Boston, Massachusetts
Buffalo, New York
Columbia, South Carolina
Posted: 27-Feb-25
Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 68034BR
Job Summary
The Animal Law & Policy Clinic at Harvard Law School is inviting applications for a full-time Clinical Instructor.
The Clinic focuses on the following core areas: federal animal welfare enforcement (captive and companion animals); wildlife and biodiversity; and farmed animal welfare. Through the Clinic, students are introduced to a range of federal and state laws that impact animals, including the Endangered Species Act, the Animal Welfare Act, and the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. Students learn how to advance the interests of animals through litigation, administrative rulemaking, policy initiatives, and other legal advocacy avenues.
During the academic year, the Clinical Instructor will co-supervise and assess the work of Harvard Law School students, which involves meeting regularly with the students to discuss case strategy; reviewing and editing students? written work; accompanying students to any court, legislative, or administrative hearing; and providing regular feedback, both written and oral, on their performance. The Clinical Instructor will meet regularly with the Clinic Faculty Director to share information and strategies and help teach the weekly two-hour Clinic Seminar. The Clinical Instructor additionally will be expected to collaborate on and participate in initiatives of the entire HLS Clinical Program, including orientation, trainings, and retreats.
During summer transitions between academic years, the Clinical Instructor will be responsible for managing any ongoing projects and cases.
Position Description
As a Clinical Instructor you will:
- Help teach the Clinic Seminar each semester;
- Develop and lead the work on multiple Clinic projects, which includes managing and directing the day-to-day project work, managing relationships with clients and partners, and developing and implementing long-term strategic goals for the project;
- Supervise Clinic students on projects and train them on a broad range of lawyering skills including problem-solving; law and policy analysis; research and writing; oral communication; teamwork and collaboration; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and leadership;
- Help students improve their substantive knowledge of the law in the areas presented by the projects;
- Deliver talks and trainings and present the Clinic?s work at conferences and events;
- Oversee administrative tasks of the Clinic, including event planning, student outreach, communications, development, and other tasks that arise;
- Engage in outreach that highlights the Clinic?s work to promote a deeper understanding of how animal protection issues affect other public interest fields, and foster collaboration across public interest lawyering;
- Help develop strategies and projects for the ongoing growth and success of the innovative work of the Clinic; and
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Clinic Director concerning the work of the Clinic.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates must have earned a J.D. at least 3 years ago, have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, active membership in at least one state bar, and eligibility to be admitted to the Massachusetts Bar.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
We are looking for people who have:
- Experience with or interest in animal law or a related practice area, such as food law, environmental law, or administrative law.
- Experience litigating cases in one of the Clinic?s core areas or environmental law, administrative law, or food law.
- Experience teaching, mentoring, or supervising law students or new attorneys.
- Experience in project management or case development.
- Strong writing, research, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Additional Information
This is a term appointment currently expected to extend through June 30, 2026, with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need.
We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format
On-SiteCommitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify this excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement
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, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.