The Importance of Strong Recommendations
A compelling letter of recommendation can significantly boost your law school application. Admissions committees seek insights beyond your GPA and LSAT score. They want to understand your character, work ethic, analytical abilities, and potential for success in a rigorous legal education. A well-crafted letter from a professor, mentor, or supervisor who knows you well can provide that crucial qualitative assessment. Think of it as a character witness vouching for your suitability for the legal profession.
What Makes a Great Recommendation Letter?
A strong recommendation letter isn’t just a generic endorsement. It’s a specific and detailed account of your skills and achievements. Recommenders should highlight your critical thinking abilities, writing skills, research aptitude, and intellectual curiosity. Anecdotes and concrete examples are vital. Instead of simply stating “John is a hard worker,” the letter should say, “John consistently went above and beyond on his research project, spending countless hours in the library and producing a final paper that exceeded expectations.” Quantifiable results, when possible, add even more weight.
Preparing Your Recommenders
The best recommendation letters come from recommenders who have a clear understanding of your goals and motivations for attending law school. Schedule a meeting with each recommender to discuss your application strategy, share your personal statement, and provide them with your resume and transcript. Remind them of specific projects, assignments, or experiences where you excelled. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for them to write a compelling and personalized letter.
Key Elements of a Recommendation Request
Making the request is as important as the letter itself, you must be sure to provide your recommender with all the information they need. You should provide you GPA, Resume, Personal statement, and transcript, also make sure to give ample time for the writer to compose the letter. It is recommended that you allow at least a month and a half for them to write and submit it. Following these key elements of your request will allow for an easier process when the recommendation is being written.
13 Law School Letter of Recommendation Samples
Sample 1: Professor (Academic Performance)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Law School Name]. I had [Applicant Name] in my [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year] semester. [He/She/They] consistently impressed me with [his/her/their] insightful questions, active participation in class discussions, and rigorous approach to the course material. In particular, [Applicant Name]’s paper on [Specific Topic] demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of [Relevant Legal Concept].
[He/She/They] possesses a sharp analytical mind and a genuine passion for the law. I am confident that [Applicant Name] will be a valuable addition to your incoming class.
Sincerely,
[Professor Name]
[Professor Title]
[University Name]
Sample 2: Internship Supervisor (Work Ethic & Skills)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your law school. As [Applicant Name]’s supervisor during [his/her/their] internship at [Organization Name] in the summer of [Year], I had the opportunity to observe [his/her/their] exceptional work ethic and dedication firsthand.
[Applicant Name] consistently exceeded expectations, taking on challenging assignments with enthusiasm and producing high-quality work under tight deadlines. For example, [he/she/they] played a crucial role in [Specific Project], where [he/she/they] demonstrated exceptional research and writing skills.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] possesses the skills and drive necessary to succeed in law school and beyond.
Sincerely,
[Supervisor Name]
[Supervisor Title]
[Organization Name]
Sample 3: Mentor (Leadership & Character)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Law School Name]. I have had the pleasure of mentoring [Applicant Name] for the past [Number] years through [Organization Name].
During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] leadership abilities, compassion, and unwavering commitment to [Cause/Organization Mission]. [He/She/They] consistently takes initiative, inspires others, and demonstrates a strong moral compass. Specifically, [Applicant Name] spearheaded [Project or Initiative] which resulted in [Positive Outcome].
I believe that [Applicant Name]’s strong character and leadership skills will make [him/her/them] a valuable asset to your law school community.
Sincerely,
[Mentor Name]
[Mentor Title/Affiliation]
Sample 4: Professor (Critical Thinking)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Law School Name]. I have known [him/her/them] as a student in my [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year] semester, and I was consistently impressed by [his/her/their] critical thinking skills.
[Applicant Name] demonstrated a remarkable ability to analyze complex legal concepts and to articulate [his/her/their] ideas in a clear and concise manner. In class discussions, [he/she/they] frequently challenged assumptions and offered insightful perspectives. For example, during our discussion of [Specific Legal Case], [Applicant Name] raised a novel argument that challenged the conventional interpretation of the case.
I am confident that [Applicant Name]’s critical thinking abilities will make [him/her/them] a valuable asset to your law school community.
Sincerely,
[Professor Name]
[Professor Title]
[University Name]
Sample 5: Employer (Problem-Solving Skills)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your law school. As [Applicant Name]’s employer at [Company Name], I have had the opportunity to witness [his/her/their] exceptional problem-solving skills firsthand.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrated a knack for identifying and resolving complex issues. [He/She/They] approached problems with a logical and methodical approach, and [he/she/they] was always willing to go the extra mile to find a solution. For example, [Applicant Name] was instrumental in resolving a critical issue with our [Project/System]. [He/She/They] quickly identified the root cause of the problem and developed a creative and effective solution that saved the company significant time and money.
I am confident that [Applicant Name]’s problem-solving skills will make [him/her/them] a valuable asset to your law school community.
Sincerely,
[Employer Name]
[Employer Title]
[Company Name]
Sample 6: Volunteer Coordinator (Commitment to Service)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Law School Name]. As the volunteer coordinator at [Organization Name], I have had the privilege of working with [Applicant Name] for the past [Number] years.
[Applicant Name] has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to service and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others. [He/She/They] has volunteered countless hours at [Organization Name], and [he/she/they] has always been willing to take on new challenges. For example, [Applicant Name] took the initiative to organize a [Event/Program] that benefited the community in a significant way.
