APPLYING TO LAW SCHOOL: Letters of Recommendation
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why are Letters of Recommendation Important?
Who to Ask for a Recommendation
When to Ask for a Recommendation
How to Ask for a Recommendation

Why are Letters of Recommendation Important?

• Law schools have many more applicants than they can admit. Recommendations should provide admissions officers with a more personal sense of who you are than do scores and GPA. They give a feel for things like your work ethic, your diligence, your ability to be organized, and your capabilities.

• Your recommenders should provide very specific information about your academic interests, abilities, and personal qualities.
  

[top]

Who to Ask for a Recommendation

• Many law schools ask for two letters of recommendation.

• You may obtain two letters from professors. Consider asking professors who gave you an excellent grade, encouraged you, or with whom you have developed a relationship. Discuss with the pre-law advisor who might be a helpful recommender.

• You may want a third letter from an employer, program director, administrator, religious, or community leader who has seen you demonstrate commitment, great effort, or leadership.

• Ask people who know you, rather than someone with a “big name” but with whom you’ve had little contact.

• Letter writers should be strong advocates for you. Discuss your goals with a potential recommender to get a sense of his/her level of support. If unsure of his/her enthusiasm, you can ask whether he/she knows you well enough to recommend you.
  

[top]

When to Ask for a Recommendation

• Request the letter at least six weeks or a month before you would like it to be sent.

• You can request letters at any time during your college years. If you have done well in a class and have a good relationship with a professor, ask for a recommendation while you are still in contact. This is particularly important if you take time off after college.

• If you have not registered with LSDAS, fill out and give to the writer the Pre-Law Reference Authorization and Waiver Form, also available from the Pre-Law Advising office, 1134 East Building. Ask the letter writer to return the form and recommendation to the Pre-Law Advising office, where it will be kept in your file until you request that it be sent.
  

[top]

How to Ask for a Recommendation

• Make an appointment with the writer, or if that is not possible, make the request by letter.  Discuss your career goals; if applicable, consider touching on why this person would make a good recommender based on those goals.

• Provide a cover letter discussing your goals, your resume, a list of schools to which you are applying, stamped, addressed envelopes, and the dates by which you would like to have the letter submitted. Include (and complete your portion of) the appropriate LSAC form if the recommendation is being sent to LSAC.

• It is helpful to include in the packet a draft of your personal statement and an example of your work (an excellent  paper or exam will help a professor write a detailed letter). 

• To assist the professor in writing a meaningful recommendation, include the sheet on Letter Writing Guidelines also available in the Pre-Law Advising office.
  
  

[top]