Monthly Archives: October 2011

Event: Pro Bono Fair for Boston Attorneys and Law Students

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Interested in learning more about pro bono opportunities in the Boston area? The Rappaport Center is co-sponsoring a Pro Bono Fair for Attorneys and Law Students in conjunction with the Boston Bar Association. Boston-area agencies will be available to speak with law students and lawyers about volunteer opportunities. Hope you can stop by!

When: Wed, Oct 26, 5–7pm
Where: Suffolk Law School, 120 Tremont Street, Boston, Function Room (at Park Street T stop)
Hosted By: Boston Bar Association, Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service at Suffolk University Law School
More: Eventbrite

New Opportunity for HLS Students: Harvard Innovation Lab

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Harvard is in the process of rolling out the Harvard Innovation Lab (i-lab), a new collaborative space/incubator/concept for students interested in entrepreneurship and forging interdisciplinary connections.

Of special interest to Harvard Law School students: On Nov 3, the Cyberlaw Clinic and WilmerHale law firm are presenting an overview of start-up law, including intellectual property, privacy, and liability risks. For information on this event and more, visit the i-lab website and/or subscribe to their email newsletter.

In addition to events, the i-lab provides collaborative work space, entrepreneurs-in-residence (starting in Spring 2012), mentorship opportunities, and community space (including a coffee shop).

To visit the i-lab from the HLS campus, you can catch the Harvard Shuttle, take the 66 bus (about 15 minutes door-to-door), or walk (it’s just over a mile). Don’t be shy about dropping by – the i-lab staff are eager to meet you!

Visit the i-lab at 125 Western Ave, Boston

A Lovely Visit to LSC

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Welcome to LSC!

A little background: The WilmerHale Legal Services Center (LSC) is a general practice law firm that provides legal counsel to over 1,200 clients annually. Clinical students can specialize in a number of different areas (including disability law, domestic violence, estate planning, family law, health law, housing, LGBT law, and predatory lending) and they provide direct services to clients under the supervision of experienced clinical instructors and fellows.

LSC is located in Jamaica Plain, which may seem far from the Harvard Law School campus, but it’s actually only 40 minutes door-to-door according to Google Maps. Not only that, the ride is pleasant and it’s always fun to visit a different neighborhood.

If you have any questions about LSC and their clinical opportunities for students, don’t hesitate to contact them – they would love to hear from you!

A few pictures: Enjoy some recent photos from LSC and the surrounding neighborhood, which boasts the Samuel Adams Brewery and the delightful Ula Café among other destinations.

Useful Info: Independent Clinicals

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Independent clinicals are a great opportunity for students to explore a unique subject area that is not duplicative of work done by existing clinics. (Learn more about our wide range of clinics on the HLS website.)

That said, there are a number of requirements to consider:

  • Independent clinicals require a substantial amount of student initiative, planning, and responsibility.
  • Independent clinicals are contingent upon approval from the Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs via a selective application process.
  • Before contacting organizations, all applicants must meet with Elaine McArdle from the Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs for an initial discussion to see if the applicant’s independent clinical project ideas fit the program criteria.
  • Applicants should not make any definitive commitments with organizations until their application is submitted and approved.
  • Projects must be comprised of legal work and supervised by a licensed attorney.
  • The HLS faculty sponsor should have expertise in the subject area of the applicant’s project.
  • Winter clinical work is 40 hours/week for 3 weeks, 120 hours total, for 2 clinical credits.
  • Additional equirements include credit/fail grading, weekly progress reports, and a 15-page academic paper.

And here’s another very important requirement: Independent clinical applications for the winter term are due Tue, Nov 1. No extensions. No exceptions.

So if you’re interested in applying for an independent clinical for winter term 2012, please contact Elaine McArdle as soon as possible. In the meantime, visit the HLS website to learn more about independent clinicals and other clinical opportunities.

A pleasant image from Austin Hall for your viewing pleasure

Pro Bono Opportunity with SCOTUSource

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SCOTUSource is a project in which Harvard Law School students partner with DC appellate attorneys to put the constitutional issues in upcoming Supreme Court cases in a historical context using primary source documents. Find out how you can get involved in researching and analyzing historical evidence to be used by the attorneys, clerks, research librarians, and even Justices at the Court! Plus, it’s eligible for HLS pro bono credit.

When: Mon, Oct 3 at 12pm
Where: Austin Hall 308, Morgan Courtroom
Hosted By: Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs and ConSource
Details: HLS Calendar
More: Contact Courtney Cherry (courtney.cherry@consource.org) of ConSource with questions about the program

Reminder: Harvard Law School requires all J.D. students to contribute at least 40 hours of law-related pro bono work as a condition for graduation.