You Belong at HLS
Studying law is a collaborative endeavor at Harvard Law School. We work together to create a student-centered environment in which learning is inspiring, transformative, and supportive. We know you will strengthen the HLS community and we want you to be strengthened by it.
Our goal is for you to thrive in every aspect of your experience at Harvard Law School.
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Courses 500+
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Student Organizations 100+
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Student Journals 17
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Clinics, Externships & SPOs 47
“There’s a huge support system that’s here to help you.”
—Nicholas Gozales JD ’24
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Inclusion and Belonging
An essential humanity nurtures our deeply connected community. Participate in all that HLS has to offer in a diverse environment of trust and mutual respect.
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Advising and Mentorship
It’s about commitment, empathy, and support. Most of all, advising and mentoring is about mutual inspiration. Explore opportunities on campus and for your career through the guidance and experience of the broader HLS community.
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Health and Wellbeing
Studying law is rewarding, but graduate studies can be stressful. From physical health and athletic activities to mental and emotional support, HLS offers resources for body, mind, and spirit.
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Student Services Offices
Whether you’re looking for information about academic support, health and well-being, accessibility, or assistance balancing school and family, you have resources.
[HLS] taught me so much about friendship, inclusion, what the law is, and what the law should be.”
—Jessica Zhao ’22
At home at Harvard
Your life at Harvard Law School unfolds within a major research university, giving you access to a world-class campus: unparalleled libraries, acclaimed museums and theaters, enriching extracurricular activities, and a wider community of diverse and engaged students.
You have access to everything Harvard has to offer.
“The [HLS] community has been a place where I’ve really found not only a voice, but a sense of companionship and friendship that I’m going to miss and cherish for the rest of my life.”
—Emily Chazen ’22
Dean of Students Office
From Orientation through Commencement, DOS staff are here to support you. Whether you have a quick question, a more serious personal or academic concern, or just need guidance or support, contact or stop by DOS!
Student Activities
Walk into any gathering of an HLS student organization and you’ll encounter a remarkable spectrum of life experiences and perspectives. You will find your people.
HLS Students in the News
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Pursuing summer public service abroad
Every summer since 2001, under the auspices of the Chayes International Public Service Fellowship, HLS students have worked with international organizations, governments, and NGOs around the world, addressing issues of an international scope or relevant to countries in transition. The program is dedicated to the memory of HLS Professor Abram Chayes ’49. In 2022, with
September 27, 2022
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‘I want to learn from people at the forefront’
New J.D. and LL.M. students share why they chose Harvard Law and what they are most looking forward to this year.
September 8, 2022
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New classmates on the block
Harvard Law Today spoke to attendees of the Dean of Students welcome event in Southern California, who told us why they wanted to study at Harvard Law School — and what they are most looking forward to about the year ahead.
August 29, 2022
Announcements
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Love Your Library Fest!
All HLS students are invited to Love Your Library Fest – a celebration of all things library and an opportunity to learn all about library services, spaces, and staff while having fun, collecting swag, eating candy, and entering to win exciting prizes. Stop by Langdell Hall on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, from 2-5 pm and
September 14, 2022
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HLS Library Exhibit: Visualizing Capital Punishment
Visit the Library’s latest exhibit, Visualizing Capital Punishment: Spectacle, Shame, and Sympathy, which explores the power of imagery to change minds about the death penalty, and features items from the Library’s Historical & Special Collections. Throughout the year, we’ll be offering programming on this historic yet timely topic. Please visit the exhibit and join us
September 1, 2022
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Fall 2022 Clinics with Open Seats
The general drop deadline for most Fall 2022 clinics was August 12, 2022 (although some fall clinics have even earlier drop deadlines). However, there are currently a handful of fall clinics that have a few open seats available. If you are interested in joining any of the clinics below, please email Maggie Bay (mbay@law.harvard.edu) a.s.a.p.!
August 25, 2022
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Independent Clinical: Charles Hamilton Institute for Race & Justice – Fall 2022
The Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice (CHHIRJ) at Harvard Law School is working with Mayer Brown to offer legal externships associated with the firm’s Project Equity initiative that includes pro bono legal work focused on advancing racial and social justice in a variety of key areas of life, including voting, criminal justice,
August 8, 2022
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Massachusetts Public Banking, Fall 2022 Independent Clinical
Massachusetts Public Banking, the organization leading the coalition campaign to create a public bank for the state, is seeking assistance in researching state-chartered banks which will be critical partners in meeting unmet credit needs for community development and particularly for minority economic development projects in rural, suburban and urban communities across the state. We are
August 8, 2022