Cecily Zamora
Harvard Law School is the oldest continuously operating law school in the United States, with a rich history of producing leading legal professionals. The school offers a range of degree programs, including the Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M.), and Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.). With a highly selective admissions process, Harvard Law School accepts applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded education. The school's rigorous curriculum provides a strong foundation in legal principles, theory, and skills, preparing graduates for various career paths. Harvard Law School's notable alumni network includes Supreme Court justices, leading professors, and influential legal practitioners, showcasing the diverse opportunities a Harvard Law degree can offer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree Programs | LL.M. (Master of Laws), S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science), and J.D. (Juris Doctor) |
| Acceptance Rate | One of the lowest in the country |
| Average GPA of Admitted Students | 3.92 |
| Average LSAT Score of Admitted Students | 174 |
| Percentage of Admitted Students with Advanced Degrees | 11% |
| Class Size | Approximately 560 students |
| First-Year Class Sections | Seven, with approximately 80 students each |
| Core First-Year Courses | Civil procedure, criminal law, legislation and regulation, constitutional law, contracts, property, and torts |
| Electives | Legal history, comparative law, law and economics, jurisprudence, and legal theory |
| Clinical Work | Yes |
| Summer Opportunities | Yes |
| Fellowships | Yes |
| Bar Exam Pass Rate | 99% of 2019 graduates |
| Supreme Court Clerks | More than one-quarter between 2000 and 2010 |
| Supreme Court Justices | Sixteen graduates have served, including four current members: John Roberts, Neil Gorsuch, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Elena Kagan |
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What You'll Learn
Become a lawyer
Harvard Law School is the oldest continuously operating law school in the United States, and its graduates have gone on to hold prominent positions in the legal field. With a Harvard Law degree, you can pursue a career as a lawyer by following these steps:
Step 1: Complete Your Education
Harvard Law School offers a three-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) program that provides a broad and diverse curriculum or a specialized area of law. The first year at Harvard Law School lays the foundation with introductory courses that provide context, skills, and knowledge in legal studies. In the subsequent years, students are encouraged to explore their interests and pursue advanced work, clinical experiences, fellowships, and courses in other departments. The school also offers LLM and SJD degrees for those seeking further specialization or academic research.
Step 2: Pass the Bar Exam
After graduating from Harvard Law School, the next step towards becoming a lawyer is to take and pass the bar exam. The bar exam is a rigorous assessment that ensures individuals have the necessary knowledge and skills to practice law. Harvard Law School has an impressive track record, with 99% of its 2019 graduates passing the bar exam.
Step 3: Gain Practical Experience
Once you have passed the bar exam, you can begin your career as a lawyer. There are various legal paths you can take, including practicing law in a firm, working as in-house counsel for an organization, or pursuing a career in public service. It is important to gain practical experience through internships, clerkships, or entry-level legal positions to develop your legal skills and build a strong foundation for your career.
Step 4: Specialize and Build Your Reputation
As you progress in your legal career, you may choose to specialize in a particular area of law, such as legal history, comparative law, law and economics, or jurisprudence. Building a strong reputation in your field is crucial, and Harvard Law School alumni have an advantageous network and reputation that can open doors to various opportunities. Many Harvard Law School graduates have gone on to serve on the Supreme Court, demonstrating the prestige and recognition that comes with a Harvard Law degree.
In conclusion, a Harvard Law degree provides a strong foundation for a career as a lawyer. By completing your legal education, passing the bar exam, gaining practical experience, and specializing in your field of interest, you can become a successful lawyer and make a significant impact in the legal profession.
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$17.27 $31.99
Work in government
A Harvard Law degree can be a stepping stone to a variety of government roles, both at the state and federal levels. Working in government provides an opportunity to directly impact and shape public policy, as well as contribute to the administration of justice.
One path to consider is a career in legislative policy. As a legislative aide or counsel, you could be advising members of Congress or state legislators on legal and policy matters. This role involves drafting and reviewing legislation, conducting legal research, and providing analysis on the potential impact of proposed laws. You could also work as a policy analyst or advisor within a specific government department or agency, such as the Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission.
Another option is to pursue a career as a government attorney. Government attorneys play a crucial role in representing and providing legal advice to government agencies, officials, and departments. They may handle a variety of legal matters, including litigation, regulatory issues, and legislative drafting. For example, as a government attorney, you could work for the Department of State, advising on international treaties and agreements, or for a department enforcing specific areas of law, such as securities or environmental law.
Harvard Law graduates may also find fulfilling careers in the judiciary. Judicial clerkships are a common first step, where one works closely with a judge, conducting legal research and drafting opinions. This experience can lead to opportunities as a judge or magistrate, where one would preside over court proceedings, interpret laws, and issue rulings.
Additionally, a Harvard Law degree can open doors to roles in law enforcement and national security. For instance, you could pursue a career as a federal prosecutor, investigating and litigating cases on behalf of the government. Alternatively, you could work for an intelligence agency, providing legal advice on national security matters and ensuring that intelligence operations comply with the law.
Many government careers also offer the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of law that aligns with your interests, such as environmental law, civil rights, or international law. Working in government provides a unique chance to serve the public and make a meaningful impact on the lives of citizens.
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Teach law
Harvard Law School offers a wide range of courses and programs that can help prepare graduates for a career in teaching law. The school encourages students to pursue their passions and take advantage of opportunities for advanced work, clinical work, fellowships, and courses elsewhere in the university.
