Law School Letter Of Recommendation

What is a Law School Letter of Recommendation and Why is it Required

A law school letter of recommendation is a formal document written by someone who knows an applicant well—typically a professor, employer, or mentor—that evaluates the applicant's qualifications for legal education. These letters provide admissions committees with third-party perspectives on an applicant's abilities, character, and potential for success in law school and legal practice.

Law schools require these letters because they offer insights that grades and test scores cannot capture:

• Assessment of analytical and critical thinking abilities in real contexts
• Evaluation of writing and communication skills
• Evidence of work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and dedication
• Character assessment and ethical judgment
• Comparison to other students or professionals the recommender has known
• Specific examples of accomplishments and capabilities
• Prediction of success in legal education based on observed performance

Who Should Write Your Law School Recommendation Letter

The ideal recommender depends on your background and circumstances:

For recent graduates and current students:

• Professors who taught you in demanding courses, preferably upper-level seminars
• Thesis or research advisors who supervised substantial academic work
• Professors in writing-intensive courses who can evaluate analytical writing
• Faculty advisors for academic competitions (Mock Trial, Moot Court, debate)

For working professionals:

• Direct supervisors who observed your analytical and professional skills
• Senior colleagues who worked closely with you on complex projects
• Managers who can speak to your problem-solving and communication abilities

Generally strong choices:

• Anyone who knows your work well and can provide specific, detailed examples
• Recommenders who can compare you favorably to others in similar positions
• People who have observed you in intellectually demanding contexts
• Individuals who can speak to qualities relevant to legal education

Generally weak choices:

• Family members or personal friends (avoid unless truly exceptional circumstances)
• Teaching assistants or graduate students (unless they know you exceptionally well)
• Politicians or prominent figures who don't know you personally
• People who only know you casually or in limited contexts

Elements and Structure of an Effective Recommendation Letter

Opening paragraph must include:

• Clear statement of recommendation
• Nature and duration of relationship with applicant
• Context in which you know the applicant
• Your position and qualifications as a recommender

Body paragraphs should contain:

• Specific examples of the applicant's abilities and accomplishments
• Analytical or critical thinking demonstrations
• Writing and communication skills evidence
• Comparative assessments (ranking among peers)
• Work ethic and intellectual curiosity examples
• Leadership, teamwork, or interpersonal skills
• Character and ethical judgment observations
• Relevant achievements, awards, or recognition

Closing paragraph needs:

• Strong concluding recommendation statement
• Overall assessment of potential for legal education
• Offer to provide additional information
• Contact information for follow-up

Throughout the letter:

• Use specific, concrete examples rather than vague generalities
• Quantify achievements when possible (top 10%, ranked 3rd of 45, etc.)
• Avoid clichés and generic praise
• Address any potential concerns or weaknesses honestly if relevant
• Maintain professional and appropriate tone

When to Request Law School Recommendation Letters

Optimal timing:

• Request letters 4-6 weeks before earliest application deadline
• Allow minimum of 3-4 weeks for busy academic semesters
• Give more time (8-10 weeks) during peak periods (November-December)

Best times to request if you're a student:

• End of semester while your work is fresh in professor's mind
• After receiving final grades when performance is confirmed
• During office hours or by appointment, not rushed after class

Best times to request if you're working:

• During performance review periods when your work is being evaluated
• After completing major projects successfully
• When you're in good standing and relationship is strong

Circumstances requiring earlier requests:

• Recommender is going on sabbatical or extended leave
• You're applying for early decision programs
• Recommender is known to be very busy or slow to complete letters
• You're applying to many schools (more work for recommender)

When to update or request new letters:

• Taking gap years and letters are more than 2-3 years old
• Your accomplishments and skills have significantly evolved
• Previous recommenders are no longer available
• Reapplying and want to address previous application weaknesses

How to Request and Manage the Recommendation Process

Initial approach:

• Schedule meeting or send thoughtful email requesting recommendation
• Ask if they can write a strong letter (gives them opportunity to decline politely)
• Explain your law school goals and timeline
• Give them opportunity to decline if they're too busy

Materials to provide recommenders:

• Updated resume or CV highlighting relevant accomplishments
• Transcript showing your academic performance
• Personal statement or statement of purpose draft
• List of schools you're applying to with deadlines
• Brief summary of your goals and why law school
• Specific accomplishments or papers from their class (if academic recommender)
• LSAC letter of recommendation forms and instructions
• Addressed and stamped envelopes if sending by mail (rare now)

Communication throughout:

• Send polite reminder 2 weeks before deadline if letter not yet submitted
• Provide updates if deadlines change
• Thank them promptly after each letter is submitted
• Keep them informed of admission results

After admission:

• Send thank-you note expressing appreciation for their support
• Update them on your decision and future plans
• Maintain relationship as part of professional network

How Many Recommendation Letters Do You Need for Law School

Standard requirements:

• Most law schools require 2 letters of recommendation
• Some schools require 2 but allow up to 3-4 letters
• Few schools require only 1 letter (rare)
• Some programs specify types (academic, professional, etc.)

