Harvard Law School

Harvard Law School

Harvard Law School (HLS) is one of the world's most renowned law schools in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is home to the largest academic law library in the world. Harvard Law offers a variety of programs and degrees, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels. There are also many research opportunities available at Harvard Law.

Along with Yale Law School, University of Chicago Law School, and Stanford Law School, Harvard Law School usually ranks as one of the top three law schools in the US News & World Report rankings. Harvard Law School is also noted for receiving the highest reputational scores from judges, academics, and practitioners.

It is also significantly larger than most other law schools, with approximately 550 students in each class, while most other schools have around 200 students. Harvard Law School has produced more Supreme Court justices than any other law school, with 14 graduates having served on the court. Out of the current nine justices, six attended Harvard Law. After Robert C. Clark stepped down in 2003, Elena Kagan became the school's dean.

History

Isaac Royall founded Harvard Law School in 1817, making it the oldest law school in the nation. He sold his laborers and plantations in the Caribbean to finance the school. The only remaining slave quarters from that era are located in Medford, Massachusetts, on the Royall estate, which is now a museum. Isaac Royall Jr. inherited the estate but fled Massachusetts during the American Revolution. Just before he died in 1781, he left land to Harvard with the intention that it be used to fund the first chair of law.

The Royal family coat of arms was adopted as the school crest for Harvard Law School. The crest shows three wheat sheaves stacked beneath the university motto, "Veritas" (Latin for "truth"). The Royal family estate in Medford was returned to Royall Jr.'s heirs in 1806. They sold it and donated the proceeds to Harvard Law School.

In the 1870s, Dean Christopher Columbus Langdell changed how the law was taught by introducing a new curriculum and teaching method. The new curriculum included Contracts, Property, Torts, Criminal Law, and Civil Procedure classes. The case teaching method is now used in most law schools across the United States.

The faculty at Harvard Law School voted to change the first-year curriculum in 2006. The new curriculum focuses more on problem-solving and international law.

Admissions

Harvard Law School provides unmatched opportunities to study law and related disciplines in a rigorous and collaborative environment. Harvard’s scope is measured in its unparalleled breadth and depth of courses and clinics, its wide array of research programs, its diverse student body drawn from across the nation and around the world, and its extensive network of distinguished alumni.

More broadly, law students can tap into Harvard University’s extraordinary resources through joint degree programs, cross-registration, and a variety of social and cultural venues.

To read more about joint degrees and why one might pursue one, click here and here.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	171 - 174 - 176	171 - 174 - 176
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.84 - 3.93 - 3.99	3.89 - 3.95 - 4.00
Acceptance rate	10.1%	11%
Applications received	8334	7231
Acceptances	798	793
Matriculants	455	460

The 1L class at Harvard Law School has a a median LSAT score of 174. The 25th percentile LSAT is 170, and the 75th percentile LSAT is 176. The The median GPA is 3.92, with the 25th percentile GPA at 3.82 and the 75th percentile GPA at 3.98.

Acceptance Rate

In the 2025 application cycle, 7,100 people applied to Harvard Law School, and 780 were offered admission. The size of the 1L class is 465, with a yield of 59.62%. This means that 59.62% of applicants offered admission chose to attend the school. 465 out of 780 applicants who were offered admission accepted their offer and matriculated.

Application Components and Process

The application process for Harvard Law School remains extremely competitive. In previous cycles, Harvard consistently accepted a small fraction of its applicants. For example, in the 2021 cycle, the school received over 7,000 applications and accepted only 9% of them. By 2025, the acceptance rate has remained similarly selective at approximately 11.5%.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to be eligible for admission. The admissions committee seeks candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, strong extracurricular involvement, and personal leadership qualities. Key factors considered include:

• Academic performance

• Professional and extracurricular achievements

• Leadership potential

• Communication and interpersonal skills

Streamlined Process

Harvard's admissions process is considered relatively predictable compared to other elite law schools. When compared to Yale, Stanford, Chicago, or Columbia, admissions trends and outcomes at Harvard can often be more systematically forecasted based on LSAT and GPA ranges.

Step-by-Step Process

The Harvard Law School admissions process involves:

1. Written Application

Includes personal and academic information, professional experience, and a detailed personal statement.

