Harvard Law School

About the school

The class of 2024 represents the 100th LL.M. Class at Harvard Law School, along with new cohorts of S.J.D. and international exchange students. The Graduate Programme attracts lawyers with demonstrated intellectual and academic excellence from around the world. Its mission is to educate the next generation of leaders in academia, private practice, government, and non-profit and non-governmental organizations worldwide. Its alumni have distinguished themselves as leaders in academia, government, the judiciary, and private practice in over 80 countries across the globe. Harvard University - Harvard Law School offers more than 500 courses and seminars, 47 clinics and student practice organizations, 88 student organizations, providing limitless possibilities and unparalleled opportunities to study law with exceptional colleagues in a rigorous, vibrant, and collaborative environment. Students have the opportunity to choose from top-notch graduate programs such as the Master of Laws (LL.M.) and the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) degrees, as well as the Visiting Scholar and Visiting Researcher program. The LL.M. and S.J.D. programs expose students to American models of legal education and substantive law, enhancing their ability to conduct advanced scholarly work.

Location of the school

Harvard Law School is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a vibrant and diverse city with Boston just across the Charles River, and has plenty of neighbourhoods and culture to explore. It’s truly a preeminent location in which to live and learn. Here are some key details about its campus:

Life at Harvard Law School

Harvard Law School offers extensive career guidance services, where the Graduate Programme hosts approximately 30 to 35 Visiting Scholars and Visiting Researchers from around the world. Studying law is a collaborative endeavour, as students from all corners of the globe work together to create a student-centred environment where learning is inspiring, transformative, and supportive. With more than 100 student groups and associations, a student's life at Harvard Law School provides them with access to a world-class campus, unparalleled libraries, acclaimed museums and theatres, enriching extracurricular activities, and a broader community of diverse and engaged students. The Harvard Law School Library has also compiled a comprehensive Libguide with additional tools for leadership development. Students at Harvard Law School produce scholarly journals dedicated to specific substantive areas of the law and various approaches to examining legal developments. These student-edited publications offer invaluable practical experience in legal writing, editing, and scholarship.

Additional benefits of studying at Harvard Law School

Students can take advantage of the Well, which is Harvard Law School’s community effort to destigmatise mental health and prioritise well-being. The school also offers wellness events, from a faculty panel to financial wellness, paint night, cardio yoga, and more. Student Support Services at the school provides students with support in various circumstances. Harvard University Health Services provides high-quality, comprehensive health care, including Primary Care and Mental Health Counseling. Various Fitness and Athletic Opportunities like the gym and intramural sports help students stay active during their time at HLS. The school has groups that gather around legal interest areas, hobbies, identity, community service, advocacy, and more. Student organisations help students engage in activities encouraging personal growth, developing leadership skills, and building community.

Admissions criteria

The Graduate Programme attracts lawyers of demonstrated intellectual and academic excellence from worldwide. The LL.M. and S.J.D. programs expose students to American modes of legal education and substantive law and enhance students’ ability to do advanced scholarly work. Before filling out the application, students must conduct thorough research on the selected course. Application Procedure: - The online application should be filled out - The applicant must have received a qualifying law degree - The Skills Competency Requirement can be satisfied in various ways when students want to seek admission to the New York Bar - Students must upload transcripts from all colleges and universities where they will or have received a degree - International students, except those from countries where English is the native language, must submit scores from the TOEFL internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) - Aspirants must upload a resume, submit three Letters of Recommendation, write an Essay, and submit a Personal Statement

Job placements

Career Planning at HLS can be categorised into 1L Career Advising, Private Sector Career Services, Public Interest Career Services, Clerkships, Law Teaching, Bar Exam, and other limitless possibilities the school helps students discover and navigate. Numerous paths of professional fulfilment, achievement, and contribution are available to Harvard graduates. - 97% of the class of ’21 were employed at 10 months, while 525 students secured public interest fellowships over the past decade - There is a record of 250 plus judicial clerkships each year - 750 plus employers participate in private and public sector recruiting programmes at HLS - Students go on to careers in government, the judiciary, and law firms - Students are shaped and educated to become leaders in business, nonprofits, and academia - The Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising advises on public sector careers, including nonprofits, government, public defence, prosecution, public international work, unions, private public interest law firms, and fellowships - Harvard Law School offers various career-related services which help students secure prominent employment opportunities across the globe