What does a good law personal statement look like?

Asked by: Dr. Isidro Fay  |  Last update: December 8, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (60 votes)

They exemplify the passion and determination it takes to succeed in law school. They illustrate the reasons why a legal education is an essential next step in their careers. They display an understanding of the law school's values and sincere interest in attending. They tell an attention-grabbing yet relevant story.

What is a good personal statement for law school?

Law school personal statement topic ideas
  • What's a story that sets you apart?
  • What was your childhood like?
  • What are some ``undercover'' accomplishments you wouldn't add to your resume?
  • What are your unique skills or talents?
  • What are things people don't know about you?
  • Why are you applying to law school?

What does a good personal statement look like?

A clear introduction, explaining why you want to study the course. Around 75% can focus on your academic achievements, to prove how you're qualified to study it. Around 25% can be about any extracurricular activity, to show what else makes you suitable. A clear conclusion.

What not to write in a law school personal statement?

What Not To Write In Your Law School Personal Statements
  • Overused Quotes. Your first sentence has to hook your reader enough to urge them to continue reading. ...
  • Focusing On Someone Else's Success. ...
  • Vague Descriptions. ...
  • Focusing Too Much On Your Anecdote. ...
  • Humor.

How long should a law school personal statement be?

Some schools set no limit for personal statements, but most suggest either 2–3 or 2–4 pages. Aim for two pages, double-spaced. Do not make the error of thinking that more is better. Law schools value the ability to persuasively convey information in a relatively short space.

[Law School Admissions] Are you making this mistake on your personal statement?

24 related questions found

How do I know if my personal statement is good?

Your personal statement should help the reader get to know you and make them want to learn more. Write about your unique achievements, interests, experiences, qualities, or opinions. Avoid irrelevant or inappropriate topics—they won't make you memorable for the right reasons.

Is a personal statement 500 words for law school?

How Long Should a Personal Statement Be for Law School? Admissions committees have to read thousands of personal statements per application cycle. To ensure the committee can do so in a timely manner, personal statements are typically limited to around 500-750 words.

Do law schools fact check personal statements?

Finally, this may go without saying, but don't stretch the truth (ahem) in your personal statement. We can tell. And we will check.

How to end a personal statement?

How to end your personal statement: What to write
  1. Tie it back to what you've written earlier. Revisit the key points you've already spoken about in the main body of your personal statement and emphasise them again in your conclusion. ...
  2. Talk about the future. ...
  3. Think about your university experience.

Who should read my law school personal statement?

Write for Your Audience

Admissions committees at top law schools usually consist of professional admissions officers, professors, and students. These are the people who will read your personal statement.

What is a good sentence starter for a personal statement?

Start with a short sentence that captures the reason why you're interested in studying the area you're applying for and that communicates your enthusiasm for it. Don't waffle or say you want to study something just because it's interesting. Explain what you find interesting about it.'

How do I make my personal statement stand out?

Here are some tips that'll help you write the best personal statement that's unique to you.
  1. Work out why you want to study the subject you've picked. ...
  2. Add your transferable skills to your personal statement. ...
  3. Include some anecdotes. ...
  4. Don't leave out your difficulties. ...
  5. Vary your language. ...
  6. Make a list of all your achievements.

How do you introduce yourself in a personal statement?

Write an introduction that reflects you and your personality. It should say why you are interested in the job or degree and, if appropriate, your recent experience with the job type or course topics. Starting a personal statement with sentences that show who you are can help encourage the recipient to read further.

Why do I want to be a lawyer personal statement?

A big part of my interest in law school is my concern for people who don't have advantages and need help navigating the legal systems. I can easily have another career that spans decades, carry the wisdom of my personal experiences into it, and practice law with the primary goal of helping people.

What should a law school writing sample look like?

Examples could include: moot court brief; upper year seminar paper or research project; memo, letter, administrative comments, or advocacy piece from an internship or externship; clinic work sample; or journal note. o Remember that your sample should (usually!) be only 5-10 pages.

How to pay for law school if you're poor?

Financial aid is available. The primary funding options are Scholarships and grants—the “free” money this is either funded by your law school or funded by private organizations, civic groups, etc.; Loans which can be federal loans or private/alternative/institutional loans.

What should the last sentence of a personal statement be?

Use Your Key Points To Restate Your Passion For Your Course

Wrap them up by saying, “With my [specific skills] and as a result of [specific experiences] I've gained over the years, I'm committed to [mention your course].

How to sell yourself in a personal statement?

Your talents and skills: Detail the skill sets that you have acquired along your career path . Focus on specific skills that are relevant to the course or job to which you are applying. Attributes you can bring to the university or company: Explain why you feel you would be an asset to the team or community.

Do you say thank you in a personal statement?

Should you say “thank you” at the end of a personal statement? Generally, writing thank you is not the best practice. Instead use the word count to its most effective use, showing the committee why you most definitely need to be admitted.

Do law schools check your social media?

Law schools often look at your social media presence when reviewing applicants' candidacy. You don't have a lot to gain, but so much to lose by posting inappropriate things to social media. Use this helpful law school application social media checklist to make sure you are covered!

Do law schools read your writing sample?

Do Law Schools Read the Writing Sample on the LSAT? Yes, law schools do read the writing samples to assess candidates' writing and argumentative skills.

What if I have a typo in my law school personal statement?

If you notice a mistake that could potentially jeopardize your chances, try to contact the law school as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence, since law schools are only likely to let you substitute a document with a new version if your application has not yet been reviewed.

What does Urm mean in law school?

What does URM stand for in law school admissions? URM stands for Underrepresented Minority, referring to racial or ethnic groups that are underrepresented in the legal profession relative to their numbers in the general population.

Why do I want to be a lawyer?

BECOMING A LAWYER IS A POWERFUL WAY TO HAVE REAL IMPACT.

As a lawyer, you can work for justice. You can create change and right the wrongs you see in your community. You can help people who need a passionate and effective advocate. Truth is, lawyers can work in just about any field.

Do personal statements need a title?

Should a personal statement have a title? No title is necessary for a statement of purpose. Graduate school applications expect an applicant to submit one and the document itself should speak itself for its contents.