Case Study: Harvard Law School reimagines its shield with Studio Rainwater

Harvard Law School creates a new shield after 2 dozen community discussions with Studio Rainwater

Harvard Law School faced the challenge of creating a new official shield after retiring its previous one due to its association with a slave owner. The school needed a symbol that could represent its diverse community and values without erasing its past. They engaged the vendor Studio Rainwater, along with PopKitchen, for their expertise in brand strategy, community engagement, and brand design to lead this sensitive rebranding initiative.

Studio Rainwater conducted extensive research and held numerous focus groups with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to develop guiding themes for the design. This process led to the creation of a new shield that incorporates the Latin text "Lex et Iustitia" and is designed to feel both timeless and expansive. The solution was successfully embraced, with the dean of the law school stating that the elegant new design captures the complexity, diversity, and transformative power of the institution.

Harvard Law School