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Most, but not all, law schools require at least one letter of
recommendation. You should follow the instructions on the individual
applications regarding the number and types of letters that they want
to receive. In general, however, the following guidelines apply:
1.
Law schools use the letters to determine "close
calls" or to make decisions about applicants who are in the large
gray middle area (not instant accepts, not instant rejects).
2.
You should have at least one letter from a faculty
member. That letter should tell the school why you are capable of the intellectual
work necessary of a law student. In short, the best letter tells the
law school that you can do the work because you have the requisite
analytical and writing skills. The law schools want to know what kind
of student you are going to be. You should, therefore, develop a close
relationship with at least one faculty member who can attest to your
skills as a student. This is particularly important if you have a low
GPA or LSAT score. You need someone to attest to you academic
abilities.
3.
The more specific and detailed the letter, the better.
Give your recommender a copy of the attached guide for letter writers,
along with a resume and copies of your work.
4.
Letters from advisors, employers, internship
directors, or supervisors are fine, so long as they can attest to the
same kinds of skills.
5.
Letters that discuss your personal qualities are less
useful. See the attached guidelines for letter writers. Personal
qualities count, but more importantly, the law school wants to know
that you can handle their work. You can discuss your personal qualities
in your personal statement.
6.
Some letters are useless. These include "name
dropping" letters from people who do not really know you, such as
letters from famous people or political officials; very short or generic
letters; and letters that you have reserved the right to see.
7.
You have the choice about whether to waive your right
to look at your letters of recommendation. However, it isn't really a
choice, because a letter that is not confidential is basically discredited
by law schools. Your recommender should be able to write the letter in
confidence, and you should waive your right to see it.
8.
Many law schools prefer that you use the LSAC's letter
of recommendation service. You should consult with the school regarding
which course is best (usually indicated on the application). However,
there is some evidence that personal letters—ones sent directly to the
school, with the school's name, and tailored to the school—matter more,
because law schools pay more attention to them. If you have schools
where you would like an "edge," or would prefer to attend,
consider asking your recommender(s) to prepare a personal letter for
that school.
9.
Letters that are old are still good. Most law school
applicants have been out of school for a few years. You can either
arrange for your faculty letters before you leave or contact them again
when you actually need the letters. If you contact a former professor,
it is helpful to enclose a resume, a list of the courses you had with him/her
and your grades, and samples of your work for those classes. A photo
helps, too. Your professor will not be insulted if you do this; he/she
will be grateful. Remember, your professor sees hundreds of students
each year, so reminders from former students are helpful. (Note: you
may wish to use the LSAC's letter service, as they will hold 3 letters
for you for during the duration of your registration period, which is
currently 5 years.)
10.
The LSAC is continually updating its letter of
recommendation service. You need to check when you register about the
benefits it has added. For example, in the near future the LSAC will
allow you to identify your letters and designate the specific letter or
letters that you want to send to each law school. (Currently, the
letter service simply holds your 3 letters and sends them out in the
order they were received at its office.) The expanded letter service
will be a tremendous help to applicants.
11.
If possible, make an appointment to see the person you
ask to write a recommendations. Provide him or her with following:
* An unofficial transcript
* A resume, including copy of your personal statement
* A list of courses you have taken with the faculty recommender
* A list of positions or projects accomplished for the employer
recommender
* Addressed stamped envelope(s), and any other relevant forms (CDC,
LSDA, or law school forms).
12.
Law schools value letters that a specifically about
you - about your thinking and writing skills, your study habits,
quality of work, class participation, research, came with facts and
detail, analytic skill - with only brief comments about your character
and personality.
[You might print out this page and give it to your recommender
(minus this note). And remember to write thank you notes to your
recommenders.]
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