Overview: Why You Need Letters of Reference For Your Law School Application
Almost every law school will require some number of letters of reference, sometimes known as letters of recommendation, from each applicant. These letters, written by individuals who know and can write intelligently about the applicant's character, qualifications, and abilities, are extremely important to the law school applicant's overall chances at admission. While the letter of reference will not be given more weight than, for instance, the applicant's LSAT score or GPA, a sufficiently impressive collection of references could mean the difference between admission, wait listing, and rejection. Therefore, it is to the applicant's benefit to treat this process as seriously as preparation for the LSAT, and not merely as an afterthought.
Many law schools will provide a particular form for the referrer to use. Others will accept a straightforward business letter or memorandum format. It is the applicant's responsibility to make sure that the referrer knows every requirement, and to make it as easy as possible for the referrer to comply with those requirements.
The LSAC Letter of Recommendation Services
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC, or "Council") serves many functions in the law school admission process, one of which is the administration of the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS), a clearinghouse for application materials that makes the forwarding of basic documentation easier for both applicant and law school. Part of LSDAS is a Letter of Recommendation Service, which provides the same "clearinghouse" approach for both general and specific letters of recommendation for law school applicants who wish to take advantage of the service.
The LRS is optional, unless a law school to which an applicant seeks admission requires its use. The applicant can use his or her online LSAC account to have the letters sent to designated schools according to the school's specific requirements. The applicant can also direct specific or "targeted" letters of reference to individual schools (for instance, if a school requires a letter from a practicing lawyer but the applicant does not want that letter sent to all schools). The service can handle up to four general reference letters, which get sent to all identified law schools in order of receipt, up to the number specified by the law school. (Most law schools require two or three.)
To use the LRS to handle general letters, applicants identify their letter writers and print the appropriate number of pre-formatted forms. The applicants then give the forms to the letter writers, who mail the completed form directly to the LSAC. The Council then sends the letters out in the order of receipt to each school identified by the applicant.
For more information on the LRS, including specific instructions for targeted letters and setting up the account, see the LSAC website.
Choosing Your Letter of Recommendation Writers
Who should serve as your recommenders? First and foremost, remember that law school is essentially an academic exercise. Therefore, the best recommenders will be your professors from your undergraduate institution. Look specifically for professors who know you personally, and who know your best work. Second in rank of preference are employers, both past and present. Of course, it goes without saying that all letter writers should be individuals with whom you have a strong, positive relationship, who you are confident will give you a thorough, accurate, and positive recommendation.
Who Not to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
It may come as a surprise to many, but letters from influential family friends (if they don't also meet the qualifications noted above) will not help your law school application. In fact, they may even lessen your chances; no one likes to reward a person who seems to be trading on factors other than his or her own merits.
Therefore, forego the following, unless they also happen to know your intellectual and personal qualifications for the rigors of law school and the legal profession:
- Friends of your parents
- Judges
- Prominent lawyers
- Political figures