Application Process

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are an important part of the law school application process and can either help or hinder your competitiveness. It is important to build strong relationships with the individuals you plan to request a letter from. It is important to ensure that they can speak highly of you and can use concrete examples exemplifying that you are ready for law school.

Examples of possible recommenders include:

  • Professors
  • Managers/supervisors
  • Volunteer organization supervisor
  • Student organization advisor
  • Academic advisor
  • Research coordinator (if you were involved with research during undergrad)
  • Faith leader

The number of letters required for law school will vary from school to school, and you should be able to find that information on the school’s admissions website.

Because law school is an academic endeavor, law schools will expect to see at least one letter from a professor/instructor. It is important that they know about your abilities inside of the classroom and how you will be able to handle a rigorous course load in law school.

Remember to give your recommenders plenty of time to write a letter (1-2 months) and make sure to provide them with a copy of your professional resume and your personal statement (if it is ready) to assist them in writing the letter.

Further information on submitting letters of recommendation to the LSAC can be found here.