Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard Law School (HLS) is one of the most prestigious law schools in the world, offering a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for a successful career in law. With a rich history dating back to 1817, HLS has been at the forefront of legal education, producing many notable alumni who have gone on to become leaders in their fields. The school's faculty includes some of the most respected legal scholars in the world, and its curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the law and its applications.
Academic Programs
Harvard Law School offers a range of academic programs, including the Juris Doctor (J.D.) program, which is the primary degree program for students seeking to become lawyers. The J.D. program is a three-year program that provides students with a broad foundation in the law, as well as the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest. In addition to the J.D. program, HLS also offers several advanced degree programs, including the Master of Laws (LL.M.) and the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) programs, which are designed for students who have already earned a law degree and are seeking to pursue advanced study in a particular area of the law.
Curriculum
The curriculum at Harvard Law School is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the law, including both theoretical and practical training. The first year of the J.D. program is focused on providing students with a foundation in the core subjects of law, including contracts, torts, property, and constitutional law. In the second and third years, students have the opportunity to take elective courses in a wide range of subjects, including corporate law, intellectual property law, and international law. HLS also offers a number of clinical programs, which provide students with hands-on experience in a real-world legal setting.
| Program | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) | 3 years | Primary degree program for students seeking to become lawyers |
| Master of Laws (LL.M.) | 1 year | Advanced degree program for students who have already earned a law degree |
| Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) | 2-3 years | Advanced degree program for students who have already earned a law degree and are seeking to pursue advanced study in a particular area of the law |
Career Opportunities
Harvard Law School has a strong reputation among employers, and graduates of the school are highly sought after by law firms, corporations, and government agencies. According to the school’s career services office, the median starting salary for HLS graduates is over $160,000, and many graduates go on to work for top law firms, including Kirkland & Ellis, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, and Cravath, Swaine & Moore. In addition to private practice, HLS graduates also pursue careers in public interest law, including work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, and public policy institutions.
Alumni Network
One of the benefits of attending Harvard Law School is the opportunity to connect with the school’s extensive alumni network, which includes many prominent lawyers, judges, and politicians. The school’s alumni network provides students with access to valuable career advice, job opportunities, and mentorship, and many alumni remain actively involved with the school throughout their careers. Some notable HLS alumni include Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and Merrick Garland, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
- Median starting salary for HLS graduates: over $160,000
- Top law firms that hire HLS graduates: Kirkland & Ellis, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Cravath, Swaine & Moore
- Public interest law career opportunities: non-profit organizations, government agencies, public policy institutions
What are the admission requirements for Harvard Law School?
+To be considered for admission to Harvard Law School, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The school also considers a range of other factors, including the applicant’s academic record, work experience, and personal statement.
What is the cost of attending Harvard Law School?
+The cost of attending Harvard Law School varies depending on the program and the student’s individual circumstances. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the tuition for the J.D. program is 64,944, and the total cost of attendance, including living expenses and other fees, is over 90,000.
What are the career opportunities for Harvard Law School graduates?
+Harvard Law School graduates have a wide range of career opportunities, including private practice, public interest law, and government service. Many graduates go on to work for top law firms, while others pursue careers in non-profit organizations, government agencies, and public policy institutions.
