Karin Ciano (she/her)

Lawyer, teacher, connector, Rotarian.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

About

My side gig used to be volunteering as an investigator for the Fourth District Ethics Committee. I liked it so much, I joined the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility to try it full time. In my spare time, I read, write, bike, and garden. My pronouns are she & her.

Experience

  • Senior Assistant Director, Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility at Minnesota Judicial Branch
    Feb 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 5 mos

  • Adjunct Professor at University of St. Thomas School of Law
    Jan 2023 - Jun 2025 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    For three semesters, I taught a section of Professional Responsibility to a group of engaged and hardworking 2Ls and LLMs, helping them learn how to create a community of care and to "do ethics" in the real-world practice of law.

  • Adjunct Professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law
    Dec 2016 - Apr 2021 · 4 yrs 5 mos

    I taught the Solo Practice Residency seminar, in which I helped students navigate the path from law school to starting their own solo practices after graduation.

  • Of Counsel at Mason & Helmers
    Aug 2015 - Jan 2021 · 5 yrs 6 mos

    Together with the experienced litigators at the Mason & Helmers, I helped people gather information about the status of their loved one's estate and assess options to honor their loved one's wishes while offering the best chance to preserve family relationships.

  • Minneapolis Attorney; Freelance Attorney; Civil Rights & Employment Lawyer; Federal Sherpa® at Karin Ciano Law PLLC
    Sep 2011 - Jan 2021 · 9 yrs 5 mos

    I practiced civil rights and employment law, and enjoyed taking on diverse freelance projects involving legal research, legal writing, and motion practice.