Harvard Law School’s Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs has honored two graduating students who exemplify putting theory into practice through clinical work. This year’s honorees are Lerae Kroon ’14 and Brett Heeger ’14. The 2014 student honorees have demonstrated excellence in representing individual clients, or undertaking group advocacy or policy reform projects. In addition, both students were recognized for demonstrating thoughtfulness and compassion in their practice and for contributing to the clinical community at HLS in a meaningful way.
As a member of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, Lerae Kroon demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving Boston’s low-income communities and a passion for using the law as a tool for social justice. She served as a mentor to others, stepping in on short notice to cover motions and even a very challenging case almost on the eve of trial. She managed the communications portfolio at the Bureau, and launched its new website. She was also an active member of the Tenant Advocacy Project, handling cases and serving on the intake committee.
Brett Heeger spent several semesters in the Transactional Law Clinics, where he first enrolled because of an interest in using the tools of transactional law to foster economic development in Boston neighborhoods. He initiated meetings with community leaders in the areas surrounding Jamaica Plain and soon proved that he had a knack for the collaborative, project-based model of lawyering. Out of his work, the Community Enterprise Project evolved, and it now involves several ongoing projects and a permanent full-time staff member. To clients, city officials and community leaders, Heeger represented the face of CEP and a point of access to legal resources at HLS. His work furthered meaningful community engagement in economic development, reaching into traditionally underserved corners of Boston, and it allowed him to build considerable skill as a community lawyer. In addition to his work at TLC, he was co-president of the Harvard Immigration Project. He has also been a valued member of the Clinical and Pro Bono Student Advisory Committee.
Read more on Harvard Law School’s Clinical and Pro Bono Programs blog.