APPLYING TO LAW SCHOOL

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Most law schools will require letters of recommendation. You may have your recommenders send the letters directly to each law school using the forms provided to you by the schools or you can now have your confidential recommendation letters sent to LSDAS to be copied and distributed to the law schools. The latter is usually the more convenient way to submit recommendations and all law schools will accept recommendations from LSDAS.

Schools may specify number and type of recommendations, but generally 2-3 letters are appropriate. The most effective letters are those from professors who can make detailed and objective comments on your academic work, personal achievements, and potential for rigorous graduate study. Other useful letters could be from employers, internship and research supervisors, or administrators with whom you've had a close working relationship. (Friends of the family with impressive titles are generally not the best choice.)

When approaching faculty recommenders, provide them with additional information to assist them in writing your letter. Reestablish personal contact, perhaps provide a sample of some work you did in that course, a resume and a transcript. Choose recommenders who know you very well, who can cite specific examples of achievements and traits observed, and who can strongly support your application.