Mary Fenske

Mary Fenske is a faculty member at North Hennepin Community College (NHCC), where she has taught in the Paralegal Program since 2007. She previously served as the Paralegal Program Director from 2011 to July 2024. She was also a Trial Skills Professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law from 2000 to 2024. Her teaching focuses on practical legal skills, including legal research, writing, and torts, with courses offered during fall semesters and summer sessions.

• Education: BA from College of Saint Benedict, JD from American University

Her research interests include legal education, professional networking, and community engagement through partnerships with Target Corporation, Cargill, courts, and non-profits. She emphasizes preparing students for real-world paralegal demands and supports incarcerated education programs via collaborations with the Minnesota Department of Corrections and All Square/The Legal Revolution.

In her teaching style, Mary combines lectures, group work, and assignments, offering close student support through email, Zoom office hours, and the NHCC Alert System. She advocates for academic resources like free tutoring to enhance student success.

Community partnerships and program development are central to her work, reflected in her efforts to connect students with professional networks and expand accessible education initiatives.