Crafting a Compelling CV for Harvard Law School's LLM Program

Successfully navigating the competition to get accepted into Harvard Law School's LLM (Master of Laws) program requires a well-crafted CV. This article provides detailed guidance on what your CV should include to stand out as a competitive applicant.

Key Elements of a Successful CV

To increase your chances of being admitted to the prestigious Harvard LLM program, your CV should highlight several key elements:

1. Academic Achievements

Your undergraduate degree GPA Awards and honors received during your undergraduate studies

Harvard Law values strong academic credentials, so ensuring these elements are prominently displayed can significantly improve your application.

2. Legal Work Experience

Emphasize any legal work experience, whether internships, clerkships, or full-time employment at a law firm or legal organization:

Description of responsibilities and achievements Exposure to different legal fields and practical skills

3. Research and Publications

Include any research publications or presentations you have done related to law. This demonstrates your intellectual engagement and ability to contribute to academic discourse:

Title of publications and presentations Relevance to your desired field of study

4. Extracurricular Activities

Highlight extracurricular activities, especially those that demonstrate leadership, community service, or a commitment to public interest law. Harvard values well-rounded applicants who can contribute positively to the law school community:

Leadership roles in clubs, organizations, or legal clinics Community service projects and volunteer work Participation in moot courts, legal clinics, or simulation programs

5. Personal Statement

Consider including a short personal statement that articulates your academic and professional goals and how the Harvard LLM program specifically aligns with your aspirations. This can provide a deeper insight into your motivations and fit with the program:

Your career goals How the LLM program will help you achieve those goals Your unique journey and how it relates to the program

Ensure your CV is well-organized, concise, and free of any grammatical or formatting errors. Pay close attention to detail to make a positive first impression.

Real-World Perspective

While the above points are general guidelines, it's also helpful to see how others have succeeded in getting into the program. For instance, one applicant had:

Personal Experience

Two years of work experience at a law firm, no international publications, and no published journals at the time of application. Graduated Bachelor in Laws barely cum laude from a good university in their country with a few achievements including winning a national moot and a few essay competitions. No notable awards or startup/foundation connections.

Despite these seemingly less impressive credentials, the applicant was accepted into the program. The key was:

Balanced and consistent approach Showcasing time management and focus on goals

By demonstrating involvement in activities beyond academics and clearly linking all experiences to their career path, the applicant conveyed a sense of consistent focus and dedication.

When crafting your CV, be genuine and true to your path. Present yourself in the best light possible, but also be honest and authentic.

For more detailed guidance and to refine your CV, consider seeking advice from those who have successfully gained admission to Harvard Law School's LLM program. Good luck with your application!