Commencement 2023

The Class of 2023 reflect on the meaning of commencement as they look ahead to a new chapter, and look back on the moments of camaraderie, community, and hard work they’ll carry with them as they embark on their journeys.

In his Commencement address, Harvard Law Dean John F. Manning thanked the Class of 2023 for its commitment to public service and the law’s highest ideals, especially “in hard and uncertain times.”

The Dean’s Awards for Community Leadership recognize a number of graduating students for their exceptional commitment to the Harvard Law School community.

Harvard presented six honorary degrees during the 2023 Commencement ceremony in Tercentenary Theatre.

A selection of Harvard Law students from the Class of 2023 were recognized for their contributions during the Class Day ceremony on May 24.

Crystal S. Yang ’13, the 2023 recipient of Harvard Law School’s Albert M. Sacks-Paul A. Freund Award for Teaching Excellence, brought a personal message to graduating students when she accepted her award on Class Day.

See our full coverage of Commencement 2023

On Class Day, Michelle Yeoh, Academy Award-winning actress and advocate, offered the Class of 2023 advice from the multiverse.

Poluru, a joint J.D./M.B.A. student from Chicago, Ill., has been awarded the 2023 Righeimer Prize, an honor that celebrates a graduating student in recognition of exceptional citizenship within Harvard Law School community.

For several years — during and after his law studies at the University of Buenos Aires — Francisco Balbín LL.M. ’23 worked in the Public…

Sama ElBannan, program manager for the Harvard Defenders, accepted the 2023 Suzanne L. Richardson Staff Appreciation Award during Harvard Law School’s Class Day exercises on Wednesday, May 24.

Barbara (Babs) Tsao ’23 and Irene Kwon ’23 are the recipients of this year’s Westfall Memorial Award, which recognizes a student or students with outstanding contributions to creating community within their first-year section and class.

As he prepares to graduate, Rehan Staton gives thanks for sacrifices by his dad, brother, and help from pals, professors — and Tyler Perry.

Alex Ropes is the recipient of the third annual Kristin P. Muniz Memorial Award, for his commitment to justice and superb client-centered representation at the Criminal Justice Institute.

On the first day of class during her first year at Harvard Law School, Kiese Hansen noticed something interesting on her Zoom screen — another woman with the same surname.

Ricardo Jimenez Solis ’23 is the recipient of the 2023 David A. Grossman Exemplary Clinical Student Award.

Molly Crane J.D./M.P.P. ’23 is the recipient of the 2023 Andrew L. Kaufman Pro Bono Service Award, in recognition of her dedication to uplifting those…

Stephanie Perez ‘23 is the recipient of the 2023 Ralph D. Gants Access to Justice Award, honored for her steadfast devotion to protecting the most vulnerable in society while addressing systemic injustice.