2. Two Rounds of Interviews

First Round: Conducted by Harvard alumni volunteers.

Second Round: Conducted by members of the Harvard Law School admissions committee.

3. Final Decision

Admissions decisions are finalized by the Dean of Admissions.

For more information on personal statements and application essays, check out the TLS Guide to Personal Statements.

When to Apply

Harvard Law School’s application for the 2025-2026 academic year typically opens in September 2024. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as early as possible to ensure full consideration.

Key Dates:

• Application Opens: September 2024

• Priority Deadline: February 1, 2025

• Final Deadline: March 1, 2025

• Interviews: Conducted on a rolling basis from October 2024 through March 2025

• Decisions Released: Rolling basis, typically by April 2025

Early submission is recommended because Harvard follows a rolling admissions process, meaning decisions are made continuously as applications are received. Applying earlier can increase the chances of securing an interview slot and early decision notification.

Transferring

Eligibility: Applicants must have completed one full year of study (approximately 28 to 32 credits) at an ABA-accredited law school by the end of the 2024-2025 academic year.

The student must be in good academic standing.

Application Timeline:

• Transfer Application Opens: May 2025

• Application Deadline: July 1, 2025

• Decisions Released: Typically in late July to early August 2025

Required Materials:

• Law school transcript with completed first-year grades

• Letters of recommendation, preferably from law school professors

• Resume

• Personal statement (outlining reasons for transfer)

• Current LSAT score (already on file from initial application)

Transfer Considerations: The Harvard Law transfer process is highly competitive. Transfer applicants are evaluated based on:

• Strong academic performance in the 1L year

• Demonstrated leadership potential

• Contributions to the legal community and beyond

Transfer students at Harvard Law School have full access to journals, clinical programs, student organizations, and on-campus recruitment opportunities.

Langdell Library in Fall

Tuition and Expenses

For the 2025-2026 academic year, Harvard Law School’s tuition is $76,500. The annual cost of attendance, which includes living expenses, books, and personal costs, is estimated at $117,750.

Therefore, the total cost of attending Harvard Law School for one year is approximately $117,750.

This budget is based on full-time enrollment (nine to twelve credits per term) and reflects the average cost for a typical student. Actual expenses may vary depending on personal circumstances such as housing choices, travel, and lifestyle.

Financial Aid

Harvard Law School continues to provide extensive financial aid to ensure access for students from all backgrounds. Approximately 50% of students receive need-based grants from HLS, and all students are eligible for federal and private loans. Financial aid at Harvard Law is structured to support those with demonstrated financial need.

Key Principles of Financial Aid:

Demonstrated Need remains the foundation for aid eligibility.

The standard student budget for calculating need in 2025 is $117,750.

Harvard subtracts your calculated family contribution (determined through the financial aid application process) and the Grant Eligibility Threshold, which is set at $52,000 for 2025.

The remaining amount after these deductions represents your "Financial Need", which is typically covered by HLS Grants.

Loans

Harvard Law School maintains a Preferred Lender List offering competitive loan rates, strong borrower protections, and reliable customer service.

Loan Selection Resources:

• How Do I Choose A Loan Program? – A helpful guide to evaluating loan options based on your financial situation.

• Learn More About Student Loans – A resource explaining loan terms, interest rates, and repayment strategies.

Students are encouraged to explore both federal loan programs and private lenders to find the most favorable borrowing terms.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

Harvard Law School has a strong and consistent record of preparing its graduates for top-tier legal careers. The school’s pioneering role in legal education — from the creation of the case method to the expansion of clinical learning opportunities — continues to position Harvard Law as a leader in producing exceptional lawyers, public servants, and industry innovators.

Employment Outcomes – 2025

• Median Salary (Private Sector): $215,000

• Median Salary (Public Sector): $68,000

Employment Distribution:

• 62% of Harvard Law graduates enter large law firms (BigLaw) directly after graduation.

• 17% obtain prestigious judicial clerkships.

• 10% pursue roles in public interest organizations, government, or non-profits.

• Remaining graduates typically engage in academia, business, or international legal work.

Bar Passage Rate – 2025

99.1% of Harvard Law School graduates pass the bar exam on their first attempt.

