with a Concentration in Law and Society with a minor in Economics at UC San Diego. Her undergraduate studies along with her experience as a legal assistant and volunteer at a Legal Aid Clinic cemented her interest in pursuing a legal career. Currently, Gabriela is a summer associate at Winthrop and Weinstine, where she is looking forward to gaining experience in transactional practices such as tax and real estate.In her spare time, Gabriela enjoys rock climbing at the bouldering project, game nights with friends, and walking around the lakes. Reach out to Gabriela at evert055@umn.edu to connect!
Sam Grussing
University of St. Thomas School of Law
Lathrop GPM
Gabriela is a rising 2L at the University of Minnesota. Before law school, she received her Bachelors in Sociology with a Concentration in Law and Society with a minor in Economics at UC San Diego. Her undergraduate studies along with her experience as a legal assistant and volunteer at a Legal Aid Clinic cemented her interest in pursuing a legal career. Currently, Gabriela is a summer associate at Winthrop and Weinstine, where she is looking forward to gaining experience in transactional practices such as tax and real estate.In her spare time, Gabriela enjoys rock climbing at the bouldering project, game nights with friends, and walking around the lakes. Reach out to Gabriela at evert055@umn.edu to connect!
Kellen McLaughlin
Marquette University Law School
Maslon LLP, Mortenson
Kellen is a rising 2L student at Marquette University Law School and is excited to work in the Twin Cities after graduation. He is currently interested in employment litigation, environmental law and zoning, consumer protection, and tort and product liability. While completing his undergraduate degree in English and political science, Kellen studied abroad in Switzerland and developed a love for public transportation. After graduation, he moved to Washington, DC and worked first at the White House and then under Secretary Buttigieg at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Kellen’s time in the federal government, and his experiences working as a legal assistant in Omaha, inspired him to attend Marquette. He enjoys hiking, running, playing trivia and board games, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends. Reach out to Kellen at kellen.mclaughlin@marquette.edu to connect!
Khot Juac
University of St. Thomas School of Law
Zelle LLP
Khot Juac is a law student at University of St. Thomas School of Law. As a South Sudanese American, she recognized how few people from her community were represented in the legal field and wanted to better understand the law and its impact. Her interest in law was also shaped by personal experience: when her family immigrated to the United States, a lawyer helped with their case, showing her the meaningful role advocacy can play in people’s lives. In high school, her English classes in high school explored in depth themes of justice and fairness through literature, and later her college professors further encouraged her pursuit of law through both their teaching and their work as attorneys. While Khot is still exploring what area of law she ultimately wants to pursue, she is drawn to the gray areas of the law and enjoys work that keeps her thinking, questioning, and flexible. Some achievements Khot is proud of include being the first person in her family to graduate from high school, graduate from college, earn a master’s degree, and attend law school. She is also a three-time All-American athlete and has reached master level in Sudoku. Outside of law school, Khot enjoys running, writing poetry, going to the park, and thrifting. Reach out to Khot at juac4070@stthomas.edu to connect!
Kelsey McAlister
Wake Forest School of Law
Stinson LLP, US Bank
Kelsey is a rising 2L at Wake Forest School of Law and plans to move to Minneapolis after graduation. Kelsey went to law school with a passion for advocating against wrongful convictions, and she is passionate about utilizing her future J.D. to give back to her community through pro bono work. Her current career interest is in employment law, and she is excited to explore different areas this summer as well. Before law school, Kelsey graduated from the College of William & Mary with a double major in Government and Sociology, and she then spent a year as a legal assistant in Savannah, Georgia. Currently, Kelsey is a summer associate with Stinson, and she looks forward to spending time with her partner’s family in Minnesota this summer during her free time. Reach out to Kelsey at mcalkm24@wfu.edu to connect!
Mia Green
University of Minnesota Law School
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Mia is a rising second-year law student at the University of Minnesota Law School and grew up in Minneapolis. She is interested in business and corporate law, especially mergers and acquisitions. Before law school, Mia earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She then worked at Morningstar in Chicago as part of a two-year development program, which sparked her interest in corporate governance, business ethics, and client advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, attending concerts, and spending time by the lakes. Mia is a summer associate at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, where she is excited to gain hands on experience and build meaningful connections within the Minneapolis legal community. Reach out to Mia at gree2876@umn.edu to connect!