Strategic considerations for number:

• Submit exactly the required number unless you have compelling additional perspective
• Third letter should add significantly different perspective or information
• More letters aren't better if they're redundant or weaker
• Follow school-specific instructions precisely

Distribution recommendations:

• Recent graduates: 2 academic letters ideal, or 1 academic + 1 professional
• Working professionals (3+ years out): 1-2 professional + 1 academic acceptable
• Career changers: Mix professional and academic to show breadth
• Multiple letters from same context (all professors) can be redundant

LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service:

• Most applicants use LSAC's centralized system
• Letters submitted once and distributed to all schools
• Can designate which letters go to which schools
• System allows up to 5 letters in your file
• Can submit letters before deciding where to apply

Requirements and Prerequisites Before Requesting Letters

Relationship requirements:

• Recommender must know you well enough for detailed assessment
• Minimum of one semester or 6 months working relationship
• Ideally observed your work in intellectually demanding context
• Should have directly evaluated your performance

Prerequisites on your end:

• Completed LSAC registration and set up Credential Assembly Service
• Prepared application materials (resume, personal statement draft)
• Researched schools and determined deadlines
• Identified appropriate recommenders based on your background

What recommenders need:

• Clear deadline information with buffer time
• School-specific requirements if any
• Your LSAC account information for submission
• Background materials about you and your goals

Before approaching recommender:

• Confirm they view you favorably (based on grades, feedback, interactions)
• Ensure they have time and willingness to write thoughtful letter
• Verify they're appropriate recommender for your situation
• Check if they have any concerns about writing a strong letter

Formatting, Length, and Style Guidelines for Recommendation Letters

Length specifications:

• Ideal length: 1-2 pages (400-800 words)
• Minimum: 1 full page to provide adequate detail
• Maximum: 2 pages to maintain reader engagement
• Brief letters (half page) appear perfunctory and weak

Formatting standards:

• Professional business letter format
• Standard margins (1 inch) and readable font (11-12 point)
• Include date, formal salutation, and proper closing
• Recommender's letterhead when available
• Digital signature acceptable for electronic submission

Tone and style:

• Professional and formal rather than casual
• Specific and evidence-based rather than vague
• Enthusiastic but credible (avoid hyperbole)
• Honest and balanced while highlighting strengths
• Third-person perspective on the applicant

Submission method:

• Most common: Electronic submission through LSAC
• Some schools: Direct email to admissions office
• Rare: Physical letter by mail (check school requirements)
• Confidential: Letters are typically not shared with applicants

Language considerations:

• Use active voice and strong action verbs
• Avoid qualified praise ("fairly good," "relatively strong")
• Include superlatives when genuinely warranted
• Compare favorably to other students/employees when possible
• Address the applicant professionally (surname preferred)

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Law School Recommendation Letters

Mistakes by recommenders:

• Writing generic letters that could apply to anyone
• Using vague praise without specific examples
• Focusing only on personality without evaluating intellectual abilities
• Being overly brief or appearing rushed
• Including damning with faint praise ("adequate," "satisfactory")
• Missing deadlines or submitting late
• Discussing inappropriate topics or protected characteristics irrelevantly
• Overusing superlatives without substantiation
• Comparing unfavorably to other students even if subtle

Mistakes by applicants:

• Waiting too long to request letters (less than 3 weeks before deadline)
• Choosing recommenders who don't know you well
• Selecting recommenders based on prestige rather than relationship
• Failing to provide adequate background materials
• Not following up appropriately
• Choosing all recommenders from same context (redundancy)
• Requesting letters from family, friends, or inappropriate sources
• Not waiving right to access letters (raises credibility concerns)
• Forgetting to thank recommenders
• Assuming letters are submitted without verification

Content mistakes in letters:

• Including information about race, religion, age, or other protected characteristics unless directly relevant
• Discussing personal problems or challenges inappropriately
• Focusing excessively on weaknesses
• Plagiarizing or copying from other letters
• Including inaccurate information
• Being dishonest or exaggerating accomplishments

Tips, Best Practices, and Strategies for Strong Recommendations

For applicants:

