Staff Attorney

Company Description

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.

Job Description

The Institute to End Mass Incarceration (IEMI) is a research and advocacy institute within Harvard Law School dedicated to building the intellectual leadership, public understanding, and practical tools necessary to end mass incarceration. IEMI operates at the intersection of research, advocacy, and public engagement.

IEMI seeks to hire a staff attorney to lead research, advocacy, and coalition building work with respect to the Institute’s Carceral Infrastructure Project. The staff attorney will play a key role driving forward substantive work related to efforts to understand and prevent the expansion of mass incarceration’s physical footprint. Reporting to the Executive Faculty Director, this position focuses on collaborating with coalitional partners, leading the production of written research and advocacy materials, helping to design advocacy strategies for specific campaigns, and leading execution of the Institute’s advocacy work in this subject matter area. 

This is an individual contributor role that requires strong project management, legal research and writing, and collaboration skills. The staff attorney will also from time to time oversee the work of research assistants, interns, and student attorneys. 

As a Staff Attorney you will:  

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with affiliated organizations and actors.
• Identify and cultivate opportunities for new campaigns.
• Develop, in coordination with the Executive Faculty Director, overarching strategies for the Institute’s involvement in ongoing campaigns and in other ecosystem partnerships.
• Take primary ownership for executing research and advocacy related strategies, including creating written deliverables (briefs, white papers, etc).
• Take primary ownership for driving forward litigation and related advocacy, including managing client relationships, co-counsel relationships, and litigation preparation and execution. 
• In coordination with Executive Faculty Director, identify, screen, and help select junior members of the Institute’s Advocacy Team (including research associates, interns, and fellows etc).
• Craft assignments for and oversee the work product of said junior team members, as directed by the Executive Faculty Director.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

JD degree, at least 3 years of relevant post-graduate experience, and admission to a state bar. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have: 

• Commitment to the mission, goals, and values of Inquest and the Institute to End Mass Incarceration. 
• Strong writing and editing skills. 
• Strong project management ability. 
• Comfort managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Additional Information

Appointment End Date: This is a one-year term appointment with potential for renewal, subject to departmental funding and 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 some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. 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.