Many other law schools grade classes on a pass/fail basis, particularly in the first year, but HLS continues to use a letter grading system. Students say that letter grades cause increased pressure and competition.

The faculty recently rejected one pass/fail grading proposal but is considering another in which professors would have the option of giving six different grades: three gradations of honors, pass, low pass and fail.

A vote on the proposal "could be as soon as this Friday," Armini said.

Another proposed system would be based on a forced curve requiring that a certain percentage of students receive a given grade.

"Right now there's a lot of variation between professors, and that's not fair," Stotland said.

A spring 1999 McKinsey & Co. study commissioned by HLS suggested a series of improvements--mainly in the areas of class size and grading policy--although law school officials say that the current changes were in the planning stages even before the study was conducted.

The current changes are the beginning of a long-term strategic plan being drawn up. Other reforms being considered are loan forgiveness and requirements for pro bono work.