International Legal Studies

HLS’ commitment to the world of law — and law all over the world — is exceptional. Our community includes students from more than 70 countries and jurisdictions, teaching and learning that engages with multiple legal systems, renowned visitors and scholars from abroad, and an extraordinary global alumni network. We offer more than 100 courses and reading groups that focus on international, foreign, or comparative law, and students can engage in supervised projects spanning the globe through HLS clinical offerings. Every J.D. student takes an international or comparative law class during their time at HLS. In a typical year, more than 170 HLS students work, study, or conduct research abroad in more than 45 countries, supported by an array of resources including research centers and the world’s largest academic law library, and utilizing specialized frameworks and fellowship programs. The International Legal Studies office is dedicated to facilitating these opportunities.

A notable achievement

As a participant in the Harvard Law School and University of Cambridge J.D./LL.M. Joint Degree Program, George Chen ’24 spent the 2022-2023 academic year in the UK, reading for the Cambridge LL.M. At the conclusion of his studies there, he was awarded the BRD Clarke Prize for the best overall performance in the University of Cambridge LL.M. program.