Identifying Suitable Recommenders for Law School Applications
Securing a strong letter of recommendation is a crucial step in your journey to law school. A well-written recommendation can significantly bolster your application, providing admissions committees with an external perspective on your academic abilities, character, and potential for success in law school and beyond. This module will guide you through the process of identifying and approaching individuals who can write compelling letters on your behalf.
Who Makes a Good Recommender?
The ideal recommender is someone who knows you well in an academic or professional capacity and can speak to your strengths with specific examples. They should have observed your intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, work ethic, and personal qualities relevant to legal studies.
Qualities to Look For in a Recommender
| Key Quality | Why it Matters for Law School | How to Assess |
|---|---|---|
| Familiarity | A recommender who knows you well can provide specific anecdotes and a nuanced perspective, making the letter more impactful. | Did they teach you in multiple classes? Did you work closely with them on a project? Can they recall specific assignments or interactions? |
| Positive Impression | The recommender should genuinely believe in your potential and be willing to write a strong, enthusiastic letter. | Did you receive high grades in their class? Did they offer you opportunities for further engagement? Do they seem generally supportive of your academic pursuits? |
| Relevant Skills | They should be able to speak to skills crucial for law school, such as analytical reasoning, critical thinking, writing, research, and communication. | Did you excel in courses requiring these skills? Did your work with them involve these abilities? |
| Credibility | The recommender's own standing and reputation can lend weight to their endorsement. | Are they a respected figure in their field? Do they hold a position of authority or expertise? |
Who to Avoid
It's equally important to know who not to ask. Avoid individuals who:
- Do not know you well enough to write a detailed letter.
- Have only had brief or superficial interactions with you.
- Are unlikely to write a positive or enthusiastic letter.
- Are too busy or overburdened to dedicate sufficient time to your letter.
- Are personal friends or family members, as these letters are often perceived as biased.
A generic or lukewarm letter of recommendation can be more detrimental than no letter at all. Prioritize quality and specificity over the title or perceived prestige of the recommender if they don't know you well.
Strategies for Identifying Potential Recommenders
Start by reviewing your academic and professional history. Think about the individuals who have had the most positive impact on your learning and development. Consider reaching out to professors whose classes you enjoyed and excelled in, or supervisors from internships where you demonstrated strong performance.
Someone who knows you well and can provide specific, positive examples of your abilities and character.
Preparing Your Recommenders
Once you've identified potential recommenders, it's crucial to provide them with all the necessary information to write a strong letter. This includes your resume, personal statement draft, a list of the law schools you're applying to with their deadlines, and any specific points you'd like them to highlight. Make the process as easy as possible for them.
The Ask: Making the Request
Always ask for a recommendation in person or via a personalized email well in advance of the deadline. Be polite and respectful of their time. If they agree, follow up with a comprehensive packet of information. Remember to send a thank-you note after the letter has been submitted.
Learning Resources
Provides official guidance from the Law School Admission Council on letters of recommendation, including what law schools look for.
Offers practical advice and tips on approaching potential recommenders and what information to provide.
Details the specific requirements and preferences for letters of recommendation from a top-tier law school.
Explains the criteria for selecting effective recommenders and common pitfalls to avoid.
Discusses the impact of recommendation letters and how to maximize their effectiveness for your application.
Breaks down the specific qualities and insights that admissions committees seek in recommendation letters.
Provides a comprehensive guide on the entire process, from identifying recommenders to following up.
Outlines Yale Law School's specific requirements and advice regarding letters of recommendation.
While aimed at recommenders, this resource offers valuable insight into what makes a letter effective from the perspective of the writer.
Details Stanford Law School's expectations and guidelines for letters of recommendation.