Public Service at Harvard Law School

A note from the dean

It is with great pride that I introduce you to the world of public service at Harvard Law School. Here at Harvard, we believe that all lawyers—and indeed all law students—should make public service a vital part of their professional lives.

Today, Harvard Law School offers a range of public service opportunities through the recently expanded Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising (OPIA). Established more than a decade ago, OPIA is the school's primary gateway to public service. The Office and its attorney advisers work closely with students on everything from securing summer fellowships to developing job search strategies that result in rewarding public service careers.

To make sure all students have exposure to public service, our Pro Bono Service Program assists students in fulfilling their pro bono requirement. Students who pursue public service careers after graduation are eligible for our generous Low Income Protection Plan—a loan repayment program originated at HLS.

With these and other programs, Harvard Law School reaffirms the highest ideal of the legal profession, which is to make a real difference in the world through service to others.

Dean Elena Kagan '86