The Senior Federation's Upper Midwest Pension Rights Project office welcomes two new law clerks to assist the project in helping individuals and groups with pension concerns. Melinda Grundhauser, a third-year law student at Hamline University School of Law, is originally from St. Paul and has had an interest in public law since serving as a federal district judicial intern during the summer of 2004.

While in law school she volunteered in immigration law. She received her undergraduate degree from The College of St. Catherine and will receive her law degree in May. She lives in Roseville and upon graduation would like to continue her work in public law in the metropolitan area.

Emily Ruhsam is a first-year law student at William Mitchell College of Law and is originally from Sauk City, Wisc. Ruhsam has a professional background in health care and human resources, and received her undergraduate degree from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

While working for Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin, a clinic known for serving those in need regardless of ability to pay, Ruhsam saw the potential of combining a legal education with her interest in working for individuals most in need. She and her husband live in Apple Valley and Ruhsam is scheduled to receive her law degree in May 2008.

UMPRP, funded primarily through the U.S. Administration on Aging, provides no-cost pension education, counseling and claims assistance to individuals or groups with pension concerns. The project is a joint effort of Minnesota Senior Federation, Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups Elder Law Center and Iowa Legal Aid. The Minnesota office serves residents of Minnesota and North and South Dakota. For information, call 651/645-0261 or visit UMPRP under Counseling and Services at pension rights project.