How do you ask for a letter of recommendation for law school in an email?

Asked by: Henriette Dicki  |  Last update: January 6, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (13 votes)

Here's a sample email you might send to a professor: Dear Professor X, I hope you're doing well. I intend to apply to law school this Fall and was wondering if you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation in the next 8 weeks?

How do I ask for a letter of recommendation for law school via email?

My name is [Your Name]. I took your [name of class and when you took it]. I'm applying to [name of school and program], and I'd like to ask you to write a letter of recommendation for me. I'm asking you because [reason why you are asking this person] and think your letter would be a strong addition to my application.

How do you politely ask for a letter of recommendation via email?

[Recommender Name], I hope you're well. I'm in the process of applying to [school or company name] and want to ask if you feel comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation on my behalf. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as [your relationship to the recommender].

How to write an email to principal asking for recommendation letter?

Dear [Principal's Name], I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to request a school recommendation letter from you. As a diligent student at [School Name], I have always strived to excel academically and actively participate in extracurricular activities.

How to write someone a letter of recommendation for law school?

A strong law school letter of recommendation should meet these goals:
  1. Identifies the writer and their relationship with you.
  2. Conveys factual evidence about you and your achievements/experiences.
  3. Doesn't use “unsupported adjectives” like “creative” or “mature” without explaining why your recommender describes you that way.

LAW SCHOOL APPLICATION: A LOOK AT MY RESUME + HOW TO ASK FOR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION VIA EMAIL!

39 related questions found

How to request letter of recommendation LSAC?

Submit your requests for letters by clicking the “Submit Request” buttons in your account. Your recommender will receive an email requesting that they complete and upload a letter for you. However, if your recommender prefers, LSAC also accepts paper letters of recommendation.

What do law schools look for in letters of recommendation?

The Strategy of the Letter

Applicants for law school will be judged on their ability to do academic work, their intellectual capacity and motivation, their ability to communicate.

What to write in an email when sending a letter of recommendation?

The list of key parts are:
  1. Introduction and statement of recommendation.
  2. List of specific reasons you are recommending them to the position.
  3. Personal story with evidence of their qualities (soft and hard skills)
  4. Closing statement with contact information.
  5. Signature.

How far in advance should I ask for a letter of recommendation?

You may want to consider:

How far in advance should I ask? The earlier the better - at least six weeks to a month before the due date is recommended. Try not to ask for a letter with fewer than two weeks until the deadline.

How to email asking for a reference?

I'm reaching out because I wanted to respectfully ask if you would be willing to serve as a reference in my job search. Currently, I'm seeking employment in [job position/industry] and I believe that you would be a valuable job reference. Your support would mean a lot to me.

How do you humbly ask for a recommendation letter?

If you can, make your request in person. This will make the request personal, respectful, and responsible. Practice what you're going to say beforehand. The request should be heartfelt, and tell them how you've enjoyed their instruction and guidance, and how you would be honored if they wrote you a letter.

How do you request a letter of recommendation?

How do I request a letter of recommendation? You should speak to each recommender in advance, either in person or via email, before entering their information into the application. This way, you can be sure they are available and comfortable writing you a strong letter of recommendation.

Is it OK to ask for a recommendation via email?

If a face-to-face conversation isn't an option, you can always ask for a letter of recommendation via email. Scheduling a time to meet ensures that the person has time to devote to you, and it allows you to explain why you've selected them as the best person to write the letter.

When to ask for law school recommendation letters?

Generally, you want to provide your recommenders 4-6 weeks to write your letter. The summer before the application cycle opens is an ideal time to ask.

How to ask professor for letter of recommendation through email?

Make a formal request of your professor (by email or by appointment), asking if he or she would be willing to write a letter or fill out a form on your behalf. Explain the purpose of the recommendation and why you have chosen the professor. Give the professor time to consider your request.

Do law schools email acceptance letters?

If you are accepted, most schools will communicate that information to you by phone call or e-mail.

What not to say in a letter of recommendation?

A successful letter should avoid:
  • General language or overly broad descriptors of the student's performance in the classroom;
  • Focusing on a student's punctuality or ability to complete the readings. ...
  • Too much time and attention detailing the relationship with the student or the content of the course.

How many letters of recommendation for law school?

Schools vary on the number of letters of recommendation they require, so make sure to check each school's requirements in LSAC. Typically, two-four letters are required, meaning schools most commonly require two letters but will accept up to four.

Who is the best person to write a letter of recommendation?

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.

What is an example of an email requesting a letter of recommendation?

I am currently applying to [# + Type of Application—scholarship, fellowship, internship, graduate program, job]. As part of the application process for each, I have been asked to provide a letter of recommendation from a professor, and I am hoping that you will consider writing such letters for me.

What is an example of a strong recommendation letter?

John is a very humble individual who gets along well with his peers and the entire medical team. It is therefore without reservations that I recommend him to you for any residency program that he may be seeking. I am sure he will be a valuable asset to your organization.

How late is too late to ask for a letter of recommendation?

The latest that you should ask for recommendations is October of senior year for early deadlines and November to December of senior year for regular deadlines. To be safe and proactive though, as well as to keep yourself fresh in your teachers' memories, you'd do well to ask in March, April, or May of junior year.

How to request a letter of recommendation for law school?

How To Ask For A Letter Of Recommendation In Law School
  1. Tailor the letter to its purpose. ...
  2. Choose your recommender. ...
  3. Ask for a letter as early as possible. ...
  4. Ask in person, after an initial email. ...
  5. Give your recommender what they need. ...
  6. Offer to draft a letter for them. ...
  7. Follow up and provide updates.

How hard is the LSAT?

This process is not only time-consuming but can be very expensive as well. So yes, the LSAT is hard, and it is designed that way. It's not so much a test that requires a student to remember random facts, but instead, it is a test that showcases a student's thought process.

What to highlight in a letter of recommendation for law school?

Effective LORs highlight a range of qualities that adcoms look for when assessing an applicant's potential to succeed in their law school program. At competitive schools, these qualities include the following: Intellectual abilities, particularly analytical, verbal, and writing skills. Commitment to academic excellence.