Cameron Miranda
Harvard Law School offers a range of degree programs for aspiring law students, including the Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), and Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.). The J.D. program is a rigorous three-year course that provides students with a solid intellectual foundation in legal study and practice. The LL.M. is a one-year advanced degree program for students who have already received their first law degrees, attracting intellectually curious candidates from diverse backgrounds and countries. Harvard's most advanced law degree, the S.J.D., is designed for aspiring legal academics who wish to produce a substantial dissertation through independent study, research, and writing. Admission to Harvard Law School is highly competitive, and applicants typically need to hold a bachelor's degree or its international equivalent, with strong academic credentials and extracurricular involvement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Harvard Law School's most advanced law degree | Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) |
| A one-year advanced degree program for students who have already received their first law degrees | Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
| Application deadline for Fall semester enrollment | Mid-February |
| Admission decision notification | Early April |
| Number of students in the first-year class | 560 |
| Number of sections in the first-year class | 7 |
| Number of students in each section | 80 |
| Number of students in each first-year reading group | 10-12 |
| Number of countries represented in the LL.M. program | 65+ |
| Number of countries represented in the J.D. program | Not specified, but includes international students |
| Study abroad opportunities | Yes, through exchange programs with law schools in other countries or at other top-flight foreign law schools |
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Application process
To study law at Harvard, you must first apply for admission to Harvard Law School. The application process for Fall semester enrollment typically opens in mid-September and closes in mid-February, with applicants being notified of their admission decision by early April.
Harvard Law School offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program, which is a three-year, full-time, in-person rigorous program that provides students with the intellectual foundations for legal study and practice. To be eligible for the J.D. program, applicants must hold or expect to hold a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) prior to August of the year for which they are applying. It is beneficial to have a degree in a related field, such as History, Philosophy, or Political Science, as well as a strong GPA, LSAT score, and extracurricular activities.
Harvard Law School also offers a Master of Laws (LL.M.) program, a one-year advanced degree program for students who have already received their first law degrees. The LL.M. program attracts intellectually curious candidates from diverse backgrounds and various legal systems, including lawyers, government officials, and judges, from over 65 countries.
Additionally, Harvard offers the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.), its most advanced law degree. The S.J.D. program is designed for aspiring legal academics who wish to produce a substantial dissertation through independent study, research, and writing.
Harvard Law School provides resources, information, and advice to help applicants put together competitive applications. The school encourages students to engage in a capstone learning experience in their third year, such as advanced seminars, clinical practice, and writing projects, to address complex legal problems.
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Course structure
The Juris Doctor (J.D.) at Harvard Law School is a rigorous, full-time, three-year program that first provides students with the intellectual foundations for legal study and practice. The first-year curriculum covers core principles and concepts, theory, and skills of legal practice, providing a thorough grounding in fundamental legal reasoning and analysis. Courses in this year include civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, legislation and regulation, property, and torts.
To bridge the academic-practice gap, all first-year students participate in the January Experiential Term, enrolling in skills-based courses that emphasize teamwork, practical training, and self-reflection. Students are divided into sections of eighty, with faculty section leaders providing guidance and support, as well as developing extracurricular activities related to law. Students also participate in first-year reading groups of 10-12 students, exploring intellectual interests outside the foundational curriculum. Topics range from legal responses to terrorism, regulation of climate change, Biblical law, and bioethics.
In the second and third years, students can focus their studies on particular areas of interest through advanced classes, clinics, and legal writing projects. The Programs of Study offer guidance on structuring an academic program tailored to students' chosen areas of focus. Students are encouraged to engage in a capstone learning experience in their final year, applying their knowledge and skills to address complex legal problems through advanced seminars, clinical practice, and writing projects.
Harvard Law School also offers a one-year advanced Master of Laws (LL.M.) program for students who have already received their first law degrees. The LL.M. attracts intellectually curious candidates from diverse backgrounds and over 65 countries, including lawyers, government officials, judges, activists, and doctoral students. The Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) is Harvard Law School's most advanced law degree, modelled on Ph.D. programs and designed for aspiring legal academics.
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Student life
The social life at Harvard Law is also active, with numerous student organizations and activities offering opportunities for students to connect and relax outside of the classroom. Students can join one of the many student-run journals, such as the Harvard Law Review, or participate in extracurricular activities like moot court competitions and legal clinics. These activities provide valuable hands-on experience and allow students to apply their legal skills in a practical setting.
The school also encourages a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. Study groups and peer tutoring are common, as students often work together to discuss complex legal concepts and prepare for exams. The competitive nature of the program can foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among the student body.
Additionally, Harvard Law students have access to a wealth of resources and opportunities provided by the university. The school's extensive alumni network can offer mentorship and career guidance, while the campus's proximity to Boston provides a vibrant cultural and social scene. Students can also take advantage of Harvard's interdisciplinary approach, taking courses in other departments and schools within the university to broaden their knowledge and skills.
