Clinical Instructor, Harvard Defenders

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.

Harvard Defenders (Defenders) is a voluntary, student-run practice organization that provides free legal representation to: 

• Low-income individuals accused in criminal show-cause hearings before clerk-magistrates, as well as occasional representation in the trial sessions of the district courts, 
• Low-income individuals eligible for sealing of their Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI sealings). 

Harvard Defenders also provides phone consultations and referral services to callers requiring legal assistance in matters not relating to show-cause hearings. The program runs during the school year and summer. 

The Clinical Instructor is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the legal work of approximately 85 student volunteers, and the practice setting in which they work, meets the high standards of the legal profession. The Clinical Instructor is charged with developing the students’ professional skills while at the same time ensuring that all the clients of Harvard Defenders receive high quality representation.  

As a Clinical Instructor, you will:

• Develop materials and lead training sessions for student volunteers, including an overall introduction to clerk-magistrate hearings, CORI sealings, mock hearings, cross-examination, current case law review, ethics, mental health, immigration and other collateral consequences, and guest lectures. 
• Meet regularly in teams and individually with student volunteers to discuss case developments, prepare for hearings, and provide mentorship.
• Provide detailed feedback to student volunteers on any written work and debrief students after each hearing. 
• Supervise the Program Manager for Defenders as they execute their duties to oversee the overall operations of Defenders, including managing Defenders finances/budget and ensuring Defenders compliance with relevant University and law school policies.
• Provide training, support, and mentorship to Student Board members and work collaboratively with them on running the organization. 
• Build and maintain relationships with other organizations - both within and outside of Harvard Law School - working on criminal defense issues.
• Be knowledgeable on current Massachusetts criminal law, especially as it relates to Defenders’ area of work, and on the relevant court procedures in venues where Defenders practices. 

Basic Qualifications

• Earned a J.D. at least 5 years ago, 
• Have at least 5 years of relevant experience in criminal law and trial practice, and 
• Have an active license to practice in Massachusetts or alternatively meet the requirements to be eligible for temporary admission pursuant to Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have:

• Successful teaching, mentoring, and student supervision experience or the demonstrated potential for such supervision.
• A commitment to public interest lawyering, clinical teaching, and upholding ethical standards of the legal profession.
• Exceptional management skills. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication ability. 
• Experience in providing services to low-income clients, preferably in criminal matters.
• The ability to work sensitively with a diverse population of clients, students and staff.

Standard Hours/Schedule: Part-time; 17.5 hours per week.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Certification/License

Other Information:

This 0.5 FTE (17.5 hours per week) position is for an initial three-year appointment, with the potential for renewal subject to department needs and funding availability. This position is also eligible for employee benefits such as medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, and more. 

The nature of the work involves varying hours per week throughout the school year - some weeks and parts of the year will require more time from the clinical instructor than others. Moreover, it will require a mix of time in the Defenders offices, accompanying students (as necessary) to hearings, and being available remotely by phone or video.  

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

#LI-TB1

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.