This exceptional bar passage rate underscores the rigor and effectiveness of Harvard’s legal training.

Quality of Life

Your life at Harvard Law School unfolds within a major research university, giving you access to a world-class campus: unparalleled libraries, acclaimed museums and theaters, enriching extracurricular activities, and a wider community of diverse and engaged students.

You have access to everything Harvard has to offer.

Location

Harvard Law School is located on its campus within the larger Harvard University campus. The school is in the historic city of Cambridge, home to various restaurants, bookstores, bars, and music venues. In the heart of Cambridge, Harvard Square is lively with street performers and specialty shops.

Architectural historian Howard Gilbert notes that the old Harvard Law School Building "has no architectural merit." Still, it was nevertheless one of the most ornate buildings on the campus when it opened in 1892. It is designed in a Second Empire style, with five Ionic columns at each corner and eight semi-circular windows on each floor.

The main campus is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just across the Charles River from Boston. The school's oldest building, Austin Hall, was completed in the 1880s by renowned architect H. H. Richardson. The school's student center, Harkness Commons, was designed by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius. Several on-campus dormitories are also located on campus.

Library

Langdell Hall remains one of the largest and most iconic buildings on the Harvard Law School campus and continues to house the Harvard Law School Library, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious law libraries in the world. It offers an extensive and continually updated collection of legal resources, academic journals, rare manuscripts, and digital research tools accessible to students both on campus and remotely.

The Northwest Corner Building, designed by Robert A. M. Stern and completed in 2006, remains a modern hub of classrooms, study areas, and faculty offices, complementing Langdell Hall’s traditional grandeur.

Dining

Harvard Law School offers diverse dining options both on and off campus.

The Harkness Commons remains the main dining space, featuring a full-service cafeteria, smaller cafes, and a campus pub. Menus are posted weekly online, providing easy access to meal planning. As of 2025, the Commons is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends.

In addition to campus dining, students have access to a wide variety of local restaurants within walking distance in Cambridge, as well as more expansive dining options throughout the greater Boston area, easily accessible via public transportation.

Accessibility and Opportunities

The Harvard Law School campus is highly accessible and efficiently connected. All academic buildings are linked by an indoor tunnel system, allowing easy navigation, especially during inclement weather. For security reasons, the tunnels do not connect to student dormitories, which require Harvard ID card access.

Health services remain available on-site at the Law School Health Clinic, with after-hours care provided at the Harvard University Health Services Center at the Smith Campus Center (formerly the Holyoke Center).

Campus Convenience

Students can use Crimson Cash — a debit system tied to the Harvard ID — to pay for campus dining, laundry, vending machines, printers, and select local businesses. Value can be added online with a credit card for seamless transactions.

Student Life and Opportunities

Balancing law school and exploring Boston can be challenging due to rigorous academic demands, time-sensitive scheduling, and journal commitments. However, Harvard Law School offers numerous opportunities for those who actively seek them out.

• Professorial Research: Many professors regularly seek research assistants, providing valuable academic and professional experience.

• Journals: Students can join secondary journals and special interest groups beyond their first year.

• Campus Events: Harvard hosts panels, lectures, networking events, and social activities throughout the year that enrich student life.

• Research Opportunities: Students can find research positions and administrative updates directly on the Harvard Law School website or by speaking with professors.

“If we have a critical mass of people saying ‘yes, I worked my tail off, but I also had a lot of fun, and I was in an environment where I found my niche, I found good friends, I built lasting relationships, and I was part of a community? That’s a win to me.” — Stephen Ball ’10, Dean of Students, HLS

You Belong at HLS – 2025

At Harvard Law School, collaborative learning, community building, and transformative education remain core to the student experience. Harvard continues to foster an environment where you will not only contribute to the HLS community but also grow through it.

The school’s commitment is clear: Harvard Law School wants you to thrive — academically, personally, and professionally.

Law School Culture

Student Body

At Harvard, the average age of JD students is lower than at many other law schools, and many have little or no full-time work experience. However, the large number of graduate students at Harvard adds diversity in terms of age, career goals, and background. The graduate students also prevent the dormitories from feeling too much like undergraduate living. Living in the dormitories is a great way to meet many interesting people (including individuals in the graduate law programs), especially given how the Gropius dorms are connected through walkways and a courtyard.

