What Makes Us Different
Student attorneys, not their supervisors, are considered the primary case handlers. They are responsible for every part of the case, from completing intake interviews, research, case strategy, to oral advocacy. While a supervisor will be present for court appearances, student attorneys do the oral argument and courtroom negotiations. With this autonomy comes a great deal of responsibility: Student attorneys are the ones clients will call when concerns or questions arise; Bureau members are required to find someone to cover their cases if they must be away from campus for more than 48-hours (this does not apply to weekends); and members are ultimately responsible for ensuring that all of the relevant documents and evidence relevant to their case are gathered in a timely manner.
But you will receive support in your work. In addition to the assistance provided by supervising attorneys, all incoming 2L Bureau members will be paired with 3L mentors who will provide additional support and guidance. New Bureau members can choose to co-counsel their first case with their mentor, ensuring that 2Ls have adequate guidance and support for the first "real case" of their legal career.
Because we are student-run, Bureau members are responsible for the management of the law firm, both in day-to-day matters and for large policy decisions. This means handling a range of administrative responsibilities, including office hours (answering calls from potential clients and providing referrals), intake interviews and memos (screening potential clients), deciding which cases to accept, and case assignment.
We are student-run
Because we are student-run, Bureau members are responsible for the management of the law firm, both in day-to-day matters and for large policy decisions. This means handling a range of administrative responsibilities, including office hours (answering calls from potential clients and providing referrals), intake interviews and memos (screening potential clients), deciding which cases to accept, and case assignment.
Secondly, Bureau members participate actively in shaping the firm’s long-term policies and practices by serving on the Board of Directors or on various committees (such as intake, student concerns, recruitment and selection, and diversity) as well as in a variety of informal capacities. Finally, the major benefit of being student-run is that Bureau members can take the lead to propose new practice areas or initiatives for the organization. For example, over the past few years, a group of students worked to establish our rapidly developing "wage and hour" practice area at the Bureau in partnership with local community organizations. Thus, Bureau members have the opportunity to gain great leadership and organizational experience in addition to litigation skills.
Our location
Our office on the first floor of 23 Everett Street provides us with a convenient and comfortable space for our work. Because it is adjacent to Harvard Law School, it is easily accessible, and more importantly, offers our members a haven where we can come to do our casework, study, relax, and hang out with friends—members have 24 hour access. For most of us, the Bureau becomes a "second home."
We offer a community of passionate, dedicated, and fun student and attorneys who are committed to your personal and pedagogical growth
For many reasons—including the two year-commitment, the intensity of the work, the location, the type of people selected—the Bureau is an amazing place for meeting some of the most kind-hearted and considerate people on the law school campus. Being at the Bureau, you can feel vibrant sense of camaraderie, whether through the effusive assistance you receive on your cases, the organized social activities, or the casual interactions that occur in the office.
Our clinical instructors
All of our clinical instructors have numerous years of experience in poverty law, both at the Bureau and other organizations and firms. Some of our instructors have been at the Bureau for over twenty years. Consequently, they have deep respect for the history and traditions of the Bureau, including that the Bureau is student-run.
Our quirky, colorful group of supervising attorneys are also our friends and mentors. They socialize with us at such events as pizza socials or happy hours and are always willing to help us with our academic, professional, and personal problems.
The two year commitment
Student attorneys make a two year commitment to the Bureau, which means that they are able to engage in intense and realistic practice by taking ownership of multiple cases from start to finish. This long-term process has many advantages over 3-4 month clinical programs, which give students only brief snapshots of a few cases. It means that you would be able to initiate a complaint, argue for temporary orders, handle negotiations, conduct a trial, and even appeal any judgments (not to mention interlocutory appellate work).
Additionally, being at the Bureau for two years also means that members have the opportunity to explore different legal paths and take on new challenges that an ordinary clinical could not offer.
Our history
Being founded in 1913, the Bureau is the oldest student-run nonprofit law firm and legal services organization in the country—we are older than most legal aid offices and some law schools! Therefore, we have a deep and rich history that includes an extensive network of distinguished alums in the judiciary, academia, public interest organizations, and corporate law firms.