I am confident that [Applicant Name]’s commitment to service will make [him/her/them] a valuable asset to your law school community.
Sincerely,
[Coordinator Name]
[Coordinator Title]
[Organization Name]
Sample 7: Research Advisor (Analytical and Research Skills)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Law School Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her/them] as [his/her/their] research advisor for the past [Number] years.
[Applicant Name] possesses exceptional analytical and research skills. [He/She/They] is a highly motivated and independent learner who is capable of conducting rigorous research and drawing insightful conclusions. [He/She/They] played a critical role in our research project on [Specific Research Topic], where [he/she/they] demonstrated a strong understanding of research methodologies and statistical analysis. [He/She/They] also presented [his/her/their] research findings at [Conference/Symposium].
I am confident that [Applicant Name]’s analytical and research skills will make [him/her/them] a valuable asset to your law school community.
Sincerely,
[Advisor Name]
[Advisor Title]
[University Name]
Sample 8: Debate Coach (Argumentation and Persuasion)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Law School Name]. As [Applicant Name]’s debate coach for the past [Number] years, I have had the opportunity to witness [his/her/their] exceptional argumentation and persuasion skills.
[Applicant Name] is a highly skilled debater who is capable of constructing persuasive arguments and effectively communicating [his/her/their] ideas. [He/She/They] is also a skilled listener who is able to understand and respond to opposing viewpoints. [He/She/They] consistently outperformed [his/her/their] competitors at debate tournaments, and [he/she/they] played a key role in helping our debate team win several championships.
I am confident that [Applicant Name]’s argumentation and persuasion skills will make [him/her/them] a valuable asset to your law school community.
Sincerely,
[Coach Name]
[Coach Title]
[School Name]
Sample 9: Teaching Assistant (Communication and Mentoring)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your law school. As [Applicant Name]’s teaching assistant for my [Course Name] course, I have observed [his/her/their] excellent communication and mentoring skills.
[Applicant Name] has a knack for explaining complex concepts in a clear and understandable way. Students regularly sought out [his/her/their] help during office hours, and [he/she/they] always took the time to answer their questions patiently and thoroughly. Additionally, [he/she/they] mentored several students who were struggling in the course, and [he/she/they] helped them to improve their understanding of the material.
I am confident that [Applicant Name]’s communication and mentoring skills will make [him/her/them] a valuable asset to your law school community.
Sincerely,
[Professor Name]
[Professor Title]
[University Name]
Sample 10: Club Advisor (Leadership and Initiative)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Law School Name]. As the advisor of the [Club Name], I have had the opportunity to witness [his/her/their] exceptional leadership and initiative.
[Applicant Name] is a highly motivated and proactive individual who has consistently taken the initiative to improve the [Club Name]. [He/She/They] has served as the president of the club for the past [Number] years, and [he/she/they] has been instrumental in increasing the club’s membership and organizing successful events. Additionally, [he/she/they] has been a mentor to many younger members of the club.
I am confident that [Applicant Name]’s leadership and initiative will make [him/her/them] a valuable asset to your law school community.
Sincerely,
[Advisor Name]
[Advisor Title]
[University Name]
Sample 11: Mock Trial Coach (Advocacy and Critical Analysis)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my strong support for [Applicant Name]’s application to your esteemed law school. As the coach of the Mock Trial team, I have seen firsthand [his/her/their] passion for advocacy and keen ability for critical analysis.
[Applicant Name] possesses an exceptional command of legal concepts and a remarkable ability to apply them to complex case scenarios. [He/She/They] is a natural advocate who can persuasively present arguments and effectively cross-examine witnesses. In our recent competition, [Applicant Name] skillfully dismantled the opposing counsel’s arguments, leading our team to victory.
I am confident that [Applicant Name]’s advocacy skills and critical thinking abilities would make [him/her/them] a valuable addition to your law school.
Sincerely,
[Coach Name]
[Coach Title]
[School Name]
Sample 12: Community Leader (Social Responsibility and Ethics)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your law school. I have had the pleasure of knowing [him/her/them] as an active and impactful member of our community.
[Applicant Name] has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to social responsibility and ethical conduct. [He/She/They] has volunteered tirelessly for various community initiatives, advocating for vulnerable populations and working to address pressing social issues. [He/She/They] spearheaded a project that provided legal assistance to low-income families, making a tangible difference in their lives.
I am confident that [Applicant Name]’s dedication to social justice and ethical principles will make [him/her/them] an exemplary member of your law school.
Sincerely,
[Leader Name]
[Leader Title]
[Organization Name]
Sample 13: Professor (Overall Potential for Law School)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is without reservation that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your law school. I have had the pleasure of teaching [Applicant Name] in multiple courses, and I am consistently impressed by [his/her/their] intellectual curiosity, academic performance, and potential for success in the legal profession.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, exceptional analytical skills, and a genuine passion for the law. [He/She/They] excels in class discussions, consistently asks insightful questions, and produces high-quality written work. In addition, [Applicant Name] possesses the integrity, maturity, and leadership qualities necessary to succeed in law school.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable asset to your law school community, and I strongly recommend [him/her/them] for admission.
Sincerely,
[Professor Name]
[Professor Title]
[University Name]
Conclusion: Securing Strong Recommendations
A standout letter of recommendation can be a game-changer for your law school application. By carefully selecting recommenders who know you well, providing them with ample information, and understanding the key elements of a strong recommendation, you can significantly increase your chances of admission. Remember, it’s not just about getting a letter; it’s about getting a *compelling* letter that showcases your unique strengths and potential.