Elise Colin has been elected president of Harvard Defenders for the 2026–2027 academic year, positioning her to lead one of the nation’s most established student-run criminal defense clinics at a time of continued scrutiny over access to justice for low-income defendants.
Founded in 1949, Harvard Defenders operates as a student-practice organization within Harvard Law School, providing pro bono legal representation to indigent individuals in criminal show-cause hearings before clerk magistrates in Massachusetts.
The organization is notable for being the only entity in the state dedicated to offering free representation at this pre-charging stage of criminal proceedings, where determinations are made on whether probable cause exists to issue a criminal complaint.
In her new role, Colin will oversee a cohort of approximately 85 student advocates who handle a broad docket of cases, including allegations of assault, larceny, shoplifting, harassment, and identity-related offenses. The organization also maintains a telephone-based legal referral service, assisting callers in navigating civil and criminal legal issues by directing them to appropriate legal resources.
Colin, a second-year law student and Harvard College graduate with a concentration in Social Studies, previously worked in education policy in Washington, D.C. Her academic and policy background is expected to inform her leadership approach, particularly in areas involving systemic inequities within the criminal legal system.
All student casework at Harvard Defenders is conducted under the supervision of John Salsberg, a clinical instructor who has led the program since 1980. The model combines experiential legal education with direct client representation, requiring students to engage in case strategy, client counseling, and courtroom advocacy.
The presidency carries both administrative and legal significance. The student president plays a central role in coordinating litigation strategy, ensuring compliance with court procedures, and maintaining the organization’s standards of client-centered representation. The position also involves liaising with court officials, supervising internal training, and upholding ethical obligations in student-led advocacy.
Harvard Defenders’ work has long been viewed as a critical intervention point in the criminal justice process, particularly in preventing unnecessary prosecutions and mitigating early-stage system involvement for low-income defendants. Legal scholars have increasingly highlighted the importance of representation at the show-cause stage, where the absence of counsel can significantly affect case outcomes.
Colin’s election signals continuity in the organization’s mission to reduce harm within the criminal legal system through early intervention and advocacy. Her tenure is expected to focus on strengthening client services, enhancing training for student advocates, and sustaining the organization’s role within Massachusetts’ broader legal aid framework.
