The Clinical Instructor will serve as lead counsel or co-counsel in Clinic cases and train and supervise law students who enroll in the Veterans Legal Clinic. The Clinic—through which Harvard Law students receive hands-on training in lawyering skills—provides free legal representation to low-income disabled veterans in a variety of areas, including discharge upgrades, appeals to federal court challenging VA decisions to deny benefits, administrative appeals and appeals to state court to challenge state agency decisions to deny veterans benefits, and policy advocacy. The position represents a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic public interest and clinical teaching law office and to advocate on behalf of those who have sacrificed for their country. The Clinic's team of seasoned attorneys and its paralegal/intake coordinator will provide support, guidance, and mentorship as needed.
As Clinical Instructor, you will:
Assist in the management of the Clinic's day-to-day work, including screening new cases and representing clients in ongoing cases;
Train and supervise students enrolled in the Clinic using the tools of clinical pedagogy;
Engage in community outreach, forging community partnerships and participate in coalitions and advocacy initiatives;
Provide ongoing representation of clients in discharge upgrade cases, VA character of service determinations, Massachusetts state veterans benefit cases, and related areas;
Support our Veterans Justice Pro Bono Partnership, through which attorneys in the private bar take accept discharge upgrades case for pro bono representation through referral from our Clinic.
Collaborate, as appropriate, with other clinics and projects at the Legal Services Center (LSC), contributing to group work/initiatives, and other duties as assigned.
This is a six-month term position, with the possibility of renewal based on program needs and funding availability. Candidates must be available to start as soon as possible, and have an active bar license to practice law. Since most HLS employees are currently expected to work remotely throughout the spring semester, it may be possible to continue working remotely through the duration of the term appointment.
While this is posted as a full-time position, we are open to considering part-time (17.5 - 30 hours) based on candidate availability and a mutually agreed upon schedule. Interested candidates should state in their cover letter whether they are seeking a full-time position, a part-time position, or are open to either possibility.
All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.
Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School is a place where you can thrive.
Salary Grade: 058
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
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.
We are looking for people who have:
A demonstrated commitment to social justice advocacy
prior experience working on veterans' issues and/or in clinical legal education
flexibility and the ability to handle multiple priorities; and
the ability to work well independently and as part of a team
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Internal Number: 53365BR
About Harvard University Law School
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
