Harvard Defenders Litman Fellowship

WHAT IS HARVARD DEFENDERS?

We are one of the few legal service organizations in Massachusetts representing low-income people for free in criminal show-cause hearings. We seek to reduce the harm of the criminal legal system on community members through client-centered, compassionate, and persuasive legal practice. By intervening at this crucial stage, Fellows will play a pivotal role in diverting individuals away from the criminal legal system, ultimately making a profound difference in their lives and our community as a whole.

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a real difference, to contribute your skills and commitment to an important cause, then we invite you to apply to join us in this work!

SUMMER EXPECTATIONS 

The Fellowship requires an in-person, full-time commitment for 8 weeks during the summer, from June 2, 2025- July 25, 2025. These dates cannot be adjusted. Fellows will primarily focus on representing clients, gaining hands-on experience in legal advocacy. In addition to client work, Fellows may have the opportunity to contribute to a special project related to the criminal legal system. Fellows will receive a $1,000 stipend and are encouraged to explore additional funding opportunities to support their summer work.

ABOUT THE JACK T. LITMAN FELLOWSHIP 

The Jack T. Litman Fellowship was established in 2012 and is dedicated to the memory of Jack T. Litman, a renowned defense attorney who was a member of Harvard Defenders during his time at the law school. Each summer, Harvard Defenders selects three law students to serve as full-time Litman Fellows. Fellows will gain invaluable experience in various aspects of legal advocacy and will have the unique opportunity to handle all their own cases which involves interacting with clients, conducting interviews, and investigation and representation at hearings. Fellows will conduct in-person and remote clerk-magistrate hearings (show-cause hearings that occur before the stage of charge issuance) and Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) sealings. Given the small size of the Litman cohort, it is important that participants appreciate collaboration and working with others. Litman Fellow will actively participate in team meetings where questions are encouraged, strategies are discussed, and feedback is given.

The Fellowship provides a rare opportunity to be the primary advocate on behalf of clients in hearings. Work is supervised by John Salsberg, Harvard Defenders’ Clinical Instructor, an experienced criminal defense lawyer and clinical instructor.

APPLICATION 

1Ls are encouraged to apply. To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to hdefenderslitmanfellowship@gmail.com. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2025. Applicants will be interviewed, and offers will be sent out from February 17th through February 28rd 2025.