What are the best types of letters of recommendation for law school?

Asked by: Josefina Hamill Jr.  |  Last update: December 6, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (38 votes)

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.

What is a strong letter of recommendation law school?

Emphasize your enthusiasm about recommending the candidate for the school by using a phrase like, "Without a doubt," "Unequivocally" or "With the utmost certainty." You may also end the letter by describing the dedication, strong work ethic, excellent learning skills and other positive qualities of the candidate.

Do letters of recommendation matter for law school?

Regardless of whether they require it or not, law schools primarily want to see academic letters of recommendation. They are using the letters to assess whether you'll be successful at their school and able to handle the rigors of law school and the legal profession.

What are strong letters of recommendation?

Leadership skills, dedication, ability to focus, and ability to learn quickly are all skills that are good to highlight in a recommendation letter. A great letter of recommendation balances describing both work that someone has done in the past and how it relates to their suitability for the position.

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

Who should write your recommendations for law school?
  • Intellectual abilities, particularly analytical, verbal, and writing skills.
  • Commitment to academic excellence.
  • Leadership potential.
  • Good character and strong ethical grounding.
  • Discipline.
  • Collegiality.
  • Creativity.
  • Maturity.

Law School Recommendation Letter Advice

29 related questions found

What qualities should you talk about in a letter of recommendation?

Characteristics such as motivation, dependability, patience, creativity, ability to troubleshoot, poise, listening skills, etc. can be discussed.

How long should a letter of recommendation for law school be?

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

What are 3 examples of a good reference?

Here are a few examples of people who make great character references:
  • Coworker.
  • Co-volunteer or volunteer leader.
  • Coach.
  • Client or customer.
  • Vendor or business acquaintance.
  • Professor or academic advisor.
  • Personal or professional mentor.
  • Fellow student or graduate from an educational program.

What does a weak letter of recommendation look like?

The letter lists duties expected of any student, but is vague and does not give specific, accurate details about skills or attitudes, communicating that the letter writer knew the student well. There is also no comment on the quality of the student's work.

What makes a recommendation letter stand out?

Choose strong, accurate adjectives over general terms or cliches. Think about what the person reading the letter might want to know. Include details or insight that wouldn't necessarily show up on a resume or application. Your letter should help the recipient get to know the person you are recommending.

How many letters of rec should I have for law school?

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 LSAT score did Elle Woods get?

LSAT Lessons from Legally Blonde (really!)

As you probably know, the LSAT is scored from 120 to 180. Elle Woods was able to raise her score from a 143 to a 179 just by diligently preparing.

Which professors should I ask for letters of recommendation law school?

Law school admissions especially value letters from faculty members. If they are tenured professors who taught you in a higher-level course, all the better. The best way to approach these potential writers is to reach out as early as possible to begin cultivating a relationship.

Do any law schools require 3 letters of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation are a required component of nearly every law school's application, and most law schools require 2 or 3.

How do I become a strong applicant for law school?

What Do Law Schools Look for in Your Application?
  1. Strong Academic Record and LSAT Score. ...
  2. Extracurricular Involvement. ...
  3. Excellent Writing and Reading Abilities. ...
  4. Personal Growth. ...
  5. Strong Recommendations from People Who Actually Know You. ...
  6. Something Special… ...
  7. Demonstrated Interest in the Law School Itself.

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.

What are four main problems in with letters of recommendations?

13 (Browning, 1968; Mosel & Goheen, 1959). This low validity is due mostly to four main problems found with references and letters of recommendation: Leniency, knowledge of the applicant, low reliability, and extraneous factors involved in the writing and reading of letters of recommendation.

What should you not do in a recommendation letter?

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.

What not to write in a recommendation letter?

Although it is important to explain why you are qualified to write the recommendation, mention only your role in the candidate's life and how long you have known the candidate; do not expound upon your own career path. Write only what will allow the reader to weigh what you say about the candidate.

What are 2 examples of reference point?

Objects that are fixed relative to Earth – such as a building, a tree, or a sign - make good reference points.

What is an example of a bad reference?

‍Employee Relations: “She purposely caused havoc in the office with her gossip.” ‍Financial Skills: “Well, that's why our company had a major layoff – left her in charge of finances!” ‍Interpersonal Relations: “He's not the type to go knock on doors and talk with people.” ‍Leadership: “He had no leadership skills.”

What type of person does make a good reference?

Most employers prefer professional references from individuals who know you best in a professional setting. They're often able to list your experience and skills and discuss their general observations. Professional references include coworkers, managers, clients and vendors.

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 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.

Can I read my recommendation letter?

Only you can decide whether or not to waive your right to inspect letters of recommendation. If you are uncertain, you may wish to ask the advice of people you know and trust (e.g. faculty, current graduate students, etc.).