About HLS Now

Events in 2015, at Harvard Law School, within the nation, and around the globe, raised questions of law, identity, connection, belonging, alienation, and difference. Our thoughts and feelings related to these events shaped how we come together (or divided) as community, nation, and world. HLS community members often desire organized, low risk fora to share and discuss their perspectives on important moments and listen to the views of others. This initiative from the Harvard Negotiation & Mediation Clinical Program (HNMCP) called HLS Now aimed to create that space.

HLS Now was a quick response dialogue project that offered facilitated small-group discussions for members of the Harvard Law School community in the wake of major happenings on campus, in national politics, or on the world stage. A small group of Harvard Law School students, trained by HNMCP faculty and staff, facilitated these conversations.

The Spring 2016 Pilot

In spring of 2016, HNMCP launched the pilot program of HLS Now. HNMCP led two four-hour training sessions for a small corps of six student facilitators. This training provided participants with the theory and practice of designing small group dialogue, and the skills to effectively guide these discussions.

HNMCP has continued its efforts to identify and plan opportunities for organized dialogue both on and off campus. If your organization is interested in assistance with a facilitated dialogue, or other conflict management support, please see our “For Clients” page to learn how to propose a project to our Clinic.