Harvard Law School celebrated members of the Class of 2026 on May 27-28, 2026, beginning with Class Day on Wednesday, at which several faculty, staff, and students were honored for their achievements and contributions. On Thursday, May 28, after university-wide morning exercises featuring Conan O’Brien, Harvard Law School presented Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, and Doctor of Juridical Science degrees to the Class of 2026.
Among the Class Day honorees, Professor of Practice Naz K. Modirzadeh ’02, founding director of the Program on International Law and Armed Conflict, was recognized with the Albert M. Sacks-Paul A. Freund Award for Teaching Excellence, an honor bestowed each year on a faculty member for teaching ability, attentiveness to student concerns, and general contributions to student life at the law school.
John Salsberg, senior clinical instructor at Harvard Defenders since 1980, was honored with the Suzanne L. Richardson Staff Appreciation Award, which is given each year to a staff member who demonstrates commitment to the student experience and concern for students’ lives and work.
Harvard Law Today invites you to enjoy highlights from the days’ events, and to revisit stories, moments, and memories from the past year.
Congratulations to the Harvard Law School Class of 2026!
Latest Commencement News
Snapshots
A selection of candids from Harvard Law School’s 2026 celebration.
In Their Own Words
In this video, students from the Class of 2026 reflect on their experience at Harvard Law School as they look ahead to next steps, sharing memories and messages to their classmates.
Student Stories
Read about several of the many outstanding students who make up the Class of 2026.
Parting Thoughts
Faculty share words of wisdom with the Class of 2026.
A Year in Review
Harvard Law Today invites you to take a look back at some notable moments from the academic year.
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