HLS students are very driven to succeed, but they are not cutthroat. This is because former Dean Elena Kagan made efforts to ensure that students would not be competitive with each other. Students who are interested in public interest feel right at home at HLS.

A contributor to TLS wrote that the atmosphere at HLS is relatively relaxed and that there are fewer gunners than at other schools. She also mentioned that the class size is small enough to allow for a diverse student body. However, she warned that being under 21 may make it difficult to enjoy the social life at HLS.

One student noted that while the on-campus housing could be improved, the social opportunities available more than made up for it. They also commented on the variety of ways to relax and have fun available to students.

Some students at Harvard Law School come from wealthy backgrounds and can be snobby, as described by one student. However, this does not apply to all students, many of whom are normal people with regular interests and personalities.

The student body at Harvard Law School is just one of the many factors contributing to its cultural identity. The school is large, and its promotional materials embrace this fact. Admitted students are encouraged to consider the school a community of smaller neighborhoods.

Student-Faculty Ratio

As of 2025, Harvard Law School enrolls approximately 1,750 J.D. students across all class years, with each 1L class comprising around 465 students. The faculty includes over 125 full-time professors and dozens of visiting and adjunct faculty, resulting in a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 7:1.

This favorable ratio ensures that students have meaningful access to professors and ample opportunities for in-depth class discussions, mentorship, and collaborative research.

Harvard Law School also continues to require at least 50 hours of pro bono work before graduation, reinforcing its commitment to public service and cultivating a sense of social responsibility among its students.

Focus on the Public Good Harvard Law School’s curriculum remains deeply committed to encouraging students to consider the greater societal impact of their work. Programs like Law and Social Change, Law and Government, and Law, Science, and Technology remain integral, prompting students to apply their legal education to the advancement of public welfare.

Despite common perceptions, Harvard is not exclusively focused on corporate law. Students interested in corporate law receive excellent preparation, but those interested in public interest, government, and international law also find robust support and opportunities.

Some students note that, particularly for corporate law in New York, peer schools like Columbia and NYU may offer more competitive financial aid packages. Nevertheless, Harvard’s prestige and resources remain significant advantages.

Students widely agree that Harvard Law is incredibly rigorous—but most would not choose to be anywhere else. The intellectual challenge and the sense of community create an enriching and transformative law school experience.

If you ask any student at Harvard Law School, they will tell you that it is an incredibly challenging school. However, they will also tell you that they would not want to be anywhere else. The students here are passionate about their education and are always striving to do better. This will help you in your interview.

First-Year Culture

The 1L social experience at Harvard Law School in 2025 remains closely tied to one’s assigned section. Each entering class is divided into seven sections, with approximately 65–70 students per section.

Key Features:

Section Budgets: Each section continues to receive a $12,000 budget for social and academic activities.

• Section-Based Events: Social events, academic lunches, and section trips are often organized within sections, reinforcing close-knit bonds.

• HL Central’s 1L Cup: A long-standing tradition where all seven sections compete in fun, team-building games like cookie-eating, relay races, and other lighthearted contests. This encourages class unity while strengthening section identity.

While this section-based culture can limit cross-sectional interaction early on, many students maintain lifelong friendships with their section mates. Professors and alumni often remark that these section connections evolve into invaluable professional networks throughout one’s legal career.

Section parties, group study sessions, and shared journal activities ensure a robust social life even for the most reserved students.

Grading System

Harvard Law School continues to use its modified pass/fail grading system in 2025, which is designed to reduce student stress while maintaining academic rigor. The grading structure includes four possible marks: Honors (H), Pass (P), Low Pass (LP), and Fail (F). The system follows a recommended curve, with approximately 30–40% of students in a class receiving Honors, about 10% receiving Low Pass, and the remainder earning a Pass. While the system is less competitive than traditional letter grades, grades at Harvard Law School still carry weight, particularly for those pursuing judicial clerkships, competitive law firm positions, or leadership roles in journals. Students generally appreciate the balance this system provides, as it promotes collaboration over competition and encourages a healthier academic environment. Nevertheless, there is still a natural drive to perform well, as many students strive to be among those earning top marks. The pass/fail model allows Harvard Law students to focus more on meaningful learning, research opportunities, and personal development, while still upholding high academic standards.

