Clinical Instructor, Election Law Clinic

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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.

The Clinical Instructor (CI) is responsible for working with the Clinic Director (and other staff of the Election Law Clinic) to operate the Election Law Clinic, including, but not limited to, activities related to client representation, clinical teaching, and project management. 

The Election Law Clinic offers Harvard Law students the opportunity to do hands-on litigation and advocacy work across a range of election law areas, with a focus on redistricting and vote suppression cases. Clinic offerings will include federal and state litigation projects, as well as some advocacy opportunities. Under the supervision of Faculty Director of the Election Law Clinic, clinic students will work on every aspect of litigation, including pre-filing investigations, meeting and retaining clients, engaging in lay and expert discovery, briefing and arguing dispositive motions, pre-trial preparations and trial practice, as well as the appellate process. Election law cases rely heavily on political scientists as experts, so students will have broad exposure to emerging theories and methods in political science and how to communicate them to a legal audience. 

As a Clinical Instructor, you will: 

• Assist in the management of the Clinic’s day-to-day work, including investigating and developing new cases and representing clients in ongoing cases;  
• Train and supervise students enrolled in the Clinic using the tools of clinical pedagogy;  
• Coordinate, as appropriate and needed, opportunities for pro bono work during the academic year;  
• Engage in community outreach, forging community partnerships and participate in coalitions and advocacy initiatives.

Basic Qualifications

Candidates must have earned a J.D. at least 3 years ago, have at least 3 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 social justice litigation and advocacy; 
• Experience in election law litigation; 
• Experience working with clinical law students; 
• Experience in project management and case development; and 
• A commitment to public interest lawyering and clinical teaching. 

Appointment End Date: The is a three-year term appointment with the potential for renewal subject to department needs and funding availability. 

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:

While the position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA, this role has the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement (some combination of on campus and remote), subject to business need and manager review/approval.  All remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA*, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT and WA). *exempt positions only 

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources 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, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, 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.