‘It’s good to be back’

F.From faculty and student support staff to clinical staff to those who help keep lights and computers running, HLS staff are as diverse as the students they serve. While one third year student advises on careers in the public interest, another helps demystify LexisNexis. Some relax with a good book in their free time, while other students teach a Japanese martial art.

However, at a recent employee recognition event, everyone agreed on one point – they looked forward to being back on campus to meet and connect with Harvard Law School students. Read on to meet some of the people who help make HLS what it is, including one of its newest employees – and one of its most established.

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Yvonne Smith, administrative coordinator of the academic advisory service, Dean of Studies
Started work at Harvard Law School: 1978
Likes: “Spending time with family. The pandemic makes you stop and think and realize things – that while family can drive you crazy at times, it’s wonderful to have them and hang out with them. That and read.”
What are you looking forward to? “Believe it or not, actually being back on campus. I loved working from home, but I missed my co-workers and students. I missed this personal exchange with my students, so I’m happy to be back on campus and see them in person, even if I get used to seeing them with a mask. “

Alexander Horn, Program Administrator, Transactional Law Clinics
Start of work at Harvard Law School: 2012
Likes: Photography, cycling
What are you looking forward to? “Get used to being personal again, remembering how it works, and get away from it all – and meet new students!”

Photo credit: Martha Stewart Alexander Horn, program administrator at the Transactional Law Clinic, and Bettina Neuefeind, employed attorney at the Education Law Clinic / TLPI

Annie Stachura, Administrative assistant, office for communication
Starting at Harvard Law School: “The day before this interview.”
Likes: Writing (she is doing her MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College); To sing; Hike.
What are you looking forward to? “I am happy to be back in an academic environment. I feel like there is no better place. The tour of the campus was really nice. And just getting to know everyone in the office will be really great. “

Photo credit: Kim Wright / HLS staff photographer Annie Stachura, Administrative Assistant, Communications Office

Sama Elbannan, Program Manager, Harvard Defenders
Starting at Harvard Law School: “Three years ago, and I love it.”
Likes: Cycling, knitting, writing poetry, socializing
What are you looking forward to? “See you all.”

Photo credit: Kim Wright / HLS staff photographer Sama Elbannan, Program Manager, Harvard Defenders

Daryl Muranaka, Assistant Director, Faculty Support Services
Started at Harvard Law School: About 20 years ago
Likes: Walks with his family; Aikido, a Japanese martial art (he is an instructor at Harvard Aikikai)
What are you looking forward to? “So much has changed since we left that I’m just excited to be back. It’s exciting to see all the new people and how everything has shifted and changed a bit. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all develops. “

Daryl Muranaka, Assistant Director, Faculty Support Services

Robin Just, Communications and outreach manager, environmental and energy law program
Starting at Harvard Law School: “I’ve worked at the university for seven years and at the law school for four years.”
Likes: “I love to swim – I like to swim in Walden Pond. I like hiking. I watch British crime novels. “
What are you looking forward to? “I am very happy to see the students in person again. We don’t teach in our program, but we work with many academic staff who bring so much fresh energy and optimism. Environmental work is sometimes depressing, so it’s nice to have people with you with ideas and joy. “

Photo credit: Kim Wright / HLS staff photographer Robin Just, Communications and Outreach Manager, Environmental and Energy Law Program

Anya Marino, Clinical Instructor, LGBTQ + Advocacy Clinic
Started at Harvard Law School: August 7th – a month ago.
Likes: “I really like the theater that has been missing for the past two years, but I’m really looking forward to going back to the theater and seeing live concerts again. I’m a nerd, so I also enjoy researching and writing. “
What are you looking forward to? “I find it really exciting to work with students while running a law firm … showing them the cases I’m passionate about and helping them develop their own legal skills.”

Photo credit: Kim Wright / HLS staff photographer Anya Marino, Clinical Instructor, LGBTQ + Advocacy Clinic (left) and Alejandra Caraballo, Clinical Instructor, Cyberlaw Clinic

Alejandra Caraballo, Clinical Instructor, Cyberlaw Clinic
Started at Harvard Law School: A month ago
Likes: Build computers, make electronic music, brew beer, play video games, cook
What are you looking forward to? “I think working with the students on some of the clinic’s different projects. And then to be able to set up and work on some of the projects that are interesting for me. “

Chris Green ’04, Executive Director, Animal Law and Policy Program
Started at Harvard Law School: Seven years ago
Likes: “I love this school. I took a six-year break here between my first and sophomore year to work in the music business. I’ve been a tour manager for a lot of different rock bands. I tend to turn to music and film related things. “
What are you looking forward to? “We have an amazing cohort of fellows. With so many of them postponed last year, this year we have a bumper crop from around the world, from all sorts of different disciplines, all working on different animal rights and political issues. It creates a really vibrant community within our program. We are also working on a very large research project with 15 other institutions around the world to examine global policy responses to the live animal market and their role in the transmission of zoonotic diseases. A current issue, as you can imagine. “

Photo credit: Martha Stewart Chris Green ’04, Executive Director, Animal Law & Policy Program, and Kate Barnekow ’19, Clinical Fellow, Animal Law & Policy Clinic

Carmen Halford ’16, Clinical Lecturer, Transactional Law Clinics
Start of work at Harvard Law School: August
Likes: Cooking, kayaking, practicing languages
What are you looking forward to? “I’m excited because it’s my first semester to work here. I used to be a student and actually attended the same clinic so I look forward to seeing everything from the other side of the table. “

Carmen Halford ’16, Clinical Instructor, Transactional Law Clinics