Mark J. Karon is an attorney and director of the University of Minnesota Student Legal Service. Prior to the University he was an associate attorney with Robins, Kaplan, Miller and Ciresi, practicing in personal injury and mass tort litigation. He has experience in trial and legal counseling in consumer affairs, domestic relations, criminal defense, civil litigation and administrative law. He is also responsible for co-curricular and law-related educational programs at the University of Minnesota. Mr. Karon is also an adjunct professor of litigation practice and private practice practicum at Hamline University School of Law. In addition he has been an instructor in torts, personal injury and product liability law, legal research and writing, case investigation and trial preparation at Hamline University in the legal studies program. Mr. Karon has also served as a professor at Inver Hills College and the Minnesota Paralegal Institute. He currently serves as international president of the National Legal Aid and Defenders Association Student Legal Services. He received his B.S. degree with high distinction from the University of Minnesota and his J.D. degree from California Western School of Law in San Diego. Mr. Karon is a member of the Hennepin and Ramsey County, the Minnesota State Bar Association, the State Bar of California, the American (member, Litigation and Family Law Section) Bar Association, the Minnesota Association of Justice, the American Association of Justice, Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice and the National Legal Aid and Defenders Association. Mr. Karon is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education programs across the country.
Students will learn course content the written materials, and by way of demonstrations, role plays and simulations. They take the part of a practitioner and become familiar with the expectations and requirements of the professional world.
"I want students to recognize problems and issues and have the knowledge and skill to address and resolve these problems in a professional manner. Through student involvement and participation they will gain the confidence and ability to solve similar problems and the capability and confidence to enter the legal profession."
-Mark Karon