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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.

Harvard Law School’s Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) is inviting applications for a Clinical Instructor. CJI is a public defender clinic that provides zealous defense to indigent adults and juvenile clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges in Boston area criminal courts. Student practice includes case investigation, trial court work from arraignment to disposition, and interlocutory appellate representation in the Appeals Court and Supreme Judicial Court. The clinic also represents clients in compassionate release proceedings, and has an active amicus practice before the SJC. CJI students learn to provide client-centered representation, developing their advocacy skills to help their clients both in and out of the courtroom. Reporting to the Director and the Deputy Director of the Institute, the Clinical Instructor provides law students with a rigorous educational experience while also ensuring that clients accused or convicted of crime and/or delinquency are provided with high-quality legal representation. 

As a Clinical Instructor you will: 

• Supervise law students each semester in all aspects of client representation, assist in classroom teaching and curriculum development, provide written evaluations for students, and cover student cases when necessary.
• Serve as lead counsel in some cases.
• Assist in a variety of Institute initiatives, including conferences and other educational programs, research, amicus briefs on issues impacting CJI clients, and other written projects.
• Participate in the three-week Trial Advocacy Workshop critiquing student performances and giving demonstrations of trial components. 

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: 

• Three years of criminal defense trial practice and/or juvenile defense law experience an asset 
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Motivation, initiative and commitment to meeting the legal needs of indigent persons charged with, or convicted of, crimes or delinquency
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively, and in demanding, high stress circumstances
• Experience with training, supervising, teaching, or mentoring law students, beginning attorneys, and familiarity with clinical pedagogy is helpful

Appointment End Date: This is a three-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:

This position requires frequent local travel. The instructor must provide their own transportation to and from work-related appointments. 

Evening and weekend hours are periodically required to meet student and/or client needs. 

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 all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. 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, 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.

About Harvard University

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.

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