The school's large number of academic law courses can provide a strong foundation for teaching. Students can take foundational courses that offer context, perspective, and introductory material, as well as intermediate and capstone courses that build knowledge and skills in specific areas of law. Harvard Law School also offers joint degree programs and special programs that can enhance a graduate's expertise and marketability as a law teacher.
Harvard Law School is known for its competitiveness, and its graduates have gone on to become leading professors and deans at other law schools. The school's faculty members are also highly accomplished, with many having served on the Supreme Court of the United States. This level of prestige and accomplishment can be a significant advantage for graduates seeking to teach law at the university level.
In addition to its academic programs, Harvard Law School provides resources and support for students interested in pursuing a career in law teaching. The school's website offers information and guidance, and students can also contact the Assistant Dean for Academic Career Advising, Susannah Barton Tobin, for more information. The school also offers residential academic fellowships for those pursuing careers as law professors.
Overall, a Harvard Law degree can provide a strong foundation for a career in teaching law, offering a combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and a prestigious network of alumni and faculty members.
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Work in academia
Harvard Law School (HLS) is the oldest continuously operating law school in the United States. The school has produced several notable alumni, including 16 graduates who have served on the Supreme Court of the United States, more than any other law school. HLS graduates have also gone on to become leaders in business, nonprofits, and academia.
Pursuing a career in academia with a Harvard Law degree can take several forms. One option is to become a law professor. HLS graduates account for 11% of all law professors at American law schools. The path to becoming a law professor typically involves obtaining advanced degrees, such as a Master of Laws (LL.M.) or Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.), in addition to the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. These advanced degrees allow individuals to develop specialized knowledge and expertise in a particular area of law, making them qualified to teach and conduct research at law schools.
Another option for working in academia with a Harvard Law degree is to pursue a career in legal scholarship. This involves contributing to the advancement of legal knowledge through research, writing, and publication. Legal scholars may focus on a variety of topics, including legal history, comparative law, law and economics, and jurisprudence. They may also engage in interdisciplinary research that combines legal analysis with other fields such as sociology, political science, or philosophy.
Harvard Law School provides a strong foundation for those interested in academia by encouraging students to explore a broad range of ideas and approaches to law. The school offers a wide array of courses, seminars, and clinical opportunities that allow students to develop their interests and build expertise. Additionally, HLS has a strong focus on scholarship and research, with students involved in preparing and publishing the Harvard Law Review, one of the most highly cited university law reviews.
The school also emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships within the legal industry. This can be beneficial for those pursuing academia as it allows individuals to connect with potential mentors, collaborators, and peers in their field of interest. Harvard Law School's worldwide association of alumni can provide support and guidance to those seeking academic careers, whether through mentorship, research collaborations, or job opportunities at other academic institutions.
Overall, a Harvard Law degree can provide a strong foundation for a career in academia. It offers individuals the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to succeed as law professors, legal scholars, and contributors to the advancement of legal knowledge.
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Pursue a different career path
A law degree from Harvard opens doors to a multitude of career paths, both within and outside the legal field. Here are some alternative career options you can pursue with a Harvard Law degree:
Business and Entrepreneurship
The skills acquired during a law degree, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities are highly transferrable to the business realm. Many Harvard Law graduates have gone on to successful careers in business, either by joining established companies or starting their own ventures. The degree's prestige and global recognition can provide a competitive edge when entering the business world.
Politics and Public Service
A degree from Harvard Law School can be a stepping stone to a career in politics and public service. The analytical and communication skills honed during your legal studies can be invaluable in navigating the complex world of politics. Additionally, the degree's reputation may enhance your credibility when seeking public office or working in government.
Academia and Research
If you're passionate about knowledge and intellectual pursuits, a Harvard Law degree can be a pathway to a career in academia or research. You could pursue further studies, such as a PhD, and become a professor or researcher in law or related fields. Many law graduates also find opportunities in think tanks, where they can contribute to policy development and research.
Consulting
The problem-solving, analytical, and strategic thinking skills cultivated during a law degree are highly valued in the consulting industry. Management consulting firms often seek out individuals with legal backgrounds for their ability to provide strategic advice and solve complex business challenges. A career in consulting can offer a diverse range of projects and the opportunity to work with clients across various industries.
Writing and Media
Excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of legal concepts can be leveraged in a career in writing or media. Many Harvard Law graduates have become renowned authors, journalists, or commentators, using their legal expertise to inform and educate the public. Whether it's writing legal thrillers or providing legal analysis for news outlets, a law degree can open doors to a variety of writing and media opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
The curriculum is designed to reflect 21st-century law in the United States. Students are required to take foundational courses in civil procedure, criminal law, legislation and regulation, constitutional law, contracts, property, and torts. They are also encouraged to pursue their passions and take courses offering exposure to a variety of topics and methodologies.
Harvard Law School graduates have pursued a variety of careers. Sixteen of the school's graduates have served on the Supreme Court of the United States, including Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justices Neil Gorsuch, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Elena Kagan. Other graduates have become leading professors at other law schools, CEOs, and politicians.
Harvard Law School offers three main degree programs: the LL.M. (Master of Laws), the S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science), and the Juris Doctor (J.D.).
Harvard Law School is highly selective, with one of the lowest law school acceptance rates in the country. Applicants are expected to have strong academic backgrounds, with high GPAs and LSAT scores. While Harvard considers applications from all undergraduate majors, the school mentions that a broad college education is preferable to a narrowly specialized one. Applicants to the J.D. program are required to submit two letters of recommendation, one of which should be from a professor or academic advisor.
