J.D. Students
The Office of Career Services is operating on campus. We are offering in-person and virtual appointments and services. Visit Contact Information and Directions for more information.
Not feeling well? Help keep HLS healthy by staying home. Contact OCS at ocs@law.harvard.edu or call (617) 495-3119. We’re happy to help you switch your appointment to Zoom or help you access our services virtually.
Working with OCS
Working with OCS
The Office of Career Services is here to support your job search and career goals. We look forward to working with you.
Drop-In Advising
For quick general or J.D. advising questions, drop-in hours are Monday to Friday from 12:30-1:30pm ET unless otherwise noted. Visit the J.D. drop-ins page to view the schedule.
Browse JD Student Advising Topics
Browse JD Student Advising Topics
- Career Exploration and Self-Assessment
- Recruiting and Job Search
- Researching Employers
- Interviews and Networking
- Offers
- Professionalism and Bar Exams
- Special Student Groups
- Career FRAME
Career Exploration and Self-Assessment
There are numerous options for employment with a degree from HLS. Learning what interests you is evolving process and will take time. Start by self-assessing to learn more about who you are, and use this to find areas of the law (or law-related fields) that appeal to you. Learn more about various career paths, including practice areas, international practice or business careers.
Recruiting and Job Search
Your job search will take many different turns and twists to end up at your destination. From the materials that you will need in a job search to the methods of applying for a job, these resources will assist you step by step through the process.
Researching Employers
Whether you are at the very beginning of your job search looking to narrow the field, or at the very end, research is key when making a career decision. Use our resources to become an informed candidate who knows which locations and employers to target in your job search.
Interviews and Networking
You will have many opportunities to meet practicing lawyers, whether you are interviewing for a job or networking to get information. The importance of the interview cannot be understated. Take a deep dive into tips for how to make the best impression possible.
Offers
Law firm offers for summer employment typically stay open for 28 days. You must reaffirm your interest within 14 days of an offer letter if requested by the employer or that employer may retract their offer. How will you decide which job offer to accept? Learn more about factors to consider, rules and timelines for responding to offers.
Professionalism and Bar Exams
Professionalism encompasses a code of conduct that will serve you throughout your entire career. The development of your professional profile starts the day you enter Harvard Law School and continues throughout your career. Review tips on how to succeed at your job and information about the bar and patent bar.
Special Student Groups
Certain groups of JD students have special considerations that they need to keep in mind when it comes to the job search and career exploration.
Career FRAME
The OCS Career FRAME is a way of organizing the way you think about what you need to accomplish to reach your career goals. During your time at HLS, ensure that you are addressing all five components of the Career FRAME – Fundamentals, Relationships, Assessment, Materials, and Exploration. Doing so will set you up for success in the profession.