Congratulations to Ava Pacchiana ‘27, Harvard Law School’s student honoree for the 2025 American Association of Law Schools (AALS) Pro Bono and Access to Justice Section’s Pro Bono Honor Roll! The Pro Bono Honor Roll celebrates and highlights the pro bono work of law school staff, faculty, and students who provide significant contributions to their law school community’s pro bono legal services.
Pacchiana is recognized for her outstanding commitment to pro bono service as a member of Harvard Defenders, a student practice organization (SPO) dedicated to representing low-income Massachusettsans in criminal show-cause hearings. During her 1L year, Pacchiana completed the highest number of pro bono hours in the Class of 2027 through her work in Defenders.
“I joined Defenders during my 1L fall because it offered the opportunity to ground my legal education in practice experience from day one,” Pacchiana says. “Through Defenders, I have had the privilege of advocating for clients in show cause hearings and helping people navigate the criminal record sealing process. These experiences have taught me how to build legal arguments, navigate difficult conversations, and advocate in ways that prioritize clients’ agency and center their goals. They have also reinforced my belief in the importance of fighting for individuals in an inherently violent and broken criminal legal system.”
The organization’s goal is to reduce the harm of the criminal legal system on community members through client-centered, compassionate, and persuasive legal practice. Since 1949, Defenders has served thousands of clients and given generations of students purpose, experience, and community.
“Defenders is my home on this campus, and I am endlessly indebted to my incredible colleagues and friends in this organization who have shown me what it means to show up for each other and for our community with care, courage, and humility,” Pacchiana reflects. “I have also learned so much from John Salsberg, our supervising attorney, whose guidance and trust have shaped me as an advocate, and from Sama ElBannan, our program manager, who keeps Defenders running with generosity, patience, and a deep commitment to our success. I am grateful every day for the chance to learn and grow in this community!”
In addition to her work in Harvard Defenders, Pacchiana also contributes pro bono legal services as a member of the Mississippi Delta Project, Project No One Leaves and the LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic. She has served on the Editorial Board of the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review, and she spent her 1L summer with Orleans Public Defenders in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Congratulations, Ava!
Tags: Class of 2027, Harvard Defenders