Law School Reference Letters - Guidelines For Letter Writers printable pdf download

Law School Reference Letters -- Guidelines for Letter Writers

To Letter Writers:

Thank you for agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for application to law school.

It is advisable for applicants to submit two academic letters of reference. In addition

applicants may want to submit a letter of reference from an employer, civic leader, or

program director. Admission officers tend to read and carefully consider these letters as

part of their decision-making process. The most useful letters are detailed and contain

specific information about the applicant’s intellectual abilities, character and interests.

Letters likely to have an impact address the following areas or questions:

1. Indicate in what capacity you have known the applicant?

2. Assess the applicant’s academic skills and potential (if applicable) – How well

does the student read write and analyze? Was the course he/she took with you a

particularly rigorous one? If so, why? Discuss specifically the student’s work in

the course (s). For example, mentioning the topic of a student’s paper, or the

types of comments he/she contributed to class discussions makes the

recommendation substantive and convincing.

3. Include information about the applicant’s personal qualities (i.e. integrity,

determination, motivation, leadership, maturity, reliability). Does the applicant

have special interests, striking personal qualities, or an interesting background? If

you are familiar with a student’s extra-curricular or employment activities you

can also note these.

4. Information regarding the applicant’s social skills (e.g. ability to interact with

others in groups, interpersonal skills).

5. What information do you have about this applicant that may be relevant and is not

likely to be available from other sources?

6. How does this applicant compare to other students you have taught (or if you are

an employer, individuals with whom you have worked?)

Please submit the letter on letterhead and sign it. If you have any questions, please feel

free to contact Pre-Law Advising at 772-4889. Thank you for taking the time to write on

behalf of the applicant.

Law School Reference Letters - Guidelines For Letter Writers