Professors

At Harvard Law School, the faculty remains one of its greatest assets—and importantly, professors are highly accessible to students. Contrary to the stereotype that Harvard professors are distant or focused solely on their research, many students report that faculty members are approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in student learning.

While the Socratic Method is still widely used at Harvard Law School in 2025, it is employed as a tool to deepen student understanding rather than to intimidate. Professors actively aim to guide students through complex issues, challenging them to think critically while fostering a supportive learning environment. Many students note that professors are careful to help students reach conclusions themselves rather than simply dispensing answers.

Current student feedback continues to dispel the myth of inaccessible faculty. Professors often make time for one-on-one conversations, offer research assistant positions (especially to first-year students), and are eager to engage outside the classroom. Harvard’s emphasis on active legal education—the belief that students should participate dynamically in their learning—remains central. Faculty members regularly remind students that a passive educational approach does not lead to meaningful legal training.

Additionally, professors frequently integrate their ongoing research into classroom discussions, ensuring students are exposed to the forefront of legal scholarship. This approach helps prepare students to become leaders who can shape future legal thought and policy.

It’s important to note that teaching styles and course content can vary significantly from professor to professor, even within the same subject area. Students are encouraged to carefully research course offerings and professors to customize their legal education to match their interests and learning preferences. However, this flexibility is generally limited to upper-year electives, as the first-year core curriculum is standardized.

Dual Degrees

Harvard Law School continues to offer a wide range of dual degree programs for students interested in interdisciplinary education.

One of the most popular options is the JD/MPP program with the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Students pursuing this joint degree frequently report that it is intellectually rewarding but highly demanding. While it is particularly valuable for those aiming to work in public policy, government, or academia, students considering careers in private law firms may not find the additional degree necessary. Some employers remain neutral on the added credential, focusing more on core legal training.

Harvard offers flexibility in applying to joint degree programs, allowing students to explore their interests during their 1L or 2L years before committing to a dual degree. This structure gives students time to make informed decisions about whether the additional coursework aligns with their long-term goals.

Beyond formal joint degrees, Harvard Law School provides numerous cross-listed courses with other Harvard graduate schools. For example:

• Courses like Religion and Its Future are offered in collaboration with the Harvard Divinity School.

• Classes such as Crisis, Globalization, and Economics are cross-listed with the Economics Department.

• Additional seminars like the Great Books Reading Group provide enrichment outside the strict boundaries of legal education.

These cross-disciplinary opportunities help create a well-rounded academic experience, encouraging law students to engage with broader intellectual communities across Harvard University.

To read more about joint degrees and why one might pursue one, click here and here.

Programs

Harvard Legal Aid Bureau

Founded in 1913, the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau (HLAB) remains the oldest student-run legal services office in the country. Its mission continues to center on providing vital community services while allowing Harvard Law School students to develop practical, hands-on legal skills through clinical experience. The Bureau plays a key role in Harvard Law School’s nationally recognized clinical education system, which was substantially expanded following the introduction of the reformed first-year curriculum in 2006 that emphasized problem-solving and global perspectives.

The Harvard Legal Aid Bureau is entirely student-run and focuses on:

• Housing Law: Including landlord-tenant disputes, public housing, and subsidized housing cases.

• Family Law: Including divorce, custody, paternity, and child support matters.

• Government Benefits: Covering issues related to Social Security, unemployment, veterans' benefits, and public assistance.

• Wage and Hour Law: Addressing unpaid wages, wage theft, and overtime violations.

Students participating in the Bureau take on substantial responsibility in managing real client cases while working closely with clinical instructors. The HLAB also provides a multi-year clinic experience, offering deeper case involvement than many traditional law school clinics.

Berkman Center for Internet & Society

Now known as the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, this globally renowned research hub focuses on the intersection of technology, law, and policy. The center remains deeply involved in exploring the impact of digital technologies on society and law, with research spanning privacy, cybersecurity, online expression, and platform governance.

