Harvard Legal Aid Bureau

> Visit the HLAB Website

The Harvard Legal Aid Bureau (HLAB) is unique among HLS programs of clinical legal education in that its legal services program is largely student-run. Founded in 1913, HLAB has a long history of responding to the legal needs affecting low-income persons in the greater Boston area. The Bureau consists of approximately 45 second- and third-year student members who make two-year commitments to the Bureau's program of clinical education and legal services to the indigent community. Student membership in HLAB carries with it an integrated two-year academic and clinical training in legal practice skills and ethics. HLAB members are expected to devote at least 20 hours per week of clinical practice and related activities.

Student represent indigent clients in civil matters in the Massachusetts courts. Working under the supervision of a full-time Managing Attorney and five part-time Clinical Instructors, all students assume direct responsibility for representation of legal aid clients from intake interview to final disposition. Each year the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau handles approximately 275 cases in varied practice areas, including family law, housing law, and government benefits. Bureau practice frequently involves appearances by student attorneys before hearing officers, administrative law judges, and state courts. As a student-run legal services program, student members and their elected  officers are responsible for the governance of the Bureau organization.

Clinical Information

Harvard Legal Aid Bureau
Fall-Spring clinical for 2Ls; Fall-Spring clinical for 3Ls
Open to 2L students by application 
Two year commitment
Pre- or co-requisite: Evidence
Co-requisite: Introduction to Advocacy: Skills and Ethics in Clinical Practice (offered in Fall-Spring for 2Ls) and Advocacy Clinical Practice (offered in Fall-Spring for 3L)

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