Clinical Instructor, Criminal Justice Institute

Clinical Instructor, Criminal Justice Institute

Company

Description:

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Law School: 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) invites 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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

This is a three-year term appointment with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need.

Full-time.

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Identity, Education, Certification/License.

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.

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.