The Berkman Klein Center continues to host:

• Conferences, symposia, and visiting fellows from around the world.

• Innovative projects like OpenLaw (a pioneering open-source legal collaboration) and the OpenNet Initiative (which tracks and analyzes global internet censorship).

The center’s vibrant blog and media ecosystem, formerly known as The Filter, has evolved into a network of blogs and podcasts featuring Harvard faculty, students, and affiliated scholars.

Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice

Established in 2005, the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice remains a leading voice in civil rights advocacy, legal scholarship, and policy analysis focused on racial justice. The institute continues to advance Houston's legacy by using legal tools to combat racial inequality and promote systemic reform in criminal justice, education, voting rights, and economic opportunity.

The Institute regularly hosts:

• Public lectures, symposia, and research collaborations focused on racial equity.

• Opportunities for students to contribute to policy briefs, research projects, and community partnerships.

Labor & Worklife Program

The Labor and Worklife Program at Harvard University is dedicated to researching and teaching the world of work and its implications for society. The program brings scholars and policy experts from various disciplines to analyze critical labor issues in the law, economy, and society. In 1942, the program founded the Harvard Trade Union Program, which provides outstanding legal education for labor leaders worldwide.

This program seeks to understand critical changes in labor markets and labor law and to analyze the role of unions, businesses, and government as they affect the world of work. The program coordinates legal, educational, and cultural activities designed to improve the quality of work life.

Harvard Law School's Labor and Worklife Program (LWP) is dedicated to researching and promoting better labor practices worldwide. The faculty and staff of the program are some of the nation's top scholars in labor studies and work closely with trade unions around the world to provide training and legal education.

Hale and Dorr Legal Services Center

A clinic at Harvard Law School, the Hale and Dorr Legal Services Center, provides legal services to around 1,200 clients annually. Here, students get first-hand experience handling actual cases under the guidance of expert practitioners. The law clinic also offers academic credit. Moreover, the center takes in volunteer Harvard law school students from all over the US during the summer sponsoring program.

The Harvard Law School Center places students in one of its five clinics that focus on different law areas. Students work with experienced practitioners and mentors in each clinic who provide guidance and supervision as students manage their caseloads. The center offers training in each practice area and general instruction on client interviewing, case management, legal research, and drafting. This hands-on experience allows students to develop the skills they need to be successful in their chosen field of law.

This clinic provides legal services to the community in and around Jamaica Plain, a culturally diverse area of Boston.

Other Harvard Law School programs

• The Ames Moot Court Competition
• Child Advocacy Program
• East Asian Legal Studies Program
• Director: Professor and Vice Dean William P. Alford
• European Law Research Center
• Fund for Tax and Fiscal Research
• Human Rights Program
• Islamic Legal Studies Program
• John M. Olin Center for Law, Economics and Business
• Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology and Bioethics
• Prison Legal Assistance Project
• Program on Corporate Governance
• Program on Empirical Legal Studies
• Program on International Financial Systems
• Program on Negotiation
• Program on the Legal Profession
• Public Interest Auction
• Harvard Legal Aid Bureau
• Ames Foundation
• Selden Society

Research programs are also a big part of Harvard Law School. In addition to the five clinics, the school is home to more than 20 research centers and clinics. The research conducted at these centers and programs provides students with opportunities to learn from some of the world's leading scholars in their field.

Placement

Summer Placement

One student described a summer experience while at HLS:

For starters, the school guarantees a minimum of I think $5,000 to do public interest work over the summer, and you can apply for fellowships like the Chayes and HRP to supplement that amount in the case that you are doing public interest work abroad. I spent my 1L summer doing constitutional human rights litigation in South Africa and my second summer doing Inter-American human rights litigation out of DC (the site of the Inter-American Commission) with the support of these funds. In addition, there are opportunities to travel through the Human Rights Clinic; last year I traveled to Mexico to assist in arguments in a case before the Inter-American Court, and at the end of the month I will be traveling for another hearing in Costa Rica.

