Harvard Law School

John Singleton Copley - Isaac Royall - 39.247 - Museum of Fine Arts

Harvard Law School Library in Langdell Hall at night

1 martha minow commencement 2010 harvard

Coat of arms (seal, emblem, shield) of Harvard Law School

Harvard Law School (HLS) is one of the professional graduate schools of Harvard University located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1817, it is the oldest continuously operating law school in the United States and one of the most prestigious in the world.

History

The history of Harvard Law School dates back to 1817 when it was established. It has played a crucial role in the development of legal education in the United States. The school was a pioneer in adopting the case method of legal instruction, which has since become the standard teaching method at law schools nationwide.

Campus

The Harvard Law School campus is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is part of the larger Harvard University campus. The school's facilities include the Langdell Hall, which houses the Harvard Law Library—one of the largest academic law libraries in the world.

Academic Programs

Harvard Law School offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program, various joint degree programs, including JD/MBA with Harvard Business School, JD/MPA with the Harvard Kennedy School, and JD/PhD with other parts of Harvard University. The school also offers Master of Laws (LLM) and Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) degrees for international and U.S. students seeking advanced legal studies.

Admissions

Admission to Harvard Law School is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants vying for a limited number of spots each year. The admissions process evaluates candidates based on their academic achievements, LSAT scores, and extracurricular activities, among other criteria.

Notable Alumni

Harvard Law School has produced a significant number of leaders in law, politics, business, and academia. Notable alumni include multiple U.S. Presidents, Supreme Court Justices, foreign heads of state, and CEOs of major corporations.

Student Life

Student life at Harvard Law School is vibrant and diverse. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student-run journals, moot court competitions, and student organizations focusing on various legal and social issues.

Controversies

Over the years, Harvard Law School has been involved in various controversies, including debates over its admissions policies, the diversity of its student body and faculty, and its role in the legal profession and society at large.

Conclusion

Harvard Law School remains a leading institution for legal education, known for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and influential alumni. Its commitment to excellence in legal education continues to make it a model for law schools around the world.