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, 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 & 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.
- We strongly encourage BIPOC individuals and those from other historically underrepresented communities to apply.
Working Conditions
This position requires a great deal of local travel and the instructor must be able to provide their own transportation to and from work-related appointments. Evening and weekend hours are periodically required to meet student and/or client needs.
Additional Information
This is a three-year term appointment with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need.
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume. Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis. We are looking to fill this position in Spring of 2024, with a mid-April start date.
We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.
Work Format Details
This position is based in Cambridge, MA.
About Us
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.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, 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 excellence and diversity 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.
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