Clinical Instructor

04-May-2022

Harvard Law School

58269BR

Job Summary

The Animal Law & Policy Clinic at Harvard Law School, is inviting applications for a full-time Clinical Instructor.  The position will report directly to Clinic Director Katherine Meyer .  

Through the Clinic, students are introduced to the broad range of substantive areas of law that animal law advocates face in their work, including the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Animal Welfare Act, the Humane Slaughter Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Wild Horse and Burros Act, the Meat Products Inspection Act, and state animal cruelty codes. Students learn how to pursue animal advocacy under several law and policy vehicles, including litigation, legislative initiatives, administrative rule-making petitions, open-government laws, and organizing strategies. 

During the academic year, the Clinical Instructor will supervise and assess the work of up to eight Harvard Law School students per semester, which involves meeting regularly with students to discuss case strategy; reviewing and editing students’ written work; accompanying students to any court, legislative or administrative hearings; and providing regular feedback, both written and oral, on their performance. The Clinical Instructor also will help teach the weekly two-hour Clinic Seminar and meet regularly with other teaching staff to share information and strategies. The Clinical Instructor additionally will be expected to collaborate on and participate in initiatives of the entire HLS Clinical Program, including orientation, trainings, and retreats.   

During summer transitions between academic years, the Clinical Instructor will be responsible for direct project handling and working with Clinic interns.  

Position Description

As a Clinical Instructor you will: 

• Help teach the Clinic Seminar each semester; 

• Develop and lead the work on multiple Clinic projects, which includes managing and directing the day-to-day project work, managing relationships with clients and partners, and developing and implementing long-term strategic goals for the project; 

• Supervise clinical students on projects and training these students on a broad range of lawyering skills including problem-solving, law and policy analysis, research and writing, oral communication, and leadership; 

• Help students improve their substantive knowledge of the law in the areas presented by the projects; 

• Deliver talks and trainings to NGOs and government officials, and presenting the Clinic’s work at national conferences and events; 

• Lead and support the administrative tasks of the Clinic, including event planning, student outreach, communications, development, and other tasks that arise; 

• Engage in outreach that highlights the Clinic’s work to promote a deeper understanding of how animal protection issues affect other public interest fields, and fostering collaboration across traditional public interest disciplines; 

• Help develop strategies and projects for the ongoing growth and success of the innovative work of the Clinic and the Program; and, 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Clinic Director concerning the work of the Clinic. 

Basic Qualifications

J.D. earned at least three years ago, minimum of three years of relevant legal practice experience, active membership in at least one state bar, and eligibility to be admitted to the Massachusetts Bar.  

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have: 

• 5 years of relevant legal practice experience preferred.  

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.  

• Excellent interpersonal skills.  

• Experience with clinical pedagogy and in training, supervising, teaching, and mentoring junior lawyers or law students.  

• Motivation, initiative, and creative problem-solving skills.  

• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in teams. Willingness to work with patience and flexibility within a student-run law clinic. A commitment to pursuing excellence in all facets of work. 

• Experience in animal law is preferred, though candidates with experience in related practice areas (such as food law, environmental law, labor law, administrative law, or human rights) will be considered so long as they demonstrate a willingness to quickly expand their knowledge in the realm of animal law and policy.  

Additional Information

This is a term appointment currently expected to extend for one year with the possibility of renewal based on performance, continued funding, and departmental need. 

To learn more about the Animal Law & Policy Clinic please visit our website . 

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.

All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.

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.

Job Function

Faculty & Student Services

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

167058 Clinical Lawyer

Department

Animal Law & Policy Clinic

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity, License/Cert.

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.