FREE Law School Recommendation Letter [PDF, WORD]

What Is a Law School Recommendation Letter?

A law school recommendation letter is a letter that a law student applicant has requested you to make to attest to their work ethic, performance, and their characteristics. Law school recommendation letters are written by people who have known you well, academically. These are professors, supervisors, or mentors. Moreover, a recommendation letter is a substantial contributing factor to your admission—so, the writer should know you very well to craft a compelling piece.

How to Write a Strong Law School Recommendation Letter?

According to Business Insider South Africa, in an office setting, a recommendation letter increases a person’s chances of getting hired by 50%. So, if you are thinking of a booster when searching for a job, have someone write a recommendation letter for you. This person must have worked alongside you and are a testament to your skills and characteristics. Otherwise, your message won’t be of much help.

Below, we have compiled tips on how to make a persuasive law school recommendation letter. Read them here:

1. Make Sure You Know the Candidate

Recommendation letters vouch for a person’s credentials and character. You cannot vouch for that person if you do not know them well. Make sure that you have worked with this person enough to construct a meaningful letter. If you think that you are not in the right position, write such a letter, politely decline.

2. Start with a Brief Introduction

This brief introduction introduces yourself, your relationship with the applicant, and your profession. Keep things short, simple, and straightforward.

3. State Your Relationship and Detail Your Overview

Narrate how you have come to know the applicant and the exceptional traits and characteristics that you hold in high esteem. Express the outstanding qualities that make them unique and how they deserve a slot in your institution. Do not exaggerate, maintain the truthfulness, and keep the tone enthusiastic.

4. Provide a Closing Statement with Your Contact Information

End things on a positive note. You may insert one last affirmative line about how they are going to be an excellent addition to your institution. To address the institution’s additional questions, provide contact information with the days and the time that you are available.

End the letter finally by adding your name, position, and your signature atop it.

5. Proofread Your Letter

A letter with tons of typos and grammatical errors can repel the reader. Not only does it repel, but it is also disruptive to the reader’s reading. Proofread your letter by checking the recipient’s name, dates, addresses, and other supporting details. Remember that a winning recommendation letter goes a long way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I include in my law school recommendation letter?

A law school recommendation letter should highlight the applicant’s skills, achievements, and character. This validates all the applicant’s credentials and increases their chances of getting accepted. Other things include the name of the person writing the letter, their profession, the relationship between them, and the applicant. The dates, recipient’s name, title, address, and signatures should be included as well.

How many letters should I make for law school?

It depends on the school that you are applying for. Your chosen school’s requirements should be in the Law School Admission Council or LSAC. Some schools only require two letters, but they also accept a maximum of four.

How important are recommendation letters for law school?

Very important. In fact, a recommendation letter is a huge factor in the deciding process, along with your grades and LSAT results. Strong, well-written recommendation letters strengthen your application and may compensate for any gaps in your application.

Who should write my letters of recommendation?

Professors and supervisors should write your recommendation letter. Remember that schools place value on academic excellence—therefore, your letter should be constructed by the people who know you academically. Then, you can provide enough reason to build meaningful relationships with your mentors, professors, and supervisors.

How do I ask someone to write a recommendation letter for me?

First and foremost, list down all the possible persons who can write for you. These are your professors, supervisors, or mentors who have witnessed your academic excellence. Once you have chosen one, approach them personally (avoid an informal approach: emailing). This will show them that you are sincere in your request. Discuss with them your interest and reasons for applying for law school and ask if you can write a letter to you. These people can either accept or reject your request—so, don’t dwell on hurt feelings and move on to the next person on your list. Don’t approach family, friends, relatives, judges, or political figures because they are heavily discouraged.

Whether we admit it or not, we all need a boost to get from one place to another. Especially if that place is law school. A letter of recommendation, if properly written, can up your rank amongst other applicants who deserve the same slot as you do. And the slots are only available to intelligent and capable applicants who can withstand reading and studying mountains of books and cases. So, you have to wrestle with anyone to have that coveted slot.