Student Practice Organizations
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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 hours can count towards the 50-hour pro bono graduation requirement starting first day of classes, 1L year. For students who entered HLS prior to Fall 2015, the pro bono requirement is 40 hours, which are counted beginning in the Spring semester of the 1L year.
Student Practice Organizations are run by a student board, where 2L and 3L students assume leadership positions. Everyone, including LL.M. students, are welcomed and encouraged to participate in SPO practice.
At a Glance
At a Glance
For an overview of the work in each SPO, time commitment, application process and deadlines read:
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SPO Opportunities for Practice 2018-19 (coming soon)
Explore SPOs
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Students Reflect on their SPO Practice
Students who participate have found the experience to be positive and meaningful. They report that they enjoy the community they build with other students while helping real people and communities in need of legal services.
Sign Up for SPOs
Sign Up for SPOs
Every fall semester, Student Practice Organizations host information sessions to familiarize new students with their work and application process. Most (but not all) SPOs require an application and all SPOs require students to complete a training. For the SPOs that do not require an application, the successful completion of the training is sufficient for students to become members.
Running a Student Practice Organization
Running a Student Practice Organization
Information for SPO Officers
A wealth of resources is available to students running Student Practice Organizations. In this section you can find information on policies, budget, technology, and more.