The Harvard Legal Aid Bureau is a student-founded, student-run legal services organization where second and third year law students represent low-income clients in proceedings to fight unfair evictions, resolve domestic disputes, obtain public benefits, and claim unpaid wages.
Bureau members have also led the fight against the foreclosure crisis, breaking the mold of traditional legal advocacy to organize tenants living in foreclosed properties. Students have won jury verdicts of more than $55,000 and have worked outside of the courtroom to create lasting legislative change for low-income residents in Massachusetts.
Practicing as a student attorney with the Bureau is one of the most rewarding experiences Harvard Law School has to offer. Students gain knowledge of the law and client advocacy skills while participating in a collaborative community of student attorneys and experienced clinical instructors. They emerge as well-trained, capable attorneys with an enduring network of fellow Bureau members.
Each year the Bureau selects about 25 first-year Harvard Law School students to join the Bureau for the remainder of their studies. In addition, the Bureau selects Summer Fellows from various law schools to handle its cases during the summer recess.