It is important to note that the student's experience is not necessarily representative of the average law student's experience (especially given today's economy). However, it does offer valuable insight into what is possible if you attend Harvard Law School. Another student warned that securing a job with a large private firm could be challenging after the first year of law school. This is a valid point that the Office of Public Interest Advising has been quick to share with first-year students. However, it is also important to note that most first-year students at Harvard Law School receive funding for summer public interest jobs through the Summer Public Interest Funding program. This ensures that all students have the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience over the summer, even if they cannot secure their dream job.

Career Placement

At a recent session where 2Ls and 3Ls talked about their law school experiences, one student said that in a normal economy, firms would be more likely to hire HLS grads who are not "in the bottom ten students of the entire class." Although one student told TLS that job prospects for 2Ls and 3Ls are still quite good, the situation "on the ground" seems to be very tempered with optimism. Career service staff and students alike say that 1Ls should "cast a wider net," "manage expectations," and be aware that they are "better off than 2Ls and 3Ls." The overall feeling is that while it may be challenging to find a job in the current economy, it is still possible to get hired if you are willing to look beyond your first choice of firm.

Some students may worry that they will only be able to find private sector jobs after attending Harvard Law School. However, the on-campus interview process makes it much easier to obtain a job in the private sector than in the public sector. While it may require more effort to find a public sector job, many resources are available at Harvard Law School for students interested in pursuing careers in the public interest. More students likely want to do public interest work than work in BigLaw, but the career placement statistics show that more students end up working in BigLaw firms.

Extracurricular

Journals

Harvard Law School

Harvard Law School is home to some of the most prestigious law journals in the country, including the Harvard Law Review. Students in the Juris Doctor (JD) program play an important role in publishing these journals and a student newspaper.

In 1887, the Harvard Law Review was first published, and many notable alums of the school have since edited it. The Record, the student newspaper, has been published continuously since the 1950s and is one of the oldest law school newspapers in the country. It is known for its long-running fictional law student column, Fenno.

The law journals are:

• Harvard Law Review
• Harvard International Law Journal
• Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review
• Harvard Law & Policy Review
• Black Letter Law Journal
• Environmental Law Review
• Human Rights Journal
• Journal of Law & Gender (formerly Women's Law Journal)
• Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy
• Journal of Law and Technology
• Journal on Legislation
• Latino Law Review
• Negotiation Law Review
• Unbound: Harvard Journal of the Legal Left

Pro Bono Requirement / Student Practice Organizations (SPOs)

To graduate from Harvard Law School, students must complete 40 hours of pro bono legal work. Student Practice Organizations (SPOs) offer a fun and educational way to meet this requirement. Some SPOs have competitive admissions processes, while others accept anyone who is willing to participate. 1L students are not eligible to participate in clinics or the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau but can participate in SPOs. Students must wait until their second year to participate in clinical, which also usually counts for pro bono credit. Finally, you must complete a competitive application process if you're interested in the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau.

Clubs and Organizations

There are a variety of clubs and organizations available for 1Ls to get involved with at Harvard Law School. These include groups focused on different ideologies and interests, such as the Jewish Law Students Association, Tennis Club, and Environmental Law Society. Joining one or more of these organizations is a great way to get more involved in the law school community and explore different areas of interest.

Contact Information

Harvard Law School
Admissions, J.D. Program
1585 Massachusetts Ave,
Cambridge, MA 02138
Wasserstein Hall (WCC) 5018
(617) 495-3179
jdadmiss@law.harvard.edu
Harvard Law School

Summary

Established	1817
Location	Cambridge, MA
Dean	John C.P. Goldberg
2025 US News Ranking	6th
LSAT Median Score	174
GPA Median Score	3.95
Bar Passage Rate	96.1% (2025)
Employment Rate	N/A (2025)
Cost	$78,692
Average Debt	N/A
Application Deadline	N/A

Forum and Discussion

Harvard Law School Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums

References

Harvard Law School
Hale and Dorr Legal Services Center
HLS Blogs
The Record
BCG Attorney's Advice for Associates
LSD.Law
Ranked #6
Guide to Fee Waivers
LSAC Guide
How to Learn to Do Well on a Law School Exam
Success in Law School - A Unique Perspective
The Guide to Law School Loans

Interview: Josh Rubenstein, Assistant Dean for Admissions at Harvard Law School
Forum: Harvard Student(s) Answering Your Questions
News: Above the Law