The Harvard Legal Aid Bureau requires that you register in advance to receive an application, which is then sent out via email on the Application Release Date.

REGISTERING FOR AN APPLICATION DOES NOT OBLIGATE YOU TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION.

This year, applications will be released on March 3, 2025 (students may still request an application after the deadline). To register for an application, please follow this link. This link will be disseminated at all HLAB events (see schedule below).

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at HLABVPMembership@gmail.com!

Your application is due Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:59 pm.

All first-year Harvard Law School students who will be returning to the Law School next fall are eligible to apply for Bureau membership.

The application involves four components:

1. Resume

2. Short written application about your interest in the Bureau

3. Case strategy memo

4. Interview

Applicants will be asked to provide responses based on material included in the application.

The Case Strategy Memo involves responding to questions based on fact patterns that resemble real cases that Bureau members may handle. The application does not require any outside research or knowledge of a specific area of substantive law.

We do not recommend spending more than 3-4 hours in total on the application process.

Your complete application will be evaluated blindly by current Bureau members. Based on these materials, a group of finalists will be selected for in-person interviews.

The Bureau is committed to maintaining a diverse membership for the benefit of the organization and our clients. To address the needs of our non-English speaking clients, we may give some weight to strong skills in languages other than English.

HLAB will be hosting several recruitment events for prospective applicants to learn more about the Bureau. Applicants will have the opportunity to speak with current Bureau members about their experiences and ask any questions they may have!  

February 26, 12:20 pm at 23 Everett St.: Open House: Meet the Bureau and Q&A. Lunch will be provided. 

March 24, 2024, 3-6 pm at 23 Everett St.: Open House: Application Tip Session. 

Date TBD:  OCP Clinic Fair 

If you would like to connect with a current HLAB student, please complete this coffee chat interest form.

All transfer applicants are encouraged to apply to the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau. In order to be considered for membership, each transfer applicant is required to submit an application and participate in a round of interviews. 

Transfer students who wish to request an application should write to HLABVPMembership@gmail.com.

More information regarding the 2025 recruitment timeline is forthcoming.