Letters of Recommendation – Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center

Overview

Law schools often require letters of recommendation (LORs) as a part of the application process.

Many law schools require between 2-3 LORs.
- Check each law school’s requirements.
Strong LORs usually come from academic professors or direct supervisors, who are able to explain your academic achievements, skills, and professional accomplishments.

An impactful LOR will address these areas:

A brief introduction outlining how the writer knows the candidate/student.
- This helps provide context for the reviewer.
Specific information regarding the skills pertinent to being successful in law school.
- Ex. research skills, reading comprehension skills, analytical reasoning, etc.
Highlight attributes that you believe will help the student be a successful law student.
- Ex. leadership skills, ability to work in groups and work independently, etc.
Identify the course(s) the student took, how the student performed and any progress you believe the student made in the time you worked together

Getting Started

Begin/continue cultivating relationships with your professors and employers early.
- Ex. take multiple courses from the same professor, attend their office hours for additional help, or volunteer to assist with a professor’s research.
Enable these individuals to see your character, work ethic, and personality.
- Your potential recommenders will then be able to advocate for you to get into law school!

Requirements vary from school to school
- Some have strict limits on the number of letters allowed, while others have only a minimum number and will accept more.
- Some may specify who should write your letters (e.g. academic professional), and others may leave the choice entirely up to you.

It is important to check with your school’s requirements and read the instructions carefully.

Before Reaching Out to Potential Writers

If you’re still in school,

The strongest letters will likely come from professors who can evaluate your academic performance and your potential for law school.
Ask professors who know you best.
- Just because you received an “A” from a professor, it does not mean that he/she knows enough about you to distinguish you from hundreds of others.
- The “A” will show on your transcripts, so it is better to ask for letters from individuals whom you have spent time with, who admire your work, and who can talk about you as a person.

If you’re still in school, but are not planning on applying to law school right away,

Consider opening a Credential File at Mānoa Career Center.
- Acts as a repository for any LORs that you may receive from a professor or other professional
- May request people to submit letters at an even earlier deadline.
- Useful if you plan to take a gap year or if your referee is on leave during the time you are putting together the rest of your application.

If you are no longer in school and are working,

The strongest letters will likely come from supervisors, professional colleagues, or mentors who can share their knowledge of you and evaluate your potential in a professional setting.

Other considerations:

Some ask for a LOR to demonstrate a specific interest in a program, certificate, or specialty that a law school offers.
May ask a professor to recommend them to his/her alma mater.
If you plan to have specific letters, remember to designate them appropriately on your LSAC account.
- Click here for more information.
Many schools ask for several letters.
- Balance the content of your letters and what each writer will say about you.
  - For example, if you are allowed 3 letters, it is good to have each writer address a different area of your dossier (e.g. academics, work experience, and personal characteristics) rather than have all three write about one area.
DO NOT obtain LORs from relatives or famous strangers
- Avoid asking individuals, who do not know you well as they will likely not be able to write a letter that specifically discusses your abilities, work ethic, and potential to succeed in law school.

Give your letter writer at least one month to write a letter.
- This deadline should also be a few weeks before your personal deadline for submitting your application to your law schools.
Letters can be added to your account early.
- No matter who procrastinated, a late letter ultimately affects your application timeline.

Asking for Letters

If possible, ask your references in person if they would be willing and able to write a LOR for you.
It is important to be sensitive when you ask for a LOR.
Try to find a moment when the person is not rushed or distracted.
Do not just ask for a LOR, but let your referee first know that you are asking and will be in contact later with instructions.
Ask if they think that they can write you a strong letter or if they know you well enough to write a meaningful letter.
- A generic or “lukewarm” letter may make your application less competitive.
Pay attention to your contact’s demeanor.
- If he/she hesitates or seems reluctant, then thank the person and ask someone else.
- If the person reacts enthusiastically, then that is a great indication of someone who will write you a strong letter.

Help your referees by giving them something to work with as they write your letter!
Create a letter packet.
- This will facilitate the process, making it easier for your references to write your letters and avoid delays.
- May help make your referee remember important skills, examples, and details that he/she would want to include in your letter.

Your letter packet should include:

Instructions for submitting either online or hard copy.
- Be sure to include the deadline.
  - At least four weeks before you need the letter.
- Include information specific to the law school’s application.
Recommendation form downloaded from LSAC.org and signed by the applicant (if applicable).
Personal statement and your résumé
- Include a clear statement of your intent to go to law school.
A list of courses you took from the reference.
- Include grades you received and examples of work you completed (copies of term papers, essays, tests).
Transcripts (optional)
- Unofficial copies are fine.
Stamped envelope addressed to the LSAC (if applicable).

Writing a LOR can be quite time-consuming.
Not everyone writes these types of letters often or with ease.
- May assist your recommender to provide some guidance with this list of suggestions.