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.

The outstanding achievements of members of the Class of 2026 were recognized with awards of excellence, presented by Meredith D. L. Boak ’12, associate dean for academic programs, and Monica E. Monroe, dean of students and associate dean for community engagement, equity, and belonging.

The program also featured remarks by Dean John C.P. Goldberg, who presented the inaugural Dean’s Community Impact Award, and by HLSA president Judge Yvonne E. Campos ’88. Harvard Law School Professor of Practice Naz K. Modirzadeh ’88 received the Albert M. Sacks–Paul A. Freund Award for Teaching Excellence, and John Salsberg was honored with the Suzanne L. Richardson Staff Appreciation Award.

View highlights in the gallery below.

  • A group of people pose for a photo outdoors in front of large gold balloons on a sunny day.
  • A person takes a photo of two individuals smiling on a grassy field with rows of white chairs, at an outdoor event.
  • Six individuals pose together in front of a Harvard Law School backdrop.
  • Two individuals embrace warmly in a room, while another person observes nearby, with flowers and artwork visible in the background.
  • Dean Goldberg stands at a wooden podium with a microphone, smiling, against a red backdrop.
  • An audience sits outdoors in folding chairs, clapping their hands during an event.