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.
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![Samantha Lint and Emma Broches pose on a bridge inThe Hague]()
Opportunities Abroad
Explore summer work and Winter Term abroad, studying abroad for a semester or a joint JD/LL.M. degree, and fellowships and grants.
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![Bill Alford and Samantha Power speaking at a panel discussion discussion]()
International Resources
Discover events, faculty and courses, student organizations and journals, research programs and centers, the world’s largest law library, and other resources at HLS and around the university.
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![Wossen Ayele '16 stands in WCC]()
Roadmaps
Read about some of the amazing ways students have explored international legal studies at HLS.
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Spotlight: Chayes International Public Service Fellowships
These summer fellowships allow HLS students to spend eight weeks working abroad with governmental or non-governmental organizations concerned with issues of an international scope or relevant to countries in transition.
A Harvard Law School J.D. and a University of Cambridge LL.M.
This joint degree program enables Harvard J.D. candidates to earn a Cambridge LL.M. and a Harvard J.D. in a total of 3.5 years. Many HLS students who read for their Cambridge LL.M. appreciate the different approaches to learning law and value the opportunity to conduct independent research around their particular areas of interest. Applications for matriculation at Cambridge in fall 2023 are due by Friday, January 6.