Elise Colin has been elected president of Harvard Defenders for the 2026–2027 academic year, marking a leadership transition at one of the most prominent student-run legal service organizations in the United States.
The organization, founded in 1949, plays a critical role in providing pro bono legal representation to low-income individuals facing criminal show-cause hearings in Massachusetts. It is widely recognized as the only legal service group in the state offering free representation at this stage of the criminal process.
Colin, a second-year student at Harvard Law School, brings a background in social studies and public policy to the role. A graduate of Harvard College, she previously worked in education policy in Washington, D.C., before pursuing legal studies.
Her election places her at the helm of an organization that annually mobilizes approximately 85 law students to represent clients accused of offenses ranging from assault and battery to larceny, shoplifting, and identity fraud. In addition to courtroom advocacy, the group operates a referral service that connects individuals with broader legal resources.
Harvard Defenders’ mission centers on reducing the impact of the criminal justice system on vulnerable communities through client-focused and compassionate legal advocacy. Student work is conducted under the supervision of longtime clinical instructor John Salsberg, who has overseen the program since 1980.
Colin’s leadership comes at a time when conversations around access to justice and equitable legal representation continue to gain national attention. Her role will involve guiding student advocates, overseeing casework strategy, and maintaining the organization’s longstanding commitment to serving marginalized populations.
Beyond her academic work, Colin is also active in campus life and mentorship, reflecting a broader commitment to education and community engagement.
Her appointment is being viewed as a continuation of Harvard Defenders’ legacy of student-driven legal advocacy, as well as an opportunity to further strengthen its impact within the Massachusetts legal system.
