How to get a letter of recommendation from a professor for law school?
Asked by: Mitchel Kuhn | Last update: October 24, 2025Score: 5/5 (33 votes)
- Tailor the letter to its purpose. ...
- Choose your recommender. ...
- Ask for a letter as early as possible. ...
- Ask in person, after an initial email. ...
- Give your recommender what they need. ...
- Offer to draft a letter for them. ...
- Follow up and provide updates.
How to ask a professor for a letter of recommendation in law school?
- Email them as soon as possible, and make sure to start with formalities such as ``I hope your summer is going well'', etc.
- Tell them that you want to apply to law school and if you know what law you want to practice.
- Make sure you ask if they're willing to write you a LOR.
How do I get a letter of recommendation for law school?
- Identify Your Writers. ...
- Pick the Right Time to Ask. ...
- Meet With Your Recommenders. ...
- Offer Supporting Information. ...
- Don't Forget to Say Thank You. ...
- Fill Out Information and Formally Request Letters in LSAC.
How to ask for a letter of recommendation from a college professor?
Preferably you ask him in person. As long as you did well/are doing well in his class and got to know him even a little, he will most likely say yes. Just ask: ``I am applying for this scholarship and was hoping that you would be willing to write me a strong letter of recommendation.'' Note the word strong.
What to do if you don't have letters of recommendation for law school?
Reach out to all your professors that you got an A in their class and tell them you're applying to law school and would they be willing to write a recommendation letter. Writing these letters is part of their job.
Law School Recommendation Letter Advice
Do law schools check letters of recommendation?
Most law programs require two or three reference letters for admission, although they may accept more than just three.
Can I get accepted without recommendation letters?
Certain universities do not necessitate letters of recommendation, opting for alternative methods to gauge a student's potential. For adult learners, the significance of life experiences may surpass the need for traditional recommendations.
How many letters of recommendation for law school?
Each institution will let you know how many letters it requires – usually two to three.
Is it okay to ask for a letter of recommendation via email?
If you need to request a letter of recommendation via email, be professional and heartfelt in the ask. Make it clear what you are requesting and give them the option to say yes or no without it being awkward. Let them answer before sending over all the details.
How much time does it take to ask for a letter of recommendation?
If you aren't sure, ask an OFSP staff member to help you decide who to ask for a particular recommendation. Start early. Ideally, give the person three to four weeks, but never less than two weeks to complete the recommendation.
Is two letters of recommendation enough 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.
Can I submit my law school application before letters of recommendation?
Your assigned LORs will be sent as part of your CAS Report to the law schools to which you apply, so you need not delay the submission of your applications while waiting for your letters to be received. You must direct letters of recommendation to law schools based on each school's requirements or preferences.
How many letters of rec for 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 law schools should I apply to?
How Many Law Schools Should I Apply To? Your best bet is to apply to a minimum of two reach schools, two match schools, and three safeties. A reach is a law school whose students' average LSAT and GPA scores are higher than yours.
How do you address a letter of recommendation for law school?
Overall, it is best to address your letter in a more general manner (e.g., Dear Admissions Committee, etc.). - It is permissible to write your letter to a specific audience/program; please discuss this with the student so they may direct it to the correct program in their application portal.
What to put in the subject line when asking for a letter of recommendation?
- Request for Letter of Recommendation: [Your Name]
- About My Recommendation Letter Request.
- Letter of Recommendation: Please See Details Attached.
- Formal Recommendation Letter Request.
- Important Request: Letter of Recommendation.
- Request for Letter of Recommendation.
How do I request a letter of recommendation from a professor?
Ask early.
Begin your request with a substantial conversation about your interests and goals and then ask them if they can write a strong letter of recommendation. Most likely they will say yes.
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.
Is it OK to ask for a reference via email?
You can ask someone to be your reference by sending them an email, calling them (with their permission), texting them if you have an established rapport (and know it's their preferred communication), or speaking to them in person.
What do law schools look for in recommendation letters?
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.
Is 2 rec letters enough?
Schools vary with regard to the number of required recommendation letters, ranging from two to five. Three letters is the most common requirement.
Can I read my law school letters of recommendation?
You will be able to see when recommenders have submitted their letters of recommendation, but you won't be able to read them unless the author consents to sharing the letter with you. Learn more about the Credential Assembly Service and the Law School Admissions Council, here.
What if I don t have anyone to write a letter of recommendation?
Ask your boss (or former boss)
If you have been in the workforce for some time, you could also consider asking your boss or supervisor to write you a letter of recommendation.
Do professors send you letters of recommendation?
Never assume that the professor will be willing to write a letter. Always ask first, even if the professor has written a letter for you in the past. You should also ask for permission to list a professor's name as a reference on an application, even if no letter is required.
What not to do when asking for a letter of recommendation?
- Do not give them short notice. Your recommenders have full-time jobs, personal lives, and potentially other recommendations to write. ...
- Do not give them an incomplete package of materials. ...
- Do not give them attitude.