Two Win 2015 Exemplary Clinical Student Award

Harvard Law School’s Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs recognizes two graduating students who exemplify putting theory into practice through clinical work. The honorees are Seth Hoedl ’15 and Seth Packrone ’15. They have demonstrated excellence in representing individual clients and undertaking advocacy or policy reform projects. In addition, both students are recognized for demonstrating thoughtfulness and compassion in their practice and for contributing to the clinical community at HLS in a meaningful way.

Seth Hoedl, J.D. ’15

Credit: Lorin Granger

As a student in the Emmett Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, Seth Hoedl demonstrated exceptional skills and experience in tackling significant environmental problems. During his four semesters in the clinic, he examined whether a European nation was in violation of the Espoo Convention, developed a legal strategy to help the City of Boston provide energy resilience to its residents through microgrids, and identified new ways that universities and others can decrease and offset their greenhouse gas emissions.

“In each project, Seth demonstrated a level of commitment, initiative, and ability far beyond a typical law student,” said Clinical Professor of Law Wendy Jacobs. “Seth has also contributed to the clinic through his self-reflection and team spirit. In particular, his self-assessments have always been thoughtful and considered. Both through these and through other conversations, Seth has suggested concrete ways that we can improve the clinic and the learning experience for all students.”

“I am originally trained as a physicist and I came to law school to bridge divides between scientists, engineers, lawyers and policymakers with regards to energy and climate change,” said Seth. The clinic enabled me to start building these bridges and help both engineers and lawyers overcome real world challenges before I even graduated. It far exceeded my expectations.”

Seth Packrone, J.D. ’15 

Credit: Lorin Granger

Seth Packrone spent several semesters in the Clinical and Pro Bono Programs working with the Child Advocacy Clinic, Criminal Justice Institute (CJI), Education Law Clinic, and Mississippi Delta Project. “Seth is the rare combination of hard work, integrity and compassion,” said Clinical Professor of Law Dehlia Umunna who supervised him in the Criminal Justice Institute.

Seth joined CJI in the fall of 2014 and worked on a variety of cases in juvenile and adult court. He represented several clients, including a 55 year old man with mental health and substance abuse issues. Seth visited this client at the jail, arranged for social services to aid with his transition back into the community, and successfully resolved all of his cases.

“Seth has received glowing compliments from judges, prosecutors, other defense counsel and his colleagues,” said Dehlia. “In addition to the brilliant job he did on his cases, he is a kind, helpful member of the clinical community. He is always eager to assist his colleagues with investigating, brainstorming, trial preparation and research. Although he had one of the highest case loads, he never murmured or complained. Seth represents the very best of what a clinical student should be.”

“My clinical work has been the most meaningful part of my time at HLS. I will always be thankful for my experiences working with such incredible clients, students, faculty, and staff and everything they taught me about the important work that public interest lawyers do,” said Seth. “I am truly honored by this award.”