Are you wondering how to write a law school recommendation letter that will truly impress admissions committees? Look no further! Whether you’re a professor or employer, writing a top-notch letter can be an uphill task. But fear not – our comprehensive guide for 2023 is here to help. With tips on what to include and examples of effective language, we’ll show you exactly how to craft an engaging and compelling recommendation letter that students won’t forget. So let’s get started on this exciting journey towards helping future lawyers achieve their dreams!
What is a Law School Recommendation Letter? Why is it Important?
A law school recommendation letter is an important document used in the admissions process for law schools. A good LOR will demonstrate that the recommender has firsthand knowledge of the applicant and can attest to the applicant’s strengths.
Questions You Should Answer Before Writing a Law School Recommendation Letter
Before writing a law school recommendation letter, you should answer a few questions:
Who is the person you are recommending?
What is your professional relationship with the applicant? If you don’t know the person well enough, try to study about the applicant to write the recommendation letter.
What quality or attributes does the individual possess that makes them deserving of joining a Law School?
Be specific and evaluate the skills and qualities that make this individual ideal for joining a Law School. Demonstrate why they would be a good fit to be a law student.
How long have you known this individual?
Approximately how long have you known this person and been able to assess their qualities as described.
Can you support your claims about the applicant's abilities with specific examples?
Provide examples that show the applicant’s abilities in order to make them worthy to join a law school.
What do Admission Officers Look for in a Law School Recommendation Letter?
Admission officers at most law schools look for letters of recommendation from professors who know the student well. The letter should discuss the applicant’s academic accomplishments, skills, leadership ability and any extracurricular activities. Admission officers prefer letters of recommendation that are penned in a clear and concise fashion. It is important to be honest and to highlight strengths that are unique to the applicant.
How Long Your Law School LOR Should Be?
Word Limit | 200 - 350 words |
Font Size | 10 - 13 is recommended |
Font color | Black |
Font Family | Use standard fonts like Calibri, Ariel, Times New Roman, Georgia, etc. |
Law School Letter of Recommendation Sample
To whom it may concern,
I am very pleased to recommend Ms. Harriet Samson as an applicant for the LLB program at -XYZ- Law School. I had the privilege of serving her as the former Professor of the English Department at ABC University, ____________ (place) while she was doing her undergraduate studies in English Language and Literature. Harriet is an outstanding student who has shown exceptional dedication and enthusiasm throughout her studies. Her creativity and sharp mind gave me the impression of a highly capable person and I confidently say that she would find success in legal studies and her future legal career.
Harriet is a highly driven individual and she regularly demonstrated strong work ethics in her studies. She has been an excellent researcher, resulting in several awards and industry accolades like _______, ____________, _______________ etc., throughout her academic journey. Harriet’s exceptional communication skills are a testimony to her charisma and persuasiveness that allows her to effectively articulate legal arguments both orally and in writing. Most importantly, I could always rely on Harriet for competence, integrity, reliability and honesty, qualities that have been visible since the beginning of our relationship as professor and a student.
Apart from academics, she managed to take part in various extracurricular activities such as becoming a leader of student XXX initiatives as well as organizing social events for our university. Her independent nature led her to become involved in several research projects which saw successful results, a testament to the level of effort she puts into each endeavor.
Given all these skills, I believe that Harriet would be a great addition to -XYZ- Law School and would certainly bring new perspectives from her diverse background as well as initiate enriching discussions in class. I highly recommend Ms. Harriet Samson for your program without reservation or hesitation, confident she will be an excellent addition to your student organization based on all the qualities I have seen in her throughout our academic relationship.
Sincerely,
Mr. Steven Segal
Designation of the Recommender
Guidelines for Using LOR Samples for Law School
Make sure you pay attention when you read a Law School Letter of Recommendation Sample.
Here are some things to consider:
- How does the recommender try to portray their applicant in the statement?
- How each paragraph is differentiated with specific material.
- Check the grammar and vocabulary.
- How the recommender introduces himself/herself in the statement and how they establish their professional relationship with the applicant.
- Review the format and structure of the LOR
Write Your Law School Recommendation Letter in 6 Steps
In order to write a law school recommendation letter that will be effective, you must take the time to follow these 6 steps.
Step 1: Address the Letter to the Law School Committee
Begin your letter by addressing it to the law school committee or dean of admission. This will show respect and make sure that your letter gets attention.
Step 2: Summarize Your Relationship with the Applicant
Start by summarizing your relationship with the applicant and why you are recommending them. This will help demonstrate why you are qualified to write a letter of recommendation for this person.
Step 3: Share About the Person You Are Recommending
Next, share information about the person you are recommending. This should include the applicant’s academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and why you think they would be a good fit for law school.
Step 4:
Be concise and organized when writing your LOR, as space is limited per page in most applications materials. Try to stick to key points and avoid making long-winded arguments in support of your recommendations.
Step 5: Conclusion
Summarize all the points made in the letter so far by supporting the applicant and giving them the recommender’s approval for the applicant’s enrollment in their desired law program.
Step 6
Submit the letter of recommendation along with the rest of the applicant’s law school application materials.
Who is Eligible to Write Recommendation Letter for Law School?
Professors, Employers and people who are associated with the applicant in academia and workplace are mainly eligible to write a Letter of Recommendation for Law School.
Final Checklist
Here’s a final checklist to make sure your LOR for Law School is as strong as it can be:
- Did I provide the correct address?
- Have I stated the purpose of the recommendation letter?
- Have I established the relationship between the recommender and applicant?
- Have I stated the key details that make the applicant worthy enough to join a Law School
- Have I followed the University guidelines for a recommendation letter
- Have I followed the format correctly?
Do’s and Don’t in Your Law School Recommendation Letter
Do:
– Be honest and concise
– Promote the student in a way that is professional and enthusiastic
Don’t:
– Avoid overly promotional or flattering language.
– Avoid false information
– Avoid writing recommendation letters for family members or friends.
Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter for Law School
Here are some writing tips to keep in mind when writing an LOR for Law Schools:
- Follow the recommendation-writing guidelines provided by the law school. Schools typically have writing guides or tips available on their websites.
- Describe the applicant’s strengths and characteristic traits using specific examples.
- Determine what skills and abilities you want to highlight about the applicant in your
- letter of recommendation.
- Conclude the LOR by giving a positive approval for the applicant’s enrollment in their desired Law program.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide has been helpful in drafting the perfect law school recommendation letter. Remember to keep things concise and professional while still showcasing your applicant’s qualities and why they would be a good candidate for law school. Good Luck!
