Board Committee Volunteer

Minnesota Justice Foundation: Board Committee Volunteer Opportunities

The Minnesota Justice Foundation (MJF) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization working to engage law students in access to justice work. This overview describes how you can volunteer to become involved in MJF’s committees and work. This overview provides a brief background on MJF’s mission and history, describes the work of the Annual Awards Celebration Committee, and provides contact information. See www.mnjustice.org for more information about MJF.

MJF’s Mission

The Minnesota Justice Foundation creates opportunities for law students to engage in public interest and pro bono legal service and increases the capacity of legal organizations that serve the public interest.

MJF connects law students with legal aid organizations that assist low income individuals and works to create and provide other service opportunities. The goal is immediate: To assist individuals who would otherwise not have assistance as they navigate the legal system. The result is long term: A continued commitment to pro bono service throughout a lawyer’s legal career. The Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) recognizes lawyers who perform more than 50 hours of pro bono service in a year as North Star lawyers. A survey of North Star lawyers in 2015 found that 75% of respondents performed pro bono service while in law school.

MJF’s History

MJF was incorporated in 1982 by a group of University of Minnesota law students who wanted to serve their communities. These students believed lawyers and law students have a professional obligation to provide legal services to those who cannot afford legal representation. In addition, they were committed to improving the law school environment and the legal profession by calling attention to the need for legal services for low-income people and for creating pro bono opportunities. Law students brought MJF to Hamline and William Mitchell (now Mitchell Hamline), and the University of St. Thomas. Each of the law schools has a student board that promotes activities at the law school. MJF in general and these student boards are overseen by the MJF Board of Directors, which consists of law students, lawyers, and community members.

MJF’s Committees

MJF’s committees perform the work that enables MJF to connect with law students. One of the biggest tasks that MJF faces each year is raising money to support this work. This is the primary work of the Annual Awards Celebration Committee.

The Annual Award Celebration Committee

The Annual Award Celebration Committee is responsible for planning the Annual Award Celebration, which is usually held in the fall. The Annual Awards Celebration recognizes law students for their pro bono work, and also lawyers and legal professionals for their pro bono work. In addition to the awards portion of the event, the event has a keynote speaker and serves as a fund raiser for MJF. Activities include choosing a speaker, seeking award nominations , contacting law firms and organizations for support, reaching out to friends and contacts to attend the event, and working on the event details. A timeline for these activities:

• Spring: Selecting the speaker.
• Early summer: Reviewing the venue and working on event details.
• Midsummer into fall: Reaching out to law firms, organizations, and friends about the event.

The committee meets remotely every two weeks and members volunteer to work on these activities. Commitment is approximately 3-5 hours per month including meeting attendance and tasks. Mid-summer into fall is a busy time and offers a chance to get involved right away.

Available Roles:

Committee Members

Committee Leadership - Co-chair

We are looking for a committee co-chair. This has the added responsibility of meeting facilitation and follow -ups with the larger MJF Board of Directors. This role allows for professional networking and skillbuilding in both fundraising and relationship building.

If you are interested in MJF’s mission, want to promote pro bono service, and would like to find out more, please contact us. We would be glad to talk with you about MJF. Thanks for your interest!