Craft a Letter of Recommendation for Law School to highlight your academic strengths, personal qualities, and fit for a law program.
Updated May 23, 2024
Written by Raina Chou | Reviewed by Brooke Davis
A Letter of Recommendation for Law School is a formal document written by a professional, such as a current or former professor, mentor, or employer. It vouches for a candidate’s academic background and work experience. Typically required by most law schools in the United States, these letters are submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) system.
These letters are crucial for law school applications as they provide admissions committees with an objective evaluation of a candidate’s credentials, skills, and work ethic. A well-written law school recommendation letter highlighting a candidate’s preparedness and suitability can significantly impact the outcome of an application.
Recommendation letters play a crucial role in the law school application process for several reasons:
Most law schools require two to three letters from different recommenders. The ideal recommender for your letters may vary depending on your current status.
Academic letters are critical, especially if you have a low GPA or have been out of school for less than five years. On the other hand, professional letters can supplement academic recommendations, especially for those with significant work experience.
Select different recommenders who see various aspects of your abilities to highlight diverse strengths across your letters. For instance, a professor might focus on your academic achievements and analytical skills, while a supervisor can emphasize your leadership and teamwork in professional settings. This strategy ensures a well-rounded profile
Avoid asking for letters of recommendation from:
A detailed, personalized letter from someone who knows you well is preferable to a vague letter from a prestigious figure.
Below are key points to consider when requesting your law school letter of recommendation:
Below are two email samples requesting recommendation letters: a recent graduate reaching out to a previous professor and an employee’s follow-up email after meeting with their supervisor.
Dear Professor Smith,
I hope this message finds you well. Reflecting on our time together in [Course Name] and your invaluable mentorship during my undergraduate studies, I want to express my deep appreciation for your support and guidance.
I am excited to share that I have decided to apply to law school and was hoping you might be willing to serve as a recommender for me.
Since graduating, I’ve had the opportunity to consider my future steps, and I feel prepared to pursue a legal education next year. Your [Course Name] class significantly contributed to developing the critical thinking and analytical skills that have bolstered my confidence in this decision.
I would be happy to have a quick chat online or visit the campus if you have any questions or need further information. Would there be a convenient time for us to catch up and discuss this in the coming weeks? I look forward to hearing how you are doing and sharing more about my plans.
I hope this message finds you well.
Following up on our recent conversation about my application to law school, I have attached the following supporting materials to assist you in crafting the letter:
If you need any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am more than happy to provide any further details that might be helpful.
Thank you again for your support and willingness to assist me with this important step in my career. I truly appreciate your time and effort.
You may struggle to decide which qualities to highlight in a recommendation letter. According to Pre-Law ABA, the following core skills and qualities are essential for success in the legal field:
Establish the foundation for your recommendation. Ensure the introduction is brief, as the body paragraphs will expand on these points. Include the following elements:
No, it is not necessary for recommenders to address each letter to a specific school. If the content of the recommendation letter is the same for all the schools you are applying to, the recommender should submit one letter addressed to “Dear Admissions Committee.” Submitting multiple identical letters can create extra work for your recommender and may delay the processing of your application.
The body paragraphs should be organized and persuasive, focusing on specific traits and accomplishments that set the candidate apart.
Here’s how to construct compelling body paragraphs:
Provide a summary of your overall perspective on the candidate and reaffirm their readiness for law school. Conclude with an enthusiastic endorsement, reinforcing your confidence in the candidate’s abilities and suitability for law school.
You may also include your contact information for any follow-up questions.
Submitting letters of recommendation for law school can vary depending on the method and specific requirements of each school. Here’s an overview of the different scenarios you may encounter:
After submission, you can express gratitude by sending a handwritten thank you note to each recommender. Update them on your application status and admissions outcomes. Consider a small, thoughtful gift for those who went above and beyond.
To Whom It May Concern,
I am thrilled to recommend Emma Johnson for admission to your law school. I am a Professor of Political Science at ABC University, where I have had the pleasure of teaching Emma in two upper-division courses: “Constitutional Law” and “International Human Rights.” I have known Emma for three years and can attest to her exceptional academic abilities, analytical skills, and dedication to public service.
Emma consistently demonstrated an ability to dissect complex legal issues and develop well-reasoned arguments in my “Constitutional Law” course. For example, during a class debate on the constitutionality of surveillance programs, Emma presented a nuanced analysis that balanced national security concerns with individual privacy rights. She meticulously researched the Patriot Act and other relevant legislation, and she articulated how these laws impact civil liberties. Emma’s argument was comprehensive and balanced, as she considered opposing viewpoints and responded to them thoughtfully. This level of critical thinking and her ability to present a balanced perspective made her stand out among her peers.
