Do letters of recommendation matter for law school?

Asked by: Andy O'Hara III  |  Last update: November 28, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (71 votes)

Most law programs require two or three reference letters for admission, although they may accept more than just three. While references from faculty members are ideal, law schools may seriously consider nonacademic references as well, especially if applicants have been out of school for several years.

What do law schools look for in letters of recommendation?

Letters that reflect real knowledge of an applicant's performance and character are the most useful to the admissions committee and, therefore, to the candidate. One or two paragraph letters full of generalities, however complementary, are not particularly helpful.

What is the importance of a letter of recommendation for law school admission?

A law school recommendation letter can help a candidate display their expertise to an admissions committee and get into law school. It's part of a law school application, which also includes transcripts, resumes and test scores.

Who should write my letters of recommendation for law school?

The most effective letters of recommendation are written by professors or work supervisors who know you well enough to describe your academic, personal, or professional achievements and potential with candor, detail, and objectivity. Letters that compare you to your academic peers are often the most useful.

Can you use the same letters of recommendation for law school?

If you intend to reuse a letter of recommendation for an admission year other than the one for which it was written, or for a different law degree program, it is a good idea to contact the recommender as a courtesy to make sure that the person does not mind this reuse.

Law School Recommendation Letter Advice

20 related questions found

Can I reapply to law school with the same letter of recommendation?

If you are reapplying to law school, update your resume and add another letter of recommendation, if possible. Make sure the admissions committee knows what you've done this past year.

Do any law schools require 3 letters of recommendation?

Most law programs require two or three reference letters for admission, although they may accept more than just three. While references from faculty members are ideal, law schools may seriously consider nonacademic references as well, especially if applicants have been out of school for several years.

Who are the best people to ask for letters of rec law school?

Most law schools state that they want Letters of Recommendation from professors, and they mean it. You are applying to be a student, not an employee, and professors are in the best position to establish your strengths and abilities in an academic setting.

Can a friend write a letter of recommendation for law school?

If you have not had recent contact with past professors (say, the last five years), think about requesting letters from employers and/or colleagues. Never submit recommendations from relatives or family friends. Most admissions committees will not consider them.

Can a coach write a letter of recommendation for law school?

Law schools are generally extremely academic places, and the want to make sure that your academic credentials are up to snuff. As for the other letter – this can be a second professor (this is the advice I typically give my students), or an extra-curricular leader, coach, boss, or someone else who has seen you work.

Should I submit 4 letters of rec to Yale law?

Use good judgment about how many letters to submit!

o We require two letters of recommendation and allow up to four. o If submitting more than two, ask yourself whether the additional letters are as strong as the first two are, and whether they are duplicative.

What is the most important thing when applying to law school?

Each law school combines your cumulative GPA with your LSAT score to come up with an index score. This index score is the most important admissions factor, and it is used to benchmark you initially against other applicants.

Should I waive my right to see letters of recommendation law school?

Generally speaking, waiving your right to view your letters of recommendation is ideal. While you can retain the right to view them, many admissions officers consider waiving the right as more honest.

How long is the average letter of recommendation for law school?

Letters should be 1 to 2 pages long, written on letterhead, and signed by the recommender. They should be submitted directly to LSAC.

How many letters of recommendation do you need for Yale law school?

Yale Law School requires at least two letters of recommendation. We strongly prefer letters from at least two professors with whom you have studied who can speak to your academic performance and who have had a chance to personally evaluate significant aspects of your academic work.

Can you use the same letter of recommendation for multiple law schools?

Yes, you can use the same letter of recommendation for multiple law schools. If you've asked for general recommendations, you should tag them as “General References” in your LSAC application.

Who should not be asked to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf?

Add Project Key Words
  • A Teacher Who's Famous but Doesn't Know You.
  • A Teacher Who Taught You Early, and for a Short Time.
  • Someone Who's Related to You.
  • Your Best Friend (Unless It's a Peer Recommendation)
  • Someone Who Doesn't Have the Best Impression of You.
  • A Coach from a Sport or Club You No Longer Participate in.

What are the letter of recommendation rules?

If a student asks you to write a letter of recommendation for them, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
  • Describe your personal relationship with the student. ...
  • Provide specific examples of the student's abilities and work ethic. ...
  • Stay away from vague wording and phrases. ...
  • Take the specific job or school into account.

Can a letter of recommendation be from anyone?

Ask a trusted adult who is not your family member. This could be a teacher, a coach, a mentor, someone from your faith community, a boss, someone who you have volunteered with, etc. Pro Tip: Ask someone who has known you for a long time or who has seen you work hard at school, a job, or an extra-curricular activity.

Do rec letters matter a lot?

What role do letters of recommendation play during the college admissions process? They help round out your applicant profile, provide insights into what you are like as a student and person, and put the rest of your application in context.

How many letters of rec are there in Harvard law?

Two letters of recommendation are required, but you may submit up to three. We strongly recommend that at least one letter of recommendation come from an academic source.

How many letters of rec do you need for Stanford law?

Two Letters of Recommendation.

Stanford requires that at least two and no more than four letters of recommendation be sent directly through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. Letters sent directly to the Office of Admissions will not be accepted.

What law schools require only one letter of recommendation?

Georgetown Law requires only one letter of recommendation, but additional letters or evaluations are welcome. If at all possible, the letter of recommendation should come from a professor who is able to speak to your academic work. UCLA School of Law requires that applicants submit two letters of recommendation.

Can you reuse letters of recommendation?

You may be able to reuse letters of recommendation. However, many grad schools ask the letter-writer to submit the letter directly, so you will have to ask your writers to re-submit their letters each time you apply to a new program.

How many letters of recommendation do you need for NYU law school?

How many letters of recommendation do you require? Two letters of recommendation are required to complete your application.