Protecting Human Rights in Minnesota: Nina Grove’s Work in the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General

When Nina Grove was studying global studies as an undergraduate with a concentration in human rights and justice, with a focus on Latin America, she had no idea her career would be defending the rights of Minnesotans through civil enforcement of consumer protection laws. Since graduating in 2018, Grove has been working at the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General where she now serves as a lead investigator in the Consumer Protection Division. 

Grove’s career in the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General started as a consumer assistance analyst. She still remembers the impact of one of her first cases, a case against a landlord. The case went to trial, and the State secured a victory. This experience sparked her interest in tenant advocacy. 

Grove credits her global studies training with preparing her for her career. She is grateful for the writing she did as an undergraduate as it has helped her become an effective communicator. “Global studies is so interdisciplinary … it really helps you develop an understanding of an issue from so many different angles,” she says. “And I think that's oftentimes what helps make an investigation successful, or what can help make litigation successful, is being able to approach a challenge from multiple points of view.” 

When a job as an investigator opened in the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General, Grove was eager to continue to put her human rights experience to work. As an investigator, Grove’s work involves interviewing witnesses and victims, gathering affidavits, reviewing and analyzing evidence, and identifying harm and misconduct. Grove plays a pivotal role in enforcing Minnesota's laws prohibiting consumer fraud, deceptive trade practices, false advertising, and more. Additionally, Grove’s Office can often obtain restitution for people who have been wronged. “Civil litigation is one of the many ways human rights progress can happen,” Grove says.

Grove’s advice for current students is to keep an open mind about opportunities. “You never know what career will be out there or how you'll stumble into it. I am now dedicated to a career that I did not even know existed when I began college,” she says. Grove’s experience shows that human rights work can look different for everyone, and that pursuing a human rights career can take you to unexpected places. 

Grove's views are her own and do not reflect the views of the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General.