By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Law School?

Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

The Harvard Dispute Systems Design Clinic teaches students to design and improve practical, inclusive mechanisms to prevent and learn from conflict. It sits within the Harvard Negotiation and Mediation Clinical Program, part of Harvard Law School’s vigorous and expanding program in negotiation, mediation, facilitation, and dispute resolution. The Clinical Instructor (CI) will play a central role in supervising clinical students, supporting clients, contributing to the field of dispute resolution, and expanding our programming.  

The Dispute Systems Design Clinic works in four primary practice areas:  

• Court-Connected Systems: We consult with courts to increase substantive and procedural justice through ADR processes. 
• Community-Centered Systems: We support groups working collectively to strengthen connections and build social and economic justice within their communities. 
• Organizational Systems: We help mission-driven organizations design and refine conflict resolution systems to improve their effectiveness. 
• Peacebuilding Systems: We collaborate with organizations and coalitions to build and navigate participatory systems for sustainable peace. 

We welcome applicants with expertise in one or more of these areas.  

As a Clinical Instructor, you will: 

• Train and supervise students enrolled in the Clinic, including developing project-related expertise to effectively support student learning and help produce high-level client deliverables. Clinical Instructors will meet regularly with students to discuss project developments, offer guidance, and provide regular and detailed feedback to promote student growth as dispute system designers 
• Develop projects, training curriculum, and materials to advance clinic initiatives and program goals 
• Build and maintain client relationships, including recruiting clinical projects and advancing our practice areas  
• Help expand program effectiveness and visibility, including external communications, outreach, and publicity 
• Other duties as assigned 

Basic Qualifications

Candidates must have earned a J.D. at least 3 years ago, have at least 3 years of relevant experience, and be admitted to the Massachusetts bar or eligible for temporary admission pursuant to Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have: 

• Experience with theory and practice of dispute systems design, with demonstrated expertise in at least one of our practice areas 
• Experience with theory and practice of negotiation, mediation, facilitation, restorative justice, political dialogue or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) more broadly 
• At least 2 or more years of business and/or legal experience, with a focus on negotiation and dispute resolution and/or facilitation and dialogue 
• Direct supervision and mentoring experience of junior attorneys or professionals 
• A passion to work with students, to engage in clinical pedagogy, and to develop the field of negotiation and dispute resolution  
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team 
• An ability to multitask, exercise sound judgement and be adaptable  
• An entrepreneurial mindset

Appointment End Date: This is a two-year term appointment with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need. 

Standard Hours/Schedule: Full-time

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Certification/License

Other Information:

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.