Harvard Legal Aid Bureau
 |
|
| Headquarters | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| No. of offices | 1 |
| No. of lawyers | 9 |
| Major practice areas | housing law, family law, government benefits, and employment law |
| Date founded | 1913 |
| Website | |
| http://www.harvardlegalaid.org/ | |
The Harvard Legal Aid Bureau ("HLAB") is the oldest student-run legal services office in the United States, founded in 1913. Located at 23 Everett Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Bureau's mission is to provide an important community service while giving student attorneys the opportunity to develop professional skills as part of the clinical programs of Harvard Law School. Historically, the Bureau was one of three honors societies at the law school, along with the Harvard Law Review and the Board of Student Advisers, and membership was determined by first year grades. Although selection procedures are different today, students who are selected for more than one of these three organizations may still only join one.
The Harvard Legal Aid Bureau is a student-run law firm serving clients in housing law (landlord-tenant relations, public housing, subsidized housing, foreclosure defense), family law (divorce, custody, paternity, child support), government benefits (Social Security, unemployment benefits), and wage and hour cases (unpaid or underpaid wages, benefits, and overtime). The Bureau employs nine supervising attorneys and selects approximately twenty-five student members annually. Students practice under the supervision of admitted attorneys; however, students are the primary case handlers on all matters. As a result, students gain firsthand experience appearing in court, negotiating with opposing attorneys, and working directly with clients. Students receive both classroom and clinical credits for their work at the Bureau.
Unlike most clinical programs at Harvard, the Bureau is a two-year commitment. This gives students a chance to have a much more sustained and in-depth academic experience. In addition to the substantive legal experience, students gain practical experience managing a law firm. The student board of directors makes all decisions regarding case intake, budget management, and office administration.
...
Wikipedia