Emma’s writing and editing proficiency is another quality that sets her apart. She wrote an outstanding research paper on the impact of international human rights treaties on domestic law, which was not only well-researched but also eloquently written. Her paper delved into the intricacies of how different countries integrate international treaties into their legal systems, with a focus on the European Convention on Human Rights. This paper was selected for presentation at the university’s annual research symposium, where it received high praise from faculty and students alike for its depth, clarity, and insightful analysis. Emma’s ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively will serve her well in law school and beyond.
Moreover, Emma’s dedication to public service and promotion of justice is evident through her involvement in various extracurricular activities. She volunteered at the university’s legal aid clinic, where she assisted underprivileged individuals with legal issues.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Emma Johnson for admission to your law school. Her exceptional problem-solving skills, writing proficiency, and dedication to public service make her an ideal candidate for your program. I am confident that she will excel in a rigorous academic environment and make significant contributions to the legal field.
Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Margaret Smith
Professor of Political Science
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Alex Martinez for admission to your law school. I am the Senior Manager at XYZ Corporation, where Alex has worked as a Project Coordinator for the past two years. During this time, I have observed Alex’s outstanding organizational and management skills, as well as his ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients.
Alex’s organizational and management skills are exemplary. He coordinated efforts across multiple departments, ensuring that tasks were completed on time and within budget. One project in particular required Alex to oversee the integration of a new software system that involved training over 50 employees and transitioning hundreds of client accounts. He planned meticulously and communicated clearly, ensuring a smooth transition and eventually leading the project to success.
In addition to his organizational prowess, Alex has a natural ability to connect with people and foster a positive working environment. For instance, during a company-wide initiative to improve employee engagement, Alex organized team-building activities and facilitated open discussions that significantly boosted morale and collaboration. He was particularly effective in mediating conflicts and ensuring that all voices were heard, which resulted in more cohesive and productive teams.
Alex’s dedication to public service is also evident through his unique and inspiring hobby. Outside of work, Alex volunteers as a beekeeper for a local environmental non-profit. He educates the community about the importance of bees in our ecosystem and helps maintain sustainable practices. This commitment to environmental stewardship and public education demonstrates his broader sense of responsibility and leadership.
In conclusion, I strongly recommend Alex Martinez for admission to your law school. His exceptional organizational and management skills, ability to build relationships, and commitment to public service make him well-suited for a career in law. I am confident that he will excel in law school and contribute meaningfully to the legal field.
Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information.
Phil Coleman
Senior Manager
Copy the free sample or download a customizable letter of recommendation template below.
___________________ [Recommender’s Name]
___________________ [Recommender’s Institution]
______________________________________ [Recommender’s Address]
___________________ [Recommender’s Phone Number or Email Address]
___________________ [Recipient’s Name]
___________________ [Recipient’s Institution]
______________________________________ [Recipient’s Address]
___________________ [Recipient’s Phone Number or Email Address]
Dear ___________________ [Recipient’s name],
It is with great enthusiasm that I write to recommend ___________________ [Applicant’s name] for the ___________________ [Course/degree applied for] at ___________________ [Name of institution offering this course/degree]. Having had the pleasure of engaging with ___________________ [Applicant’s name] as their ___________________ [Relation to applicant] for ______ [Time] at ___________________ [Name of institution], I have been impressed by their commitment to achieving and maintaining a high standard in all endeavors. This positions me well to attest to their suitability for this application.
During their tenure in ___________________ [Applicant’s field of study/interest], ___________________ [Applicant’s name] has consistently demonstrated ___________________ [Applicant’s attribute/skill]. A notable achievement was their commitment in _____________________________________ [Description of achievement]. As a result, _____________________________________ [Result of achievement].
Moreover, ___________________ [Applicant’s name] has shown remarkable ___________________ [Applicant’s attribute/skill] through their involvement in _______________________________ [Description of achievement]. Because of this, ___________________________ [Result of achievement].
Beyond ___________________ [Applicant’s name]’s accomplishments in ___________________ [Applicant’s field of study/interest], they have made significant contributions to ______________________________________ [Description of achievement], showcasing their ___________________ [Applicant’s attribute/skill]. Through these contributions, _____________________________________ [Result of achievement].
To conclude, I am confident in recommending ___________________ [Applicant’s name] for the ___________________ [Course/degree applied for]. I have no doubt that they will continue to grow and inspire others in their future endeavors.
I am happy to provide any additional information or discuss ___________________ [Applicant’s name]’s journey further. I can be reached at ___________________ [Recommender’s phone or email].
___________________ [Recommender’s Name]
___________________ [Recommender’s Department or Title]
________________________________ [Recommender’s Email or Phone]
