Clinical and Pro Bono Programs

Learning the Law, Serving the World

With nearly 30 in-house clinics and hundreds of externships, Harvard Law School has more clinical opportunities than any law school in the world. Harvard also provides unparalleled financial support to assist students in certain aspects of clinical and pro bono work.

The Clinical Legal Education Program is one of the most important and valued aspects of a Harvard Law School education, confirming our commitment to public service and to providing our students with the best possible educational experience. In clinics, students take direct responsibility for representing clients in actual cases under the supervision of our nearly 70 HLS clinical faculty and instructors who are expert practitioners in their fields.

Harvard requires all J.D. students to contribute at least 40 hours of law-related work as a condition for graduation. Many students choose to fulfill this requirement through clinical work. Our hope is that by giving back to the community, our graduates will develop a lifelong commitment to using their education and skills to contribute to the public good.

Clinical Voices: Students talk about Clinical Education

"The Bureau has successfully responded to the legal needs to people in Boston and Cambridge for almost 100 years. We feel a deep sense of personal ownership in our cases."  — David Williams '12 Learn more about what our students are saying about their clinical education »

And watch the videos below to hear about their experiences in their own words.

Clinical News

2012 Undergraduate Summer Internship
The Harvard Law School Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs seeks two undergraduate summer interns for 2012.

Ethics Event and Reception for Clinical and SPO Students
Get to know your fellow clinical and SPO students, meet clinical professors in a range of fields, and learn more about confidentiality, diligence, and conflict of interest during this presentation and reception hosted by the Clinical Programs at Harvard Law School. 

Event: Akin Gump Pro Bono Scholars Information Session
Learn about an exciting summer fellowship program for top law students interested in making pro bono an integral part of their law firm careers. Wed, Jan 25, 12-1pm in Milstein West A (WCC 2019). Lunch provided.

Event: Info Session for Pro Bono Spring Break Trips
The Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs offers students the opportunity to conduct pro bono work during spring break through organized group trips. Please join us at our info session this Wed, Dec 7 at 12pm in Pound 204. Lunch provided.

Event: Externships6 Conference
Join Harvard Law School and Northeastern University School of Law in March 2012 as we continue the national discourse on the critical role of field placements in preparing new lawyers.