Harvard Law School has 11 Student Practice Organizations (SPOs) providing opportunities for students to gain practical legal experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney.
While students do not receive academic credit for participating in SPOs, their volunteer hours can count towards the HLS 50-hour pro bono graduation requirement starting first day of classes, 1L year.
Student Practice Organizations are run by a student board, where 2L and 3L students assume leadership positions. Everyone, including LL.M. students, is welcomed and encouraged to participate in SPO practice. While membership is open to all HLS students, applications may be required due to attorney supervision capacity.
View the SPO Skills Matrix and to learn more about the specific skills and time commitment in each SPO.
Sign Up for SPOs
The application process and fall event schedules for all SPOs are detailed here: SPO Opportunities for Practice 24-25.
Join us at the SPO Panel on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 10:30-11:30 am in the Ames Courtroom! Representatives from each SPO will be available to discuss their SPO’s work and how to join. The panel will take place directly before the Student Activities Fair, and all students are welcome to attend – particularly incoming 1Ls, LLMs, and transfer students.
Watch the 2024 SPO Panel to hear from SPO student leaders about the organizations’ work and experiences:
Explore the SPOs
Running an SPO
If you’re a student running a Student Practice Organizations, you can find information on policies, budget, technology, and more in this section.