Harvard | J.D

By Beritan K on 07 October 2025

🎓 J.D. Program Overview

The J.D. program at Harvard Law School is a three-year, full-time course of study designed to provide students with a comprehensive legal education. The program emphasizes a rigorous academic curriculum, practical skills development, and a commitment to public service.

📚 Curriculum Structure

First Year (1L)

In the first year, students engage in foundational courses that establish a strong understanding of the U.S. legal system:

Fall Term: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts
Winter Term: Criminal Law, Legislation and Regulation
Spring Term: Property, Torts

Additionally, first-year students participate in:

Legal Research and Writing: Including the First-Year Ames Moot Court Program.
January Experiential Term: A skills-based course emphasizing teamwork, practical training, and self-reflection.

Note: Clinic participation and cross-registration are not permitted during the 1L year.

Upper-Level (2L & 3L)

In the second and third years, students have greater flexibility to tailor their education through a diverse array of courses, seminars, and clinics. Key requirements include:

Minimum Credits: 52 total credits, with at least 36 from classroom courses.
Experiential Learning: Up to 16 clinical credits.
Writing Requirement: Completion of two pieces of writing: an analytical paper (20-25 pages) and a professional writing assignment.
Cross-Registration: Up to 12 credits may be taken through cross-registration at other Harvard schools.

📝 Admissions Requirements

To apply for the J.D. program, applicants must:

Hold or expect to hold a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) prior to August of the year for which they apply.
Submit LSAT or GRE scores. The LSAT or GRE must be taken no later than February 1 to ensure scores are available by the application deadline (February 15).

📌 Additional Information

Course Catalog: Harvard Law School offers a curriculum of unparalleled breadth, with more than 400 courses, seminars, and reading groups that reflect the remarkable range of the faculty’s expertise and interests.
Clinical Opportunities: Students can participate in various clinics, such as the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, to gain practical experience.
Writing Groups: These groups allow students to complete writing projects in a workshop environment with the support of a supervising instructor and a small group of peers.