Student Practice Organizations (SPOs)

Student Practice Organizations (SPOs) are run by a student board and provide opportunities for practical legal experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney. While students do not receive academic credit for volunteering with SPOs, their volunteer hours can count towards the 40-hour pro bono requirement after the first semester of their 1L year. 1L, 2L, 3L, and LLM students are welcome and encouraged to participate in SPO practice. 

Typically, SPOs host information sessions at the beginning of each semester. Most (but not all) SPOs require an application and all SPOs require students to complete a training. Student responsibilities and time commitment requirements vary widely - if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the SPO directly.

Note: The organizations included in this section are student-run with professional administrative and/or supervising attorneys on HLS staff to assist and guide students. In order for students to practice law, they must be practicing under the auspices of an existing clinic or student practice organization. Learn more at the Dean of Student's page "Opportunities for Student Practice".

SPOs at HLS

Harvard Defenders 
Students represent low-income clients in criminal show-cause hearings.

Harvard Immigration Project
Students gain hands-on experience in immigration law.

Harvard Law Entrepreneurship Project (HLEP) 
Students provide legal research and analysis to student entrepreneurs at Harvard and MIT.

Harvard Mediation Program (HMP) 
Students provide services for clients in landlord/tenant, small claims, and other cases.

Harvard Mississippi Delta Project
Students engage in a broad range of projects in the Mississippi Delta.

Harvard Negotiators
Students develop skills in negotiation and dispute resolution.

Harvard Prison Legal Assistance Project (PLAP) 
Students represent inmates in Massachusetts state prisons in disciplinary hearings, parole board hearings, and other matters.

HLS Advocates for Human Rights
Students engage in human rights advocacy including representing the interests of victims of human rights violations.

Project No One Leaves
Students help former owners and tenants stay in their homes after foreclosure.

Recording Artists Project (RAP)
Students offer pro bono counsel to underserved area musicians seeking assistance with a range of legal matters.

Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP)
Students provide assistance to low- and moderate-income tenants facing eviction or who have been denied admission to public housing.