Director, LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic and Clinical Instructor

Harvard Law School; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans

Job summary

Harvard Law School seeks a director to lead the LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic within the Legal Services Center. The role includes shaping the docket, serving as lead counsel, training students, and developing a clinical curriculum while collaborating with Harvard Law School’s clinical community.

The director will oversee clinical advocacy, engage with community-based organizations, and align the Clinic’s work with public interest and systemic reform opportunities while maintaining compliance with

Qualifications

• J.D. required; Massachusetts bar admission or ability to waive into MA bar within 18 months.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in legal services or advocacy.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and LGBTQ+ communities.

Responsibilities

• Set a vision for the Clinic’s advocacy and learning environment.
• Lead and manage the Clinic and its docket.
• Serve as lead counsel in Clinic cases and coordinate with partner organizations.
• Develop curriculum for the clinical seminar and supervise students.
• Engage with community partners to foster client outreach and opportunities for students.

Skills

Public interest law

LGBTQ+ advocacy

Litigation

Teaching & mentoring

Program leadership

Education

J.D.

Job description

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.

Job Description

The Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School seeks to hire a director to lead the LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic. Launched in 2020, the Clinic provides students with opportunities to develop lawyering and advocacy skills that respond to the unmet legal needs of LGBTQ+ communities. The substance of the docket is flexible and will be shaped by the director’s vision for the Clinic. The Clinic is one of the six community‑based clinics that comprise the Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School. Consistent with the Legal Services Center’s longstanding public interest legal practice and pedagogical models, the Clinic’s docket should include community‑based direct legal services, with an option to incorporate systemic reform lawyering, whether through impact litigation or otherwise. The director will also hold the title of clinical instructor. In addition to leading the Clinic’s advocacy and experiential learning opportunities, the director will develop a classroom curriculum for students enrolled in the clinic. The director will join the Legal Services Center’s and Harvard Law School’s collaborative clinical communities, which provide numerous opportunities for connection, partnership, and innovation.

• Set a vision for the Clinic’s legal advocacy and learning environment
• Lead and manage the Clinic
• Develop and oversee the Clinic’s docket
• Serve as lead counsel in Clinic cases
• Engage with community‑based organizations, LGBTQ+ legal advocacy organizations, and other partners for the purposes of, and as appropriate, co‑counseling cases, maintaining client referral streams, and fostering opportunities for students to engage directly with client communities
• Using best practices in clinical pedagogy, train, supervise, and mentor clinical law students in their representation of Clinic clients
• Develop the curriculum for the clinical seminar that is a co‑requisite of the Clinic
• Lead and manage the Clinic’s efforts related to student outreach and engagement with the wider Harvard Law School community
• Ensure Clinic compliance with Harvard Law School and Legal Services Center clinical policies
• Actively participate in and contribute to the Legal Services Center clinical community
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Candidates must possess a J.D., have at least 5 years of relevant experience, and, if not already admitted in Massachusetts, be admitted to the bar of any other state and be able to waive into the Massachusetts bar within 18 months of hiring.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law
• Demonstrated commitment to advocating for LGBTQ+ communities
• Significant litigation experience
• Passion for teaching and mentoring
• Experience or an interest in clinical education
• Experience leading programs or projects
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit

Additional Information

Appointments End Date: This is a three‑year term appointment with potential for renewal subject to need and funding.

Standard Hours/Schedule: Full‑time.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Certification/License.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. While we are interested in filling this position at the earliest opportunity, the start date is flexible to fall 2026, spring 2027, or summer 2027. The position is based on site at the Legal Services Center in Jamaica Plain, MA, plus one day per week on the main campus in Cambridge for the purposes of teaching the clinical seminar during the fall and spring semesters. All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

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 059. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

• 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.