Housing options are diverse, with many students choosing to live on campus in one of the residential houses or apartments. Others may opt for off-campus housing in the surrounding areas, which offers a range of choices to suit different budgets and lifestyles. The university also provides resources and support for students with families, offering child care services and family housing options.
In their free time, students can explore the vibrant city of Cambridge and the greater Boston area. The region offers a rich cultural experience, with museums, theaters, and historical sites to discover. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby Charles River for rowing and sailing, or explore the many parks and green spaces. The lively student communities of Harvard Square and Cambridge also provide a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Overall, student life at Harvard Law School offers a well-rounded and enriching experience. It provides a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse and talented peer group, both academically and socially, while also offering access to unparalleled resources and opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
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Career prospects
Harvard Law School offers a wide range of career services and advising to its students and alumni, helping them to discover and navigate various career paths and opportunities. The school's graduates are highly sought after by employers in law firms, government, businesses, and nonprofit organizations, with some even launching their own ventures.
Harvard Law School's Office of Career Services (OCS) advises students and alumni primarily on private sector careers, including law firms, in-house counsel positions, business careers, alternative legal careers, and judicial clerkships. The school's worldwide alumni network also provides valuable connections and opportunities for those seeking private sector roles.
The Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising (OPIA) is dedicated to supporting those interested in public sector careers. This includes opportunities in nonprofits, government, public defense, prosecution, public international work, unions, private public interest law firms, and fellowships. The office also offers resources for students interested in pursuing careers in law teaching and legal scholarship, a field in which HLS graduates are well-represented, comprising 11% of all law professors at American law schools.
Harvard Law School's Public Service Venture Fund is also notable, awarding approximately $1 million in grants annually to support graduating law students pursuing careers in public service. This fund provides seed money for startup nonprofit ventures and salary support for those wishing to work in nonprofits or government agencies. Additionally, the school awards several Public Service Fellowships each year to graduating students.
Overall, Harvard Law School is committed to helping its students and alumni explore diverse career paths and achieve professional fulfillment. With a strong reputation and a global network of alumni, the school provides a wealth of opportunities and resources to support individuals in their chosen career directions.
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Exchange programs
Harvard Law School offers its students a variety of exchange programs, providing them with exposure to different faculty and student bodies, enhancing their educational opportunities.
The Berkeley Exchange Program
The Berkeley Exchange Program is a collaboration between Harvard Law School and Berkeley Law, allowing up to five students from each institution to spend their third year at the other institution. Students continue to pay tuition to and apply for financial aid from their home law school. The program requires students to submit an application to the Administrative Board via the Dean of Students, including a letter stating their reasons for participation, a resume, and a faculty recommendation letter.
Semester Abroad Program
Harvard Law School's Semester Abroad Program offers J.D. students the chance to study law in a foreign country for a semester, receiving ungraded credit towards their degree. Students can either apply for designated spots at one of the nine foreign law schools with which HLS has an exchange agreement or propose an "independent" semester at any foreign law school that meets the program's requirements. The choice depends on the student's individual objectives and considerations.
International and Comparative Law Program
Harvard Law School also offers an International and Comparative Law Program, reflecting the growing importance of international and comparative law principles in legal education and practice. As part of this program, students can pursue various opportunities, including independent study with a faculty member, joint degree programs, the semester abroad program, internationally oriented research and internships, moot courts, and membership in relevant student organizations.
Harvard Law School's exchange programs provide students with valuable experiences and enhance their legal education, broadening their horizons and offering advantages in their job searches and careers.
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Frequently asked questions
The J.D. (Juris Doctor) is a three-year, full-time, in-person rigorous program that first gives students the intellectual foundations for legal study and practice. The first year covers core principles and concepts, theory, and skills of legal practice and provides a thorough grounding in fundamental legal reasoning and analysis. Students take courses in civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, legislation and regulation, property, and torts.
All applicants must hold or expect to hold a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) prior to August of the year for which they are applying. The application for Fall semester enrollment opens in mid-September and closes in mid-February. Applicants may apply for admission to Harvard Law School through the regular J.D. application no more than three times.
Harvard Law School students have the opportunity to study abroad through numerous exchange programs with law schools in other countries. Additionally, first-year students participate in the January Experiential Term, where they enroll in skills-based courses that emphasize teamwork, practical training, and self-reflection.
The LL.M. (Master of Laws) is a one-year advanced degree program for students who have already received their first law degrees. The program attracts intellectually curious candidates of diverse backgrounds from 65+ countries, including lawyers, government officials, law teachers, judges, and more.
Harvard is a very competitive school, so it is important to have a strong application. In addition to a bachelor's degree, having a degree in something related to law, such as History, Philosophy, or Political Science, may increase your chances of acceptance. Other important factors include your GPA, LSAT score, race, and extracurricular activities.
