Clinical Instructor

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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. The Clinical Instructor (CI) is responsible for working with the Director and other staff members to operate TLC. The CI will guide students who are representing clients on a broad range of civil matters, including general business, corporate, intellectual property, community economic development, non-profit, entertainment, and other transactional legal areas. Depending on the applicant, the CI may also be responsible for supervising students in the Student Practice Organizations (“SPO”) that operate under TLC – Recording Artists Project (RAP) and Harvard Law Entrepreneurship Project (HLEP). 

As a Clinical Instructor you will: 

• Teach, mentor, supervise, evaluate and structure the practice work of law school students in representing clients of TLC and the SPOs; 
• Carry a caseload of TLC clients where you are the lead attorney on such client cases; 
• Participate in the classroom component of TLC and be involved in assisting with curriculum development; 
• 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 and in the clinic’s program as a laboratory for innovation in practice and clinical legal education; 
• Assist, as needed, in helping to guide the SPOs with various internal and external related matters, as requested by the Director; and 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

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: 

• Five years of relevant legal experience desired, practicing as an attorney in one or more of TLC’s legal practice areas (corporate/business, non-profit, community development, entertainment, and IP) and willingness to gain experience in all of our practice areas. 
• Skills (derived either from an academic or law firm setting), disposition and desire necessary to work with law students and clinic colleagues in a team-oriented collegial academic setting.  
• Experience with formal mentoring and supervision of law students, beginning attorneys, emerging and start-up companies, or other professionals.  
• Demonstrated ability to manage clients and independently oversee a substantial case load.  
• Strong oral and written communication, organizational skills, time management, case management and documentation skills.  
• Motivation, initiative and demonstrated ability to work creatively within broad program goals.  
• 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:

Anticipated start date in January 2026. 

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

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Work Format Details

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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.