Alexandra Blackwell
USC Gould School Of Law
Fredrikson & Byron, Lifetime Fitness
Alexandra is a J.D. candidate at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law and plans to practice in Minneapolis after graduation. She is currently interested in business transactional work as well as intellectual property and technology law. Before law school, Alexandra obtained her BBA in Marketing at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she was also a student-athlete on the women’s tennis team. She then served as a Finance Analyst at a large corporation, where she led change management for large-scale transformation initiative. She has also served as the marketing coordinator of a nonprofit mental health advocacy organization. Her background in finance, regulatory compliance, and non-profit work informs her upcoming leadership roles in law school, as the Co-Vice President of the Intellectual Property and Technology Law Society and the Community Service Coordinator for the Student Bar Association. Currently, Alexandra is a summer associate at Fredrikson & Byron in Minneapolis. Reach out to Alexandra at alblackw@usc.edu to connect
Yifei Cheng
University of Minnesota Law School
Lockridge Grindal Nauen, Metropolitan Council
Yifei is a J.D. candidate at the University of Minnesota with an interest in antitrust and consumer protection. Before law school, Yifei completed his B.A. in Economics and Politics at Pomona College in Claremont, California. Having worked in mentorship roles for three years in Pomona’s economics department and writing center, Yifei enjoys assisting others with complex challenges and hopes to help more people in his legal career. His academic interest in equitable social policy and industrial organization inspired him to explore the antitrust and consumer protection practices, something he is doing as a summer associate at Lockridge Grindal Nauen. In his free time, Yifei enjoys reading fiction, experimenting with new recipes, and strolling outdoors. Reach out to Yifei at chen9853@umn.edu to connect!
Mike Kenyanya
University of Wisconsin Law School
Robins Kaplan, C.H. Robinson
Mike is a rising 2L at the University of Wisconsin Law School with interests in antitrust, consumer protection, and tort litigation. He studied Management Information Systems at the University of Minnesota Duluth before working for six years as a technology strategy consultant at Accenture. His interest in law grew from his consulting work and his public service experience as a former member of the UMN Board of Regents. At Wisconsin, Mike serves on the boards of both the Antitrust Law Association and the Black Law Students Association. On weekends, you can find him playing basketball, spending time with friends and family, attending church, or exploring new hobbies. He is excited to contribute to and learn from the teams at Robins Kaplan and C.H. Robinson and is always happy to connect at kenyanya@wisc.edu.
Kimball Utsey
University of St. Thomas School of Law
Greene Espel PLLP, Cargill
Kimball is rising 2L at University of St. Thomas – Minneapolis! Before law school, Kimball obtained her B.A. in Political Science with a minor in the Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Justice from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. After an engaging first year of law school, she is looking forward to the opportunities and experiences this summer will bring. She is especially excited to continue developing her legal analysis skills, exploring new areas of law, and meeting people who are passionate about making an impact. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active, trying new coffee shops, and coaching high school girls lacrosse. Feel free to reach out to Kimball at utse2693@stthomas.edu to connect!
Patrick Watts
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Merchant & Gould
Patrick is a J.D. candidate at Mitchell Hamline School of Law with enthusiasm for all forms of intellectual property, especially patents. Patrick has a background in life sciences and patent law, with a B.S. in Biology from the University of St. Thomas, a M.S. in Patent Law from the University of Minnesota, and an M.S. in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University. Patrick has previously worked in academic research, an industrial microbiology lab, as a research associate for a patent prosecution firm, and as a PCT analyst, writing opinions on recently filed PCT applications. Patrick was elected President of Mitchell Hamline’s Student Intellectual Property Law Association for the 2026-2027 academic year, hoping to spread his passion for IP. Patrick is a summer associate at Merchant & Gould, where he is excited to tackle intellectual property matters in both the prosecution and litigation areas. Reach out to Patrick at patrick.watts@mitchellhamline.edu to connect!
Phil Ableidinger
University of Minnesota
Faegre Drinker
Phil is a J.D. candidate at the University of Minnesota and plans to work in Minneapolis after graduation. He is interested in pursuing a career in civil litigation. Before law school, Phil obtained his Bachelors in Economics and Philosophy at the University of Minnesota. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, running, lifting, and all things outdoors.
Meredith Dingmann
Wake Forest University
Greene Espel PLLP & Medtronic
Meredith is a rising 2L at Wake Forest University School of Law and plans to work in Minneapolis after graduation. She is currently interested in business litigation and corporate law. Before law school, Meredith obtained her degree in Finance with minors in Accounting and Business Law from the University of Minnesota. She worked as a Finance Intern at Medtronic, where her experience working alongside business and legal professionals cemented her desire to go to law school. Currently, Meredith is a summer clerk at Greene Espel, where she is looking forward to gaining experience in litigation and continuing to develop her legal research and writing skills. In her spare time, Meredith enjoys running, trying new restaurants around the Twin Cities, and traveling. Reach out to Meredith at dingmr25@wfu.edu to connect!