Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join Harvard Law School?
Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.
Job Description
The Legal Services Center (LSC) of Harvard Law School seeks to hire an Attorney Clinical Instructor to join our Consumer Protection Clinic. The Clinic provides free legal representation to low-income community members in a wide range of consumer law matters in both state and federal court. The Clinic’s docket reflects a mix of individual debt collection defense matters, affirmative litigation on behalf of classes of consumers, and bankruptcies to give consumers fresh starts. Affirmative cases challenge a wide array of predatory marketplace conduct, such as zombie credit card and mortgage debt, home solar panel scams, usurious loans, and unfair and unlawful debt collection practices. Simultaneously, the Consumer Clinic trains, supervises, and mentors Harvard Law School clinical students in their representation of clients. The Clinical Instructor will work closely with the Consumer Protection Clinic’s Director and will litigate cases, train, supervise, and mentor clinical law students, and ensure the Clinic is responsive to community needs. This position represents a unique opportunity to join Harvard Law School’s clinical program, to work in a dynamic, community-based, public interest and clinical teaching law office, and to engage on critical issues in consumer law. To learn more about LSC and the Consumer Protection Clinic, please visit here.
As a Clinical Instructor you will:
- Serve as lead counsel and co-counsel in Clinic cases, litigating an active docket of debt collection defense and affirmative litigation cases in state and federal court
- Screen cases for merit and help maintain and manage the Clinic’s docket
- Engage with neighborhood and consumer law organizations, referral partners, and courts to ensure that the Clinic’s docket is responsive to community need and provides clinical law students with meaningful learning opportunities
- Train, supervise, and mentor clinical law students as they represent Clinic clients and use best practices in clinical pedagogy in working with students
- Contribute to Clinic strategic planning, community outreach, student outreach, and opportunities for collaboration and coordination between LSC clinics and external partners.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
Candidates must possess a J.D., have at least three years of relevant experience, and be admitted to the Massachusetts bar or eligible for temporary admission pursuant to Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
We are looking for people who have:
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest law
- Meaningful experience in consumer law litigation
- Passion for teaching and mentoring; experience with or an interest in clinical education
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity and an inclusive working and learning environment
- Collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit with the proven ability to work in teams and independently
Additional Information
Appointment End Date: This is a one-year term appointment with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need.
Standard Hours/Schedule: Full-Time
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Certification/License
Other Information:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. While we are interested in filling this position as soon as possible, we can have flexibility on the exact start date based on program and candidate needs.
All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.
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Work Format Details
This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.
