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Class of ’21 employed at 10 months 97%
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Students secured public interest fellowships over the past decade 525+
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Judicial clerkships each year 250+
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Employers participated in private and public sector recruiting programs at HLS this year 750+
Explore Career Resources
Our students go on to careers throughout government, the judiciary, and law firms. They are leaders in business, nonprofits, and academia. No matter what directions you choose to explore, our advising in the public and private sectors is focused on limitless possibilities for your career.
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Public Sector Career Advising (OPIA)
The Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising advises on public sector careers, including nonprofits, government, public defense, prosecution, public international work, unions, and private public interest law firms, as well as fellowships.
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Private Sector Career Advising (OCS)
The Office of Career Services advises primarily on private sector careers, including law firms, in-house counsel positions, business careers, alternative legal careers, and judicial clerkships.
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Spotlight on Judicial Clerkships
Judicial clerkships are prestigious, post-graduate positions working for a judge or court. HLS students and graduates secure approximately 250+ clerkships annually. Interested in joining these ranks? Learn more about one of the greatest jobs in the legal profession.
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Public Service Venture Fund
Inspired by Harvard Law School alumni who have used their degrees and experience to pursue innovative methods of social change, the Public Service Venture Fund (PSVF) will award up to $1.1 million in grants every year to Harvard Law graduates pursuing careers in public service.
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Law Teaching
Preparing its students for careers in law teaching and legal scholarship is a significant part of the mission of Harvard Law School. 11% of all law professors at American law schools are HLS graduates.
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Bar Exam
Bar admission varies from state to state, so be sure to review our general and state-specific resources on application, taking the bar, and prerequisites.
1L Advising
On behalf of our teams in the Office of Career Services (OCS) and the Office of Public Interest Advising (OPIA), welcome to Harvard Law School! We are looking forward to meeting and working with you to explore and achieve your career goals.
Career Services for Alumni
As a Harvard Law graduate, you are part of a worldwide association of alumni who work and succeed in nearly every field of human endeavor. HLS offers a wide range of services to alumni interested in both private and public sector opportunities.
Career Opportunities
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Public Sector Openings
The Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising (OPIA) covers the public sector — including nonprofits, government, public international work, and private public interest law firms — and fellowships.
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Private Sector Openings
The Office of Career Services advises primarily on private sector careers, including law firms, in-house counsel positions, business careers, alternative legal careers, and judicial clerkships.