Harvard Law School

Overview

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

Harvard Law School's founding is traced to the establishment of a "law department" at Harvard in 1817. The department was not initially successful and suspended operations from 1821 to 1825. It was revived in 1826 and began to thrive under the leadership of Asahel Stearns, a Cambridge attorney.

Academics

The academic experience at Harvard Law School is characterized by exceptional rigor and a wide array of options. The school offers more than 260 courses and seminars, the largest curriculum of any law school in the United States.

Admission

Admission to Harvard Law School is highly competitive. The school typically receives over 7,000 applications for about 560 seats in the first-year class.

Campus

The Harvard Law School campus is located in the Harvard Square neighborhood of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The campus includes a number of notable buildings, such as Langdell Hall, the largest academic law library in the world.

Notable alumni

Harvard Law School has produced a significant number of leaders and innovators in the legal profession and in public service, business, and academia.