Summer Law Student Externships

CAH offers summer judicial externships for Minnesota law students. CAH accepts up to one student from each of Minnesota’s three law schools each summer.

About OAH externships

Externs assist judges and staff attorneys with matters brought under Minnesota’s Administrative Procedure Act and workers’ compensation laws. Externs observe hearings and conduct legal research and writing assignments for judges across the court. Past assignments have included:

• Conducting legal research and analysis on the burden of proof in a contested environmental permitting matter;
• Observing a workers' compensation hearing and drafting findings based on expert witness testimony;
• Drafting a memorandum based on written pleadings in an election law complaint matter;
• Researching case law on violations of the Fair Campaign Practices Act;
• Drafting findings of fact and conclusions of law in a Department of Human Services license revocation matter;
• Summarizing prior CAH decisions in line of duty disability cases.

Externs are supervised by CAH’s Staff Attorney Supervisor and work with a team of staff attorneys.

Benefits

• Externs earn credit toward their law degree
• This is a paid opportunity; additionally, students may apply for the George Beck Fellowship (more information below)
• Hybrid work environment; externs are expected to work in the office 4 days per 2-week pay period
• Opportunity to connect and network with judges and staff attorneys

George Beck Fellowship

The Administrative Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association offers the George Beck Fellowship to law students who complete a judicial externship with the Court of Administrative Hearings. Students who complete a judicial externship may apply for an award of up to $2,000, in addition to their hourly rate.

This fellowship honors retired Administrative Law Judge George Beck. Throughout his distinguished career, Judge Beck provided an unparalleled level of service and dedication to the state of Minnesota and the practice of administrative law. He also understood the importance of bringing new attorneys and legal professionals into the practice of administrative law.

Testimonials

• “The administrative law judges were extremely welcoming and always included me in discussions related to the cases and hearings." - 2021 Extern
• “By the end of the externship, I had gained practice in researching and writing on administrative law issues, and further appreciated how that broad area of law affects the lives of most all Minnesotans.” - 2019 Extern
• “My experience at OAH was incredibly positive. The administrative law judges encouraged me to attend hearings, assist with research projects, and draft findings and orders. Through the externship, my interest in workers’ compensation law was solidified. I am now an associate attorney and I represent dozens of clients who were injured at work.” - 2018 Extern
• “I was able to see many facets of administrative law, including agency rulemaking, licensure, and policy statements. I primarily conducted research and hearing transcript review, but was given the freedom to observe any hearing on the docket, through which I got to watch attorneys in action. I learned how agency decisions touch the lives of Minnesotans every day. I would recommend this externship to any law student interested in public service.” - 2018 Extern
• “My time at OAH remains a highlight of my legal education and early career. I would encourage any law student to work at OAH, made accessible through the Beck Fellowship.” - 2017 Extern

How to apply

Applications are closed for 2025 externships. Check back in winter 2026 to apply for 2026 externships.

Interpreters

Contract interpreters provide quality interpreting services for administrative court proceedings, including hearings, mediations, and settlement conferences. 

During the 2024 legislative session, CAH received authority to contract directly with interpreters certified by the Minnesota Supreme Court. CAH hires both court certified and court rostered interpreters. When available, CAH hires court certified interpreters. If no court certified interpreters are available, CAH will hire a court rostered interpreter.

Why to contract with CAH

• Earn same hourly rates as the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
• Take home more pay as an independent contractor, rather than going through a broker.
• Get reimbursed for parking and mileage.
• Be part of an energetic, responsive, and respected provider of court services.

Start the process

Get started in three easy steps:

1. Read and complete the contract.
2. If you do not already have one, register online for a vendor ID number from the Minnesota Department of Administration. Click "Register for an Account" to begin the process.
3. Complete CAH's online registration form.

CAH staff will contact you to complete the contracting process.

Questions?

Please review our Frequently Asked Questions for Interpreters.

If you have other questions, please email Joslyn Jondahl.