J.D. Orientation
Explore Resources For J.D. Orientation
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J.D. ORIENTATION 2019
- August 24
Arrive for dorm Move-In - August 26
Arrive for Registration Day and Harvard University ID pickup. Registration is mandatory. - August 26-30
Formal Orientation programming will be held. Orientation is mandatory.
TRANSFER ORIENTATION 2019
- August 1
Transfer Orientation will be held
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Congratulations and Welcome to Harvard Law School!
We are excited that you will be joining us this next academic year. There are several important requirements that you must complete to receive clearance to attend HLS. Please refer to the Checklist for Incoming 1L J.D. Students for upcoming deadlines and action you need to take before you arrive on campus.
Checklist for Incoming 1L J.D. Students
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the student services departments that will help you thrive during your time at HLS. Although several departments will reach out to you directly via email over the next several months, below you will find an overview of each department, resources, and things to take care of before you arrive for Orientation.
Incoming Student Resources
Incoming Student Resources
- Dean of Students Office (DOS)
- J.D. Admissions
- Student Financial Services (SFS)
- Office of the Registrar
- Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs (OCP)
- Office of Career Services (OCS)
- Office of Public Interest Advising (OPIA)
- Harvard University Health Services
Dean of Students Office (DOS)
The Dean of Students (DOS) office is your resource for everything related to student life. Find out about Orientation dates and schedules, register disability or medical-related accommodations, get information about on-campus housing, and check out the vast array of student organizations you can join.
J.D. Admissions
The J.D. Admissions office will help make sure that you have the necessary clearance to attend HLS; including final transcript(s) and all college certifications. They will be hosting you for Admitted Students Weekend. Be sure to review the information available from the Admitted J.D. Students page.
J.D. Admissions Resources
Student Financial Services (SFS)
Eighty percent of HLS students are on financial aid. Student Financial Services (SFS) provides a thorough overview of important financial considerations prior to law school, as well as the requirements you must meet to obtain financial clearance before attending J.D. Orientation.
Office of the Registrar
The Office of the Registrar is your main resource for all things academic. Before you begin your first semester here, please read the Student Handbook of Academic Policies so you are aware of your academic responsibilities for the next three years. The Registrar’s Office will reach out in early August to ensure that you are registered for classes. They will work with you to make sure you have met all of your requirements for graduation.
Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs (OCP)
HLS’s Office of Clinical & Pro Bono Programs (OCP) offers the largest in-house clinics and externship programs in the country. In addition, HLS also provides in-house supervision for a broad range of student practice organizations (SPOs). Students may also design independent clinical projects and pro bono projects.
Office of Career Services (OCS)
The Office of Career Services (OCS) is a team of advisors and recruitment professionals who work with current students, alumni and employers with a focus on private sector careers and judicial clerkships. OCS has created a Prospective Student page especially for incoming J.D. students, with a Career Services Timeline that includes what you can do before law school to prepare for your career search. They will host information sessions in the fall.
Office of Public Interest Advising (OPIA)
The Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising (OPIA) is a career services office specializing in public interest law. Their primary goal is to encourage law school students and lawyers to embrace a career that incorporates an ongoing commitment to public service work. They will host information sessions in the fall.
Harvard University Health Services
You are required to submit your Health & Immunization records to Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) by early June. You will be automatically enrolled in Harvard’s Student Health Insurance Plan. If you plan to waive the student plan, you must submit this form. For more information, please contact the HUHS Information Line at 617-495-5711 and speak with member services.
Getting Ready for Orientation
Getting Ready for Orientation
Orientation dates for this year’s incoming class are Monday, August 26 – Friday, August 30, 2019. 1L and all Upper Level student classes begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. You should plan ample time to move and get settled. Orientation is mandatory, and your weekday schedule will be robust during this time. DOS will post a general orientation schedule in early August and you will receive your section assignment in early to mid-August.
Orientation is planned and executed through the HLS Dean of Students Office. For more information on J.D. Orientation, please contact DOS at 617.495.1880 or dos@law.harvard.edu.