• Build relationships with potential recommenders early (not just before applying)
• Excel in challenging courses to give professors strong material for letters
• Engage meaningfully in class discussions and office hours
• Complete substantial projects that demonstrate relevant skills
• Choose recommenders who can address different aspects of your abilities
• Prepare comprehensive packet of materials for recommenders
• Make submission process as easy as possible
• Give generous timeline without appearing to rush

For recommenders:

• Review your notes, the student's work, and grade records before writing
• Include opening that establishes your credibility and relationship
• Use specific anecdotes and examples throughout
• Quantify achievements and provide comparative context
• Address skills most relevant to legal education
• Be honest but strategic in addressing weaknesses if necessary
• Proofread carefully for errors
• Submit well before deadline

Strategic approaches:

• If you have weakness in GPA, seek letter addressing strong work ethic and intellectual growth
• If you're older applicant, get letters emphasizing maturity and commitment
• If you're career changer, secure letters that connect past experience to legal education
• For applicants with gaps or unusual backgrounds, address this context appropriately

Follow-up best practices:

• Send thank-you note immediately after letter is submitted
• Update recommenders on admission outcomes
• Stay in touch professionally over time
• Offer to write recommendations for others in future
• Express appreciation meaningfully and specifically

After Sending: Follow-Up and Next Steps

Immediate verification:

• Check LSAC system to confirm letter was received and processed
• Verify letter appears in your credential assembly service report
• Confirm letter was assigned to correct schools if using selective distribution

If letter hasn't been submitted:

• Send polite reminder one week before deadline
• Offer to provide any additional information needed
• If close to deadline with no response, consider backup recommender

After successful submission:

• Send thank-you email within 24-48 hours
• Express specific appreciation for their time and support
• Brief update about application process timeline

During admission cycle:

• Update recommenders when you receive admission decisions
• Share good news and thank them again for their role
• If waitlisted or denied, no need to inform recommenders unless relationship warrants

After enrollment decision:

• Send formal thank-you note or email with your final decision
• Explain why you chose particular school
• Express how their letter contributed to your success
• Maintain connection as part of professional network

Long-term relationship:

• Update them occasionally on law school progress
• Consider them for future references or recommendations
• Offer assistance if you can help them in future
• Remember them during significant career milestones

Comparing Law School Recommendations to Other Professional References

Law school vs. job recommendations:

• Law school letters emphasize intellectual and analytical abilities more than technical skills
• Job references focus on workplace competencies and professional accomplishments
• Law school letters need specific academic or analytical examples
• Job references prioritize results and measurable outcomes
• Law school letters should address potential for rigorous academic work

Law school vs. graduate school recommendations:

• Both emphasize intellectual abilities but law school less focused on research potential
• Graduate school letters often highlight specialized knowledge in specific field
• Law school letters emphasize writing, analytical reasoning, and oral argumentation more
• Graduate school recommendations focus more on ability to conduct independent research
• Law school seeks broader critical thinking rather than subject matter expertise

Letters vs. other application components:

• Letters provide external validation of claims in personal statement
• Recommendations offer comparative context that grades alone don't provide
• Letters can address weaknesses or unusual circumstances in application
• Strong letters can distinguish between similarly qualified candidates
• Recommendations complement rather than substitute for other materials

Alternatives and supplements:

• Additional essays or writing samples show abilities directly
• Interviews provide personal evaluation by admissions committee
• Addenda can address specific concerns or circumstances
• Portfolio of work provides concrete evidence of capabilities
• Professional certifications demonstrate commitment and expertise

Advantages and Disadvantages of Law School Recommendation Letters

Advantages:

• Provide third-party validation of applicant's abilities and character
• Offer specific examples and context that applications lack
• Allow discussion of qualities not reflected in grades or test scores
• Give comparative perspective on applicant relative to peers
• Address potential concerns or weaknesses constructively
• Demonstrate professional relationships and networking ability
• Show how others perceive applicant's potential
• Add credibility through recommender's expertise and position

Disadvantages:

• Quality depends entirely on recommender's effort and writing ability
• Applicants have limited control over content after waiving access rights
• Generic or weak letters can harm application
• Time-consuming process for both parties
• Some applicants lack access to strong recommenders
• Letters may be less important than grades and LSAT scores
• Risk of missed deadlines affecting entire application
• Difficult to secure strong letters years after graduation
• Non-traditional applicants may struggle to find appropriate academic recommenders

Balancing considerations:

• Strong letters significantly benefit borderline applications
• Weak letters can raise concerns even for strong candidates
• Most important for applicants with unusual backgrounds or weaknesses to explain
• Less critical for applicants with exceptional numbers (GPA and LSAT)
• Can be differentiator among similarly qualified applicants
• Value varies by school's holistic vs. numbers-focused approach