Clinical Instructor, Transactional Law Clinic

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The Transactional Law Clinics (“TLC”) is a curriculum-based, transactional practice law office and clinical education program of Harvard Law School. TLC provides community-oriented legal representation to transactional clients, including entrepreneurs, small businesses, social enterprises, non-profit organizations, community groups, and individuals and companies in the entertainment industry and creative fields. TLC also includes two student-led initiatives, called Student Practice Organizations (“SPOs”), that operate under TLC – the Recording Artists Project (“RAP”) and Harvard Law Entrepreneurship Project (“HLEP”). RAP provides pro bono legal services to musicians and other entertainment clients over a project cycle of 8 to 10 weeks in both the Fall and Spring academic semesters. It is also part of a creative partnership that involves local undergraduate students in music business and similar areas of study. HLEP provides pro bono legal research and analysis to entrepreneurs in the Harvard and MIT community in partnership with outside counsel, also over an 8 to 10 week cycle. Both SPOs often host symposia and other events related to their practice areas. The Clinical Instructor (“CI”) will be responsible for working with the Director to oversee one or both of the SPOs as their supervising attorney. The CI may also be responsible for supervising clinical students in TLC depending on student enrollment and caseloads across TLC and the SPOs. 

As a Clinical Instructor you will:

• Teach, mentor, supervise, and support the practice work of law school students (and at times undergraduate students for RAP) in representing clients of the SPOs, including through providing trainings, reviewing legal documents, holding office hours, and attending client meetings;
• Assist SPO students with fundraising efforts, event planning, and budget oversight;
• Attend SPO events and functions, such as HLEP’s pitch competition and RAP’s provision of legal office hours at music conferences;
• Complete any SPO client matters that are not able to be completed during the normal project cycle; 
• Assist with TLC clients during the summer months when the SPOs are not operating, including serving as the lead attorney on such client cases;
• Assist in the marketing and community outreach efforts of TLC and the SPOs by supporting the clinic’s endeavors to develop and nurture relationships with various client communities, organizations, and client populations;
• Participate in office-wide projects such as administration, including intakes and client development, and in the clinic’s program as a laboratory for innovation in practice and clinical legal education; and
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.

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 be eligible for temporary admission pursuant to Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have:

• Experience working with clients in the music industry, but other relevant experience will be considered, including practicing as an attorney in one or more of TLC’s other legal practice areas and a willingness to gain experience in all of our practice areas.
• Motivation and demonstrated ability to work creatively and at times autonomously within broad program goals. In other words, demonstrated initiative and leadership capabilities.
• Skills (derived either from an academic, law firm, or in-house setting), disposition, and desire necessary to work with law students and clinic colleagues in a collegial academic setting. 
• Experience with formal mentoring and supervision of law students, beginning attorneys, or other professionals. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage clients and independently oversee cases. 
• Strong oral and written communication, organizational, time management, case management, and documentation skills. 
• Strong motivation to learn and achieve superior professional practice and mentoring skills. 

Appointment End Date: This is a three-year term appointment with potential for renewal, subject to departmental funding and 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:

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.