HLS in Focus

We have had a few questions from transfer applicants, so here are a few answers for the curious…

Q: Is transfer admission based more on personal factors (i.e., necessity to move to Boston) or on “merit”?

A: We will look very closely at your performance at your current law school, as well as at your undergraduate record, activities, etc.  But, if you have a particular need to be in Cambridge/Boston, that should be noted in your application.

Q: Does Harvard only have a handful of spots for transfer students?

A: In the past couple of years, because of opportunities at HLS to go off campus in the second and third year (e.g., to study abroad), we have felt there was more room for transfer students and thus have admitted more transfer students each year.

Q: Can transfer students write onto the Harvard Law Review?

A: Yes, but you have to act fast. If you want to be considered for membership, you must participate in the writing competition which will take place on May 16-23, 2009.  Remember too that there are 14 other journals and numerous student activities that transfer students can join.

Q: I feel pretty comfortable at my current law school. Should I consider transferring?

A: That’s really up to you.  Some students believe there are opportunities available to HLS students and graduates that are hard to pursue in other schools, but this may not be the case for you.

Q: I want to be a legal academic. Is it possible for a transfer student to work with faculty members at HLS and prepare for such a career?

A: Absolutely. In fact, an interest in legal academia is a common reason given by our transfer students for choosing to come to Harvard. We regularly produce the largest number of entry-level law teachers of any law school in the country. And faculty members are thrilled to work with highly talented transfer students.

Q: Would I be lost in the shuffle at Harvard without having had the first-year section experience?

A: There is no question that the 1L sections provide students at HLS with a good community from which to branch out, but there are a ton of opportunities to find small communities of interest here. Are you interested in human rights? Join the Human Rights Advocates and go to work. Are you interested in environmental law? The Environmental Law Society is a terrific group of students to get to know. You can find your niche, even without that first year under your belt.

Q: OK — so by when do I need to submit an application?

A: July 1.

More information can be found at the following link:

http://www.law.harvard.edu/prospective/jd/apply/transfer.html