Commencement 2026

Harvard Law School’s 2026 Commencement celebrations began on May 27 with the Class Day program on Holmes Field where the Class Marshals addressed their classmates with words of heartfelt congratulations and reflection.

A number of Harvard Law students from the Class of 2026 were recognized for their contributions during the Class Day ceremony on May 27, honored for their outstanding leadership, citizenship, compassion, and dedication to their studies and the profession.

Students from the Class of 2026 provide reflections on their time at Harvard Law School.

In his first Commencement Day address as the permanent dean of Harvard Law School John Goldberg celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 while calling graduates to defend democracy and the rule of law in the midst of global uncertainty.

Throughout the 2026 Class Day ceremony, remarks from alumni, faculty, and graduating students returned to a theme of gratitude — gratitude for family and mentors, for opportunities, and for the chance to do work that matters — as well as a common charge to the Class of 2026: Now it’s time to pay that gratitude forward.

Emily Berry ’26 and Divya Kumar ’26 are the recipients of the 2026 Kristin P. Muniz Memorial Award, bestowed in memory of a beloved Criminal Justice Institute senior clinical instructor to honor students who exemplify her commitment to justice and superb client-centered representation.

The Harvard Law bids a fond farewell to the Class of 2026.

Cordy McJunkins and Wesley Streicher are the recipients of the 2026 Clinical Legal Education Association Awards, presented annually for outstanding clinical coursework and fieldwork.

Jordan Hoogsteden ’26 receives the William J. Stuntz Memorial Award for Justice, Human Dignity, and Compassion.

Zane Daniels' community-building efforts, particularly on behalf of transfer students, have earned him this year’s Yvonne L. Smith Award.

Micael Ben Guzman ’26 is the recipient of the 2026 Andrew L. Kaufman Pro Bono Service Award.

Jett Watson ’26 is the recipient of the 2026 David A. Grossman Exemplary Clinical Student Award.

A devastating accident redefined Reo Hayashizaki’s life and purpose.

Tabitha Escalante ’26 is the recipient of the 2026 Ralph D. Gants Access to Justice Award, honored for her outstanding dedication to advocating for those involved in the criminal legal system.

Felipe Lobo Koerich ’26 receives the David Westfall Memorial Award for Community Leadership.

Graduating Harvard Law students selected Professors Kristen Eichensehr, Benjamin Sachs, and Robert Sitkoff to deliver Last Lectures to the Class of 2026.

James Morrison ’26 is the recipient of the Frank S. Righeimer Jr. Prize for Student Citizenship.

Patrick Healy ’26 receives the inaugural Dean’s Community Impact Award.