Optional Written Work

In addition to the Written Work Requirement for each degree, all students have the option of doing optional written work for credit.  

Format and Scope

For J.D Students:

You may do an optional paper either (a) in conjunction with a course, seminar or workshop and work with the instructor as your faculty supervisor, or (b) as an independent paper with an HLS faculty supervisor of your choice.

An "in conjunction" paper is generally an expansion of the required seminar or course paper.  If you choose to write a longer seminar or course paper than is required to complete the course or seminar, you will receive writing credit in addition to the HLS classroom credits you receive for the seminar or course itself.

Consult with your faculty supervisor in advance about the number of writing credits you will earn for your optional paper.  Keep in mind, as you think about your paper, that an optional paper is expected to be of the same scope and length as a comparable paper written to satisfy Option 1 of the JD Written Work Requirement (e.g., a 2-credit optional paper must be of the same scope and length as a 2-credit Option 1 paper).

For LL.M. Students:  Contact the Graduate Program for information about writing an optional paper.

Faculty Supervisors

HLS faculty actively support student writing, and are available to supervise optional papers. Click for a list of faculty supervisors by name or by  subject area.

Winter Writing Program

Students may use the Winter Writing Program (WWP) to focus exclusively on an optional paper.  To register for the WWP, complete and submit the WWP registration and proposal forms, by November 6, 2009.  (There is no need to file the optional written work registration form in addition.)

Optional Written Work Registration

Form

To register for Optional Written Work in fall or spring term complete and submit the required registration form. 

Deadlines

Fall: October 2, 2009 (2Ls and 3Ls)

Spring: January 29, 2010 (all classes)

Contact the Registrar's Office, registrar@law.harvard.edu, 617-495-4612, with questions.