Kara Sears
When applying to law school, letters of recommendation are an important part of the application process. Most law schools require at least one letter of recommendation from a professor, lecturer, or teaching assistant who is familiar with your academic work. While pre-law advisors can provide guidance and suggestions on the recommendation process, they typically do not write letters of recommendation themselves. The role of pre-law advisors is to counsel students on academic and career choices related to law school, rather than serving as recommenders. It is the applicant's responsibility to cultivate relationships with professors and supervisors who can speak to their academic ability, character, and potential for success in law school. Ultimately, the decision to share the content of a letter of recommendation with a pre-law advisor rests with the author of the letter, and it is essential to respect their preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who should write the letters of recommendation? | Professors, lecturers, or teaching assistants who have had significant exposure to your academic work. |
| How many letters of recommendation are required? | Most schools require 2 letters, but some may require more. The University of Chicago Law School, for example, requires 2 but accepts up to 4. |
| Can pre-law advisors see the letters of recommendation? | Applicants can waive or give consent to see the contents of their letters of recommendation. |
| What should the letters of recommendation include? | The letters should discuss the applicant's academic qualifications, intellectual ability, strengths as a student or professional, and specific examples of their work. |
| When to ask for a letter of recommendation? | It is recommended to start thinking about letters of recommendation at the beginning of your college career and cultivate relationships with potential recommenders. |
| How to ask for a letter of recommendation? | It is best to request letters of recommendation in person if possible. If not, use email to set up a meeting or telephone conversation. |
| What to provide to the recommender? | Provide your resume, personal statement, a list of schools you are applying to with deadlines, and transcripts. |
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What You'll Learn
How to ask for a letter of recommendation
Asking for a letter of recommendation can feel awkward or embarrassing. However, it's a routine part of the application process, and many people in your life will want to help you achieve your goals with a positive reference!
Choose your recommenders wisely
Pick recommenders who will be enthusiastic about your good qualities and will go to bat for you. The most effective recommendation will come from someone who knows you well and can personally speak to your character. Choose teachers of classes with whom you performed well and with whom you had a good rapport. Teachers from your junior or senior year will have the freshest memories of you and are likely more accustomed to writing such letters. If you're applying to law school, ideal sources include professors of one or more classes, thesis advisors, professors of independent study courses, seminar professors, or TAs for discussion sections.
Prepare what you'll say
Before sending a formal, written request, it's a good idea to speak with each individual in person, if possible. Preparing what you'll say ahead of time can help you feel more calm and confident. Explain what you're applying for and why you're asking this person specifically to recommend you.
Make it easy for the recommender
Provide a copy of your academic transcripts and resume to the person writing your letter. If you're still in school and don't have a resume, you can make a brag sheet instead—a concise list that highlights your qualifications and best characteristics.
Send a formal written request
After you've confirmed your request in person, email a formal written request to each individual who has agreed to write your recommendation. Include information on the position or role you're applying for and details about how and when the letter should be submitted.
> Dear [Name],
>
> I hope you’re doing well! I appreciated getting to talk with you more after class about my interest in attending law school, and I’ve enjoyed taking [COURSES] with you.
>
> I wanted to follow up and see if you would be willing to serve as a possible recommender for applications. I’m planning to apply by [DATE], and I’m happy to share my resume if it helps you prepare my letter. Would you be able to write a letter of recommendation by [DATE]? If you have any questions or would like to talk more, I’m happy to stop by during your office hours.
>
> Best regards,
> [Your Name]
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Who to ask for a letter of recommendation
When applying to law school, it is important to carefully consider who to ask for a letter of recommendation. While you may have a variety of options, it is crucial to choose recommenders who will write strong and enthusiastic letters that highlight your positive qualities and academic achievements. Here are some guidelines on who to ask for a letter of recommendation:
- Academic sources: Law schools typically prefer letters from academic sources, such as professors, lecturers, or teaching assistants who have had significant exposure to your academic work. These individuals can speak to your academic qualifications, intellectual ability, and performance in the classroom. If you are still in university, focus on building strong relationships with your professors by actively participating in class and seeking research opportunities.
- Thesis advisors: If you have completed a thesis or independent study course, consider approaching your thesis advisor or the professor overseeing your project. They can provide valuable insights into your research skills, academic potential, and ability to undertake rigorous coursework.
- Employers: If you have been out of school for a while or have significant work experience, consider asking your employer or supervisor for a recommendation. They can speak to your professional skills, work ethic, and any relevant experiences that demonstrate your suitability for law school.
- Internship supervisors: If you have completed internships, especially in a legal or related field, consider reaching out to your supervisor or mentor from that experience. They can attest to your skills, work ethic, and interest in the field of law.
