Law School Letters of Recommendation: The Strategic Guide
Master the art of the Law School Letter of Recommendation. Learn who to ask, how to ask, and how to ensure your recommenders write letters that get you into the T14.
Executive Summary: Evidence, Not Praise
Letters of Recommendation (LORs) are often the most misunderstood part of the law school application. Many students view them as "character references"—a chance for someone to say they are a "nice person."
In reality, admissions committees view LORs as academic and professional evidence.
We are looking for objective proof that you can handle the rigors of a 1L curriculum: your ability to analyze complex texts, your precision in writing, and your resilience when faced with difficult feedback. A generic letter of praise is a "kiss of death" in a competitive pool; a specific letter of evidence is a golden ticket.
1. Selection Strategy: Quality over Title
Academics First
Law schools are academic institutions. Their primary concern is whether you can succeed in the classroom. Therefore, academic letters are non-negotiable for most applicants. You want professors who have graded your written work and seen you engage in class discussions.
The Relationship Rule
A detailed letter from a Teaching Assistant (TA) who worked with you for a year is 10x more valuable than a three-paragraph letter from a high-profile Senator or CEO who barely knows your name. Title does not equal impact.
Admissions Insider
2. The Recommender Matrix
Identify your profile to determine the ideal mix of letters for your application.
| Applicant Profile | Academic LORs | Professional LORs | Target Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-JD (Straight from Undergrad) | 2 | 0-1 | 2-3 |
| Recent Grad (1-3 Years Out) | 1-2 | 1 | 2-3 |
| Non-Traditional (5+ Years Out) | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Executive/Mid-Career (10+ Years) | 0-1 (Pivot Required) | 2-3 | 3-4 |
3. Timing and Etiquette: The "8-Week Rule"
Ask 8 Weeks Early
Professors and partners are busy. Asking two months in advance shows respect for their time and ensures they don't rush your letter during finals or a major deal closing.
The "Supportive" Ask
Don't just ask for a letter. Ask: "Would you feel comfortable writing a supportive letter of recommendation for my law school applications?" This gives them a graceful way to say no if they can't be your advocate.
4. The Request Template
The "Ask" Email Template
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request - [Your Name] Dear Professor [Name], I hope you are having a productive semester. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a supportive letter of recommendation for my law school applications this fall. I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year], particularly our discussions on [Specific Topic]. Your insights on [Specific Skill/Topic] were a major factor in my decision to pursue a legal career. I have attached a "Recommender Packet" with my resume, transcript, and a brief list of my contributions to your class to assist you. If you are able to do so, I would need the letter uploaded to the LSAC portal by [Date - 8 weeks out]. Please let me know if you would like to meet briefly to discuss my goals. Thank you for your time and for all you've taught me. Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Phone Number]
5. The "Brag Sheet" (Ensuring Quality)
Never ask a recommender to "start from scratch." Give them a folder (physical or digital) containing:
- Updated ResumeHighlighting both academic and professional milestones.
- TranscriptUnofficial is fine; highlight the grade you received in their class.
- Personal Statement DraftEven if it's rough, it helps them align their 'theme' with yours.
- The 'Brag Sheet'A bulleted list of your specific achievements in their class/office.
- CAS InstructionsA brief note on how they will receive the LSAC email link.
Strategic Theme Mapping
In your packet, explicitly ask: "Could you specifically highlight my analytical writing and participation in group discussions?" This prevents generic "he was a good student" letters.
6. Navigating LSAC (The Technical Side)
All letters must be processed through the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). You will enter your recommender's contact information, and LSAC will send them a secure link to upload their letter.
Mandatory: Waive Your Right to View
On the LSAC portal, you will be asked if you "waive your right to access" the letter. You MUST check "Yes."
Admissions officers view "Unwaived" letters with extreme skepticism. If you don't waive your right, the school assumes you didn't trust the recommender enough to write an honest assessment without you looking over their shoulder. It effectively renders the letter useless in a competitive T14 pool.
7. Common Pitfalls
The 'Relative' Mistake
Never, under any circumstances, use a letter from a family member, even if they are a prominent attorney. It signals a total lack of professional judgment.
The 'Ghoster' Anxiety
If your recommender goes silent, follow up politely at the 4-week mark. Use the 'Update' excuse: 'I just wanted to let you know my personal statement is finalized in case it helps with the letter!'
The Generic Praise
Avoid the 'He was a nice student who got an A' letter. If a recommender says they can't provide specifics, find someone else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a letter from 2 years ago?
Yes, but it's better to have the recommender 'refresh' the date and perhaps add a sentence about what you've done since then. Recency is valued.
Q: How many letters do I actually need?
Most schools require 2 and allow up to 4. We recommend having 3 high-quality letters to cover all bases.
Q: What if I've been out of school for 10 years?
Admissions committees understand. In this case, 1 academic and 2 professional letters is the standard. If you truly cannot find an academic source, 3 professional letters with a brief addendum is acceptable.
Q: Should my recommender be a lawyer?
Not necessarily. We value an English professor's assessment of your writing or a manager's assessment of your leadership more than a lawyer's 'general' impression of your potential.
Finalized List
You have 2-3 confirmed people who have said 'Yes' to writing a supportive letter.
Packet Delivered
All recommenders have received your resume, transcript, and brag sheet.
LSAC Request Sent
The formal request has been triggered through the LSAC CAS portal.
The Waiver
You have double-checked that you waived your right to view the letters.
Follow-Up Scheduled
A calendar reminder is set to check in 3 weeks before the deadline.
— Former T14 Dean of Admissions
