RAP MISSION
The Recording Artists' Project (RAP) at Harvard Law School was established in 1998 to provide under-served Boston-area musicians with empowering, value-added legal counsel while simultaneously offering an invaluable development opportunity for HLS students interested in the industry. To that end, RAP offers pro bono counsel in such matters as copyright and trademark registration, sample clearances, and the negotiation and drafting of contracts related to music production, management, performance, licensing and merchandising.
Since its inception, the organization has actively sought synergy with related organizations in the Greater Boston and Harvard communities. RAP's collaborative relationship with the renowned Berklee College of Music has resulted in a signficant portion of Berklee students under representation at the clinic.
On campus, RAP works closely with the HLS Committee on Sports and Entertainment Law and other organizations to develop a compelling program of events relevant to students, academics and professionals. RAP's primary event initiative is a biannual conference intended to stimulate an open exchange between professionals engaged in the industry and the law school community on emerging legal issues in the music business. Held during the fall and spring semesters, the conference invites speakers to the Harvard Law School campus to share their insight into important concerns facing the industry.
The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School is dedicated to exploring cyberspace not only through teaching and research, but also by building out into the medium. The RAP Online web site is an experiment in the technical coordination and delivery of pro bono legal services.
RAP CLINICAL FAQ
What is the Recording Artists Project clinical program?
The RAP clinical program is offered through the HLS Office of Clinical Programs, and is an opportunity for students to do hands-on legal work for musicians and other entertainment clients throughout the Boston area.
What kind of work will I be doing?
You will be doing a variety of entertainment transactional work. Client issues range from trademark, copyright, licensing, contracts, and business entity formation.
Do I have to enroll in the clinical program to work on RAP cases?
No! Students who don’t have enough time to enroll in the clinical program are welcome to participate in our February training session. After this one-day session, you will be assigned to a client team of HLS students and given a RAP client.
What are the benefits of doing the clinical?
Not only does the clinical provide the kind of hands-on learning not found in other law school courses, but it allows students to interact with members of the Boston community. RAP participation also satisfies HLS’ pro bono hours requirement. Enrolling in the clinical also counts for class credits for their work on RAP cases.
I’m convinced, I want to do it. How do I sign up?
Register for one of the following classes through the Office of Clinical Programs: Business Planning, Community Economic Development, ITA Civil: The Lawyering Process A or B, or Non-Profit Organizations. Signing up for any one of these classes automatically registers you in the Community Enterprise Project, the parent organization of RAP. Once registered, you must specify your preference for the RAP clinical when asked.
Which class should I take?
It depends. This year, business planning is offered for 3 credits in the winter. The B section of ITA Civil is 2 credits in the spring. ITA Civil also offers the benefit of satisfying the law school’s professional responsibility requirement.
Signing up for any clinical course with a placement in RAP also requires registration in a required 1 credit clinical workshop substantive training and discussion group that meets 7 times a semester.
How much time do I need to commit?
In addition to the class of your choosing, you will have the option of doing 2, 3, or 4 credits work of clinical work. Each credit translates into 5 hours per week of clinical time
Brian Price, managing attorney, CEP bprice@law.harvard.edu