- Non-academic sources: While academic letters are important, non-academic letters can also provide valuable insights into your character and personal qualities. If you have a close relationship with an academic advisor or mentor who can speak to your personality and positive attributes, they may be a good choice for a non-academic letter.
Remember, it is essential to develop strong relationships with your potential recommenders and give them sufficient time to write thoughtful letters. Choose individuals who know you well and will be enthusiastic advocates for your candidacy. Additionally, be mindful of each law school's specific application requirements and preferences for letters of recommendation.
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What makes a good letter of recommendation
Generally, academic advisors do not count as academic recommenders for law school admission purposes. However, they can write a non-academic letter of recommendation if they know you well and can speak to your personality and positive characteristics.
Now, here are some tips on what makes a good letter of recommendation:
A good letter of recommendation should be clear, articulate, and well-written. It should use strong and accurate adjectives to describe your qualities and achievements. For example, instead of simply calling you "smart", the letter might mention your "innovative approach to solving problems". The letter should also be free of errors, as this shows that the recommender has put in the time and effort to craft a thoughtful letter.
The letter should provide a holistic view of you as a student, highlighting your personal qualities, strengths, personality, interests, and character, in addition to your academic achievements. It should showcase your unique skills and assets, and how you go above and beyond the typical applicant. It is also beneficial if the letter includes a statement of high ranking, especially if it is from an established teacher or counselor.
When choosing a recommender, it is important to select someone who knows you well and can speak positively and in detail about your abilities and experiences working with them. This could be a professor, thesis advisor, TA, or employer, depending on the type of letter required by the law school. It is also beneficial to choose someone who will be enthusiastic about your qualities and will advocate strongly for you.
Finally, remember that relationships are key. Take the time to develop a strong relationship with your recommender and request the letter in person if possible, as this gives you an opportunity to impress them and provide additional information that they can include in the letter.
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The number of letters of recommendation required
Academic sources for letters of recommendation are generally preferred by law schools. Ideal sources include professors, thesis advisors, seminar professors, or TAs for discussion sections. These sources can speak to your academic performance and potential, which is a key consideration in the law school admissions process.
If you have been out of school for several years, a letter from a workplace or professional source can also be valuable. In this case, it is still recommended to include at least one academic reference if you have been out of school for five years or less.
It is important to choose recommenders who can speak positively and in detail about your qualifications, achievements, and potential. The relationship between the recommender and the applicant is crucial, as it allows the recommender to provide a strong and personalized reference.
Some law schools may require the use of a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) service, such as the one provided by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). This service allows you to manage your letters of recommendation through your LSAC JD Account, and your references will only need to submit their letters once, even if you are applying to multiple law schools.
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The role of pre-law advisors in the recommendation process
Pre-law advisors play a crucial role in guiding students through the recommendation process for law school applications. While they may not always serve as academic recommenders, they offer valuable advice and support to ensure students obtain strong letters of recommendation.
Firstly, pre-law advisors help students understand the requirements and preferences of law schools. They advise students to aim for two academic recommenders and additional workplace or non-academic recommenders, depending on the time gap before enrolling in law school. Advisors also guide students on the specific requirements of each law school, including the number and type of letters expected.
Secondly, pre-law advisors provide strategic advice on choosing recommenders. They encourage students to select individuals who can speak positively and in detail about their academic performance, skills, and personal qualities. Advisors suggest approaching professors, lecturers, thesis advisors, or teaching assistants who have significant exposure to the student's academic work. They also offer insights on how to approach potential recommenders, emphasizing the importance of cultivating strong relationships and making requests in person.
Additionally, pre-law advisors assist students in navigating the technical aspects of the recommendation process. They guide students on using services like the Law School Admission Council's (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which streamlines the submission of letters. Advisors inform students about the required forms, such as the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Form, and the option to submit paper letters.
Pre-law advisors also offer ethical guidance on recommendation letter practices. They emphasize the importance of honesty and advise against writing letters for recommenders to sign. Advisors provide suggestions on how to address such situations and uphold ethical standards.
In conclusion, pre-law advisors play a supportive and informative role in the recommendation process. They ensure students understand the requirements, choose the right recommenders, and navigate the technical and ethical aspects of obtaining letters of recommendation for their law school applications.
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Frequently asked questions
Most applicants waive their right to see the contents of their letters of recommendation. However, you will be able to see when recommenders have submitted their letters. If you wish to see the contents of a letter, you must ask the author for their consent.
Law schools prefer letters from professors, lecturers, or teaching assistants who have had significant exposure to your academic work. Choose recommenders who will have positive things to say about you and who know your work and skill set well enough to write a detailed letter.
Law schools have different minimum and maximum numbers of recommendations they will accept. A good rule of thumb is to aim for two academic recommenders and one to two workplace or non-academic recommenders if you plan to have less than four years of gap time.
