From: recruiting@law.harvard.edu
Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
To: Employers
Subject: Harvard Law School – EIP, EIP Connections, and Fall Events Sign-Up
Dear Employer;
We hope you are enjoying your summer, and we look forward to working with you during the 2026-2027 academic year. We are pleased to share the details of our Early Recruiting Program (EIP) and our schedule of fall recruiting events, including the introduction of our EIP Connections program.
We believe it is essential that our students have the time and space to approach their first semester of law school with intention and in a constructive, positive way. We designed our EIP program with that in mind, and we believe it is the optimal way to recruit our students. We also recognize that some firms wish to recruit outside of our process, through direct applications. To streamline the process and provide clarity for students and employers, we will be advising our 1Ls as follows:
Employers will inform OCS whether they are recruiting through EIP or through direct applications, and OCS will publish that information to the 1L class.
Students will apply to each firm of interest using only the method (EIP or direct application) specified by that employer.
For firms that choose to receive direct applications only, OCS will advise students that they may wait to submit applications until after 1L fall exams in mid-December. For students who wish to apply earlier, OCS will instruct them to wait until the latter half of November, to align with the EIP bidding period.
Regardless of application method, all students will have at least 14 days from the date of an offer letter to accept or decline a 2L summer 2028 offer.
Regardless of application method, HLS will continue to support our April 1 extension policy for public interest and business employers. We share this guidance so that employers have a clear understanding of the expectations we are setting for our students around the recruiting process.
Early Interview Program (EIP)
EIP Overview: January 8 – 13, 2027
EIP will take place virtually from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (ET) on:
EIP application packets will consist of (1) 1L resumes; and (2) cover sheets indicating office and practice area preferences.
EIP will take place prior to 1L grade release, and interviews will be assigned by lottery.
Firms that wish to receive HLS applications directly through their portals should not participate in EIP. As described above, OCS will instruct students to apply to each firm through one method only.
The EIP bidding period will open in the latter half of November and close on the final day of classes.
EIP Registration is now open, and the priority registration deadline is September 15. Employers who meet this deadline will be included in the first published list of EIP employers sent to our students before our recruiting events begin.
OCS will also host a Spring EIP Program during the spring semester, 2027. More information to follow.
EIP Connections: November 2 – 20, 2026
We are delighted to invite you to join our pilot program, EIP Connections, an opportunity available only to firms registered for EIP.
EIP Connections is an OCS-facilitated informational interview program designed to help students make informed EIP bidding choices and to help employers build meaningful connections with our 1L class.
EIP employers will have access to structured, small group conversations with students, outside of larger networking events.
Small group sessions will be limited to 3 to 4 students per session.
Meetings will be a half hour, virtual, and scheduled outside of class time.
All Connections meetings will be completed prior to the start of EIP bidding to ensure that students can engage more deeply with, and get excited about, your firm as they decide where to apply.
On-Campus Networking Events for All Employers
In-person Coffee Chats (September 28 – November 17, 2026, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.)
Host an in-person coffee chat at Harvard Law School. Coffee chats are typically available from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. daily, and employers are invited to send representatives to speak with students in a drop-in, casual setting. Dates are available on a first come, first served basis.
Law Firm Kickoff Reception: Practice Areas (September 30, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.)
Our in-person, kick-off recruiting reception for the entire 1L class will give students the opportunity to mix and mingle with employers while also exploring a range of practice areas. Our largest event space will feature practice-area “stations” to allow students to network with and move between groups over the course of the evening.
Firm Fair (October 14, 2026, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.)
Our popular annual 1L Fall Firm Fair will be held in person, at Harvard Law School. Each firm will be assigned one 6-foot-long table and may have two representatives at their table at any given time (representatives may rotate throughout the event).
Last Call Reception (November 18, 2026, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.)
We will host a final, in-person, reception for the entire 1L class to wrap up the semester before students enter reading period and final exams. This will be a large format, celebratory event with heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and plenty of opportunity for conversations.
Off-Campus Networking Events
Off-Campus Receptions (September 28 – November 17, 2026)
This year, OCS will facilitate date assignments for fall employer receptions beginning September 28. Law Firm Receptions are firm-hosted, off-campus events that are another great way to get to know our students. While firms are solely responsible for their events, the Office of Career Services (OCS) coordinates reception dates to ensure that no more than two firms host a reception on the same evening. Dates are assigned on a first come, first served basis, and date assignments will be confirmed via email within five business days of submitting your registration.
Harvard Recruiting Policies
Please review our Employer Recruiting Policies which apply to all employers who engage with our students through any of our networking or recruiting events. In particular, please note that:
- All students will have at least 14 days from the date of an offer letter to accept or decline a 2L summer 2028 offer.
- Regardless of application method, HLS will continue to support our April 1 extension policy for public interest and business employers.
By August 15: Please register for fall events, including off-campus reception signups, using this link.
By September 15: Please register for EIP or tell us if you wish to receive direct applications using this link.
We sincerely appreciate your partnership as we navigate this recruitment season together.
Best,
Jesse Ohrenberger (she/her/hers)
Director of Recruitment and Operations
617-495-2922 | johrenberger@law.harvard.edu
Bobby McDermott (he/him/his)
Recruitment and Finance Specialist
Office: 617.384.0634 | rmcdermott@law.harvard.edu