Clinical Instructor, Harvard Defenders

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

Skills

• 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.

Pay

Exempt

Schedule

Part-time; 17.5 hours per week.

Benefits

• 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

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.

Work Format Details

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.

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity, Education, Certification/License

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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.