Harvard Law Today

Harvard Law School (HLS) is the legal education division of Harvard University, a private research institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1817, it holds the title of the oldest law school still in operation in the United States. The three-year JD program typically enrolls around 560 students per class, making it one of the largest among the top 150 law schools in the country. The first-year cohort is divided into seven sections, each containing about 80 students, who attend most of their initial courses together. In addition to the JD program, Harvard also offers LLM and SJD degrees. The school’s notable size and high regard have contributed to a long list of esteemed alumni who have made significant contributions in the judiciary, government, and various business sectors.