New Harvard Law School Shield

On August 23, 2021, Harvard Law School Dean John F. Manning ’85 announced a new law school shield, which was researched and developed over the past year by a working group of faculty, students, alumni, and staff led by Professor Annette Gordon-Reed ’84. The new design features Harvard’s traditional motto, veritas (Latin for truth) displayed in crimson across the top, resting above the Latin phrase lex et iustitia, or law and justice. The bottom three quarters of the new shield display a series of eight overlapping, curved lines inspired by architectural details found in Austin and Hauser halls.

The traditional elements of the shield speak to the school’s history and grounding, while the more modern forms convey its ongoing evolution and aspirational nature. When combined with color, the multiple radiating lines express an internal energy, light, and strength, conveying a community with many facets and nuances, none of which alone defines it. Finally, the shield makes explicit Harvard Law School’s commitment to truth, law, and justice, underscored by the Harvard veritas printed across three open books and the incorporation of lex et iustitia.

[emperoroflaw]

I hope that Harvard Law will accept me in my third chance

[t.shurid]

Law is a very old domain, the old shield had bushels of wheat I think and it was sort of fit for purpose because that too is kind of old symbolism the new lines are too modern for the domain of law, at such a prestigious school I think. They should've made it feel more old.

[sevvalq]

I'm in 10th grade now. My only dream for 5 years is to study here. I have 2 years left to finish high school. I will do anything to win this place. :')

[briandoskocil]

Inspiring summary. The new shield is perfect and timely for the 21st century.

[erik_griswold]

Fun fact: Austin Hall was mortgaged to the Harvard Corporation and was almost transferred to the Science Department.

[strange]

Can you anyone apprise me what is the admission procedure, criteria and
I will be grateful:)

[JmBotero]

Law of attraction: I will graduate here!

[ruchpat]

Thank you Harvard Law School for posting this video.

[brettsinger]

The law school's shield never struck me as having anything to do with slavery, but then again, I'm a white male. Instead, the law school's shield gave me the image of success and abundance, something that Harvard could legitimately boast about. Having said all of that, it's not my place to second guess Harvard, partly because I never went there and more because it's the next generation of law students whose voices should be heard, first and foremost.

[stevejobs]

Very informative! I will bring everybody in this school FREE

[shiniz]

Some day my wish will become true and i'll get in harvard law school, TRUST ME I'M COMING!

[reyna]

I'm only in 7th grade, but I really want to go to Harvard Law School does anyone have any advice on what I can do right now to increase my chances?

[hopek]

I am 24 years old and I dream to study here😍 and I know this is impossible💔🙂