hls grading system

Employers are free to ask students for information about their grades and may request that students provide transcripts. Harvard Law School does not rank its students until graduation. Therefore, prior to graduation, students are not able to estimate into what percentage of the class they fall. Students can, however, calculate their grade point average on an 8-point scale. The following numerical values are given to each grade:

In calculating the first year average, each of the five basic courses (Civil Procedure, Contracts, Criminal Law, Property and Torts) is weighted equally. Students are also required to take one elective course during their first year. Three credit elective courses are weighted at one half the basic course, and four credit elective courses are weighted at three-quarters of the basic course. If you have questions about the grading system, please call the Registrar at (617) 495-4612.

Harvard Law School recognizes the achievement of attaining and maintaining high grades through graduation honors.  Students who graduate with a general average of 7.20 and above are honored with the distinction of graduating summa cum laude.  The top 10% of the class, excluding summa, are honored with the distinction of graduating magna cum laude.  Finally, the next 30% of the class, after magna are honored with the distinction of graduating cum laude.