Dr. Ian Gershengorn

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Ian H. Gershengorn is a lecturer at Harvard Law School, teaching Law. He has an extensive background in appellate litigation, having argued 16 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Before rejoining Jenner & Block in 2017, he served as the Principal Deputy Solicitor General and Acting Solicitor General of the United States. His legal practice includes advising clients on complex litigation strategies, particularly in commercial disputes involving government and regulatory issues. Gershengorn's notable cases at the Supreme Court include Evenwel v. Abbott, EEOC v. Abercrombie & Fitch, and McCullen v. Coakley. He has played a pivotal role in high-profile legal matters, including the Affordable Care Act and immigration reform, supervising government briefings on significant cases. He began his career at the U.S. Department of Justice and has served as an associate and partner at Jenner & Block, focusing on telecommunications and media law. Gershengorn holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and an A.B. in Economics from Harvard College, graduating magna cum laude. He has also clerked for U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Amalya L. Kearse and U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

Research Interests

Experience

Lecturer

2026-01-01 — Present

Harvard Law School • Cambridge, MA

Partner

1997-01-01 — 2009-01-01

Jenner & Block • Chicago, IL

Focused on U.S. Supreme Court and federal appellate litigation.

Principal Deputy Solicitor General

2016-06-01 — 2017-01-01

U.S. Department of Justice • Washington, D.C.

Argued significant cases related to major legislative issues.

Courses

The Roberts Court: Theory and Practice

Requirements for Harvard Law School

Master Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Reading
Required:25
Writing
Required:25
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
J.D. from an ABA-approved U.S. law school or a first law degree (LL.B. or equivalent) from a foreign law school
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • CV/Résumé
  • Personal statements (Parts A and B)
  • At least two recommendations
  • Official transcripts and diplomas
  • Official TOEFL report (if applicable)
  • Application fee ($85)
Specialization Notes

Applied for under 'Department of Law', 'Department of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law', 'Department of Constitutional Law', 'Department of Japanese Legal Studies', and 'Department of Human Rights'.