Harvard Law: A Comprehensive Examination of Its History, Impact, and Enduring Legacy

Introduction

Harvard Law School, the oldest and most prestigious law school in the United States, has played a pivotal role in shaping the legal profession and the American legal system. Founded in 1817, Harvard Law has consistently ranked among the top law schools in the world, producing generations of influential lawyers, judges, and policymakers.

A Rich History

Harvard Law School traces its roots to the early 19th century, when a group of prominent Boston attorneys sought to establish a formal legal education program. In 1817, the school was established as part of Harvard University, with Judge Isaac Parker as its first dean.

Key Figures and Milestones

• Joseph Story: A renowned legal scholar and Supreme Court justice, who served as dean from 1829 to 1845 and shaped the school's curriculum and reputation.
• Langdell Method: In 1870, Dean Christopher Columbus Langdell introduced the revolutionary case method of teaching law, which involved students analyzing legal cases to derive principles.
• Eliot Era: Under President Charles W. Eliot, Harvard Law School expanded its faculty, curriculum, and research programs, becoming a leading center for legal scholarship.
• 20th Century Transformations: The 20th century saw the rise of new legal fields and increased diversity at the school, with the establishment of the International Legal Studies Program and the Harvard Women's Law Association.
• Present Day: Harvard Law School remains a global leader in legal education, offering a wide range of academic programs, moot courts, and clinics.

Impact on the Legal Profession

Harvard Law has played a profound role in shaping the American legal profession:

Notable Alumni

• 14 U.S. Supreme Court Justices: Including Louis Brandeis, Felix Frankfurter, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
• 140 U.S. Attorneys General: Including Edward Bates, Eric Holder, and Merrick Garland.
• 140 Fortune 500 CEOs: Including Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan Chase), and Howard Stringer (Sony).

Legal Scholarship

Harvard Law has been a major center for legal scholarship, producing influential treatises and law reviews:

• American Law Review: Founded in 1866, one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious law reviews.
• Harvard Law Review: Established in 1887, widely considered the most influential law review in the world.
• Faculty Research: Harvard Law faculty have made groundbreaking contributions to fields such as constitutional law, criminal law, and international law.

Why Harvard Law Matters

Attending Harvard Law School offers numerous benefits for aspiring lawyers:

Academic Excellence: Harvard Law's rigorous curriculum and world-class faculty provide an unparalleled academic experience.
Prestige and Reputation: The school's reputation and alumni network open doors to top jobs in law and other fields.
Career Services: Harvard Law's Career Services Office offers comprehensive support for students seeking internships, clerkships, and legal careers.
Global Network: Harvard Law's students and alumni form a vast and influential global network, providing opportunities for collaboration and mentorship.
Public Interest Commitment: The school emphasizes public interest law, with clinics and fellowships dedicated to serving underserved communities.

The Pros and Cons of Harvard Law

Pros:

• Unmatched academic reputation
• Access to top legal jobs
• Exceptional faculty and resources
• Global network and connections
• Opportunities for public interest work

Cons:

• High cost of attendance
• Competitive and stressful environment
• Limited class size
• Location in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Stories and Lessons Learned

1. The Power of Persistence: Connie Chung Joe, a Harvard Law graduate, faced significant obstacles as an Asian American woman in the legal profession. Through persistence and determination, she became the first Asian American woman to argue before the Supreme Court.

Lesson: Never let setbacks discourage you from pursuing your dreams.

2. The Value of Mentorship: Michelle Obama, a former Harvard Law student, credits her success to the mentorship of Dean Elena Kagan. Kagan provided guidance and encouragement, helping Obama navigate the challenges of law school and her career.

Lesson: Seek out mentors who can support and inspire you.

3. The Importance of Diversity: Harvard Law has made strides in increasing diversity in its student body and faculty. Research shows that diverse teams make better decisions and foster innovation.

Lesson: Embrace diversity and inclusion to create a more just and equitable legal system.

Conclusion

Harvard Law School has a rich history, a profound impact on the legal profession, and a continuing mission to educate and inspire future leaders. By leveraging its academic excellence, prestige, and global network, Harvard Law empowers its graduates to make a positive impact on the world.

Whether aspiring lawyers seek a prestigious education, access to top jobs, or the opportunity to contribute to the public good, Harvard Law School offers an unparalleled opportunity to achieve their goals. The school's legacy of excellence and commitment to justice continue to make it a beacon for students, scholars, and legal professionals worldwide.

Tables

Table 1. Notable Harvard Law Alumni

Table 2. Harvard Law Faculty Publications

Table 3. Harvard Law School Rankings

References

• Harvard Law School Website: https://hls.harvard.edu/
• American Bar Association: https://www.americanbar.org/
• National Association for Law Placement: https://www.nalp.org/
• U.S. News & World Report: Best Law Schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools