J.D. Advising & Support

Questions about setting your academic goals? Need help crafting a balanced schedule? Looking to identify courses supporting your career goals? Come to drop-ins with Student Academic Affairs (SAA), Fridays, 12-5pm, in WCC 3025.

Curious how clinical and pro bono opportunities align with your personal learning goals, interests, and needs? Make an appointment with an adviser in the Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs (OCP), located in WCC 3085.

Seeking an explanation of degree requirements, including J.D. Written Work, or other academic policies? Want to review your degree audit? Stop by the Registrar’s Office in WCC 4007 or email registrar@law.harvard.edu to set up an appointment.

Questions about course registration? Curious about cross-registering at another Harvard school, MIT, or the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy? Stop by the Registrar’s Office in WCC 4007 or email registrar@law.harvard.edu to set up an appointment.

Interested in law teaching? Explore the world of legal academia and scholarship with Susannah Barton Tobin, Assistant Dean for Academic Career Advising, and get personalized guidance on charting your path into the profession. Email stobin@law.harvard.edu to set up an appointment.

Dreaming about a clerkship, a short-term (usually one year) post-graduate position working for a judge or court? Connect with the Judicial Clerkships team in the Office of Career Services (OCS). Schedule an appointment on CSM Symplicity, stop by weekly virtual drop-ins on Tuesdays, 12:30-1pm, or submit a question or hiring status update online.

Interested in working in the private sector, encompassing law firms (of all sizes), in-house legal departments, and business? Connect with the Office of Career Services (OCS). Schedule an appointment on CSM Symplicity or stop by daily in-person drop-ins, 12:30-1:30pm, in WCC 4020.

Interested in public interest practice, which includes government, prosecutors' and defenders' offices, nonprofits, unions, and private public interest law firms? Connect with the Office of Public Interest Advising (OPIA). Schedule an appointment on CSM Symplicity or stop by daily drop-ins (posted on OPIA's website) in WCC 4039.

Seeking resources to help you succeed in courses? From guidance on honing time management and other core skills to assistance with a specific subject, connect with Tara Townsend or Jeff Sierra in DOS-CEEB, who can make referrals to HLS’ Learning Specialist, peer tutors, and other support.

Questions about academic or housing-related accommodations for documented disabilities or long-term medical conditions? Touch base with Accessibility Services in Hauser 010 or via email at accessibility@law.harvard.edu to learn about the accommodations process and potential supports.

Encountering an emergent situation prior to exam period that you believe may impact your ability to take or complete exams? Email DOS-CEEB at dosceeb@law.harvard.edu.

For emergent situations during exams, linked website provides point of contact depending on situation.

Contemplating a leave of absence for personal or medical reasons? Consult with Tara Townsend in DOS-CEEB.

Facing a medical emergency, such as a sudden illness, injury, or need for a medical procedure? Connect with Tara Townsend or Jeff Sierra in DOS-CEEB for support.

Encountering a personal emergency, such as food or housing insecurity or family member’s serious illness? Connect with Tara Townsend or Jeff Sierra in DOS-CEEB for support.

Are you a new or expectant parent? Need support managing the varying responsibilities of academic life, pregnancy, adoption, and parenthood? Connect with DOS-CEEB.

Looking for resources related to health and well-being? Look no further than The Well, the HLS community effort to destigmatize mental health and prioritize well-being.

Contemplating which bar exam to take? Have questions about the application process or character and fitness? Looking for study strategy advice? Make an appointment with Sarah Parker, HLS Bar Advisor, based in DOS-CEEB in WCC 3039.

Questions about grants or loans? Looking into Summer Public Interest Funding (SPIF) or the Low Income Protection Plan (LIPP)? Student Financial Services provides counseling and resources to help you plan your finances while at HLS and beyond. Stop by WCC 5027 or email to set up an appointment.

Questions about your student visa? Need to understand the nuances of CPT v. OPT? Peter O’Meara, HIO Advisor for HLS, holds in-person office hours for HLS students and scholars every Thursday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in WCC 5046 (except on dates noted on website) on a first-come, first-served basis, no appointment necessary.

Interested in combining your J.D. with advanced training in another field? Or are you an enrolled joint degree student with questions about academic planning? Meet with Betsy DiPardo, HLS’ joint degree adviser, located in Student Academic Affairs in WCC 3025.

Interested in spending a semester abroad? Considering the J.D./LL.M. joint degree program with the University of Cambridge? Connect with International Legal Studies, located in WCC 5005, by appointment or during weekly offices hours.

Trouble with Harvard Key, Okta, or accessing Harvard resources? Need to troubleshoot issues with your personal devices? For in-person, hands-on assistance, visit the ITS Service Desk in WCC B020 or submit ticket via ServiceNow.