Karin Ciano

Karin Ciano is an Adjunct Professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law and serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Career Liftoff & Innovation (CCLI). A lawyer, writer, and educator, she focuses on empowering small law firms to address the justice gap through innovative practice models.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree, College of William & Mary
• Juris Doctor (JD), New York University School of Law (1995)

Research & Professional Focus

Karin’s work centers on legal writing, solo/small-firm practice strategies, and federal litigation. She contributes to legal education through her monthly "Legal Writing Notebook" column in Minnesota Lawyer and seminars on solo practice residency.

Leadership & Service

She chairs the Minnesota State Bar Association's Solo & Small Firm Section and serves on the Federal Practice Committee. Karin volunteers with organizations like the Children’s Law Center and the Federal Bar Association Pro Se Project.

Practice & Mentorship

As founder of Karin Ciano Law PLLC and of counsel to Mason & Helmers, she maintains an active practice while mentoring new lawyers. Her role in CCLI’s incubator program supports emerging attorneys launching their careers.