Personal Statement Guide

Your personal statement is the only part of your law school application where you have complete control. It's your chance to move beyond the numbers (LSAT and GPA) and show admissions committees who you really are.

1. The Purpose of the Personal Statement

Admissions officers read thousands of applications. They use the personal statement to answer three core questions:

• Can this person write clearly and persuasively?
• Do they have the maturity and resilience to succeed in law school?
• What unique perspective or experience will they bring to our class?

It is not a resume in prose form. Do not simply list your achievements. Instead, tell a story that illustrates your character, motivation, and potential.

2. Brainstorming: Finding Your "Why"

The most common trap is writing what you think they want to hear. Authenticity wins every time. Start by asking yourself:

• What is the hardest thing I've ever done?
• When did I change my mind about something important?
• What intellectual problem keeps me up at night?
• How have my background or identity shaped my view of the world?

Tip: Avoid the "I love to argue" cliché. Law is about problem-solving and analysis, not just conflict.

3. Structuring Your Narrative

A strong personal statement often follows a narrative arc:

The Hook

Start in the middle of the action. Place the reader in a specific moment that illustrates your theme. Avoid broad generalizations like "I have always wanted to be a lawyer."

The Pivot

Connect that specific moment to your broader journey. How did this experience change you? What skills or insights did you gain?

The Application

Bring it back to the law. Why does this journey lead specifically to law school? This connects your past experiences to your future goals.

4. The "Show, Don't Tell" Rule

This is the golden rule of creative nonfiction. Don't say you are "hardworking" or "passionate." Describe a situation where you worked hard or demonstrated passion.

5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Rehashing your resume: We can see your activities list. Use this space for depth, not breadth.
• The "Hero" Complex: Be careful when writing about helping others. Center the story on your growth and learning, not just on how you "saved" someone.
• Legalese: Don't try to sound like a lawyer yet. Write in clear, strong, professional English.
• Typos: In a profession built on attention to detail, a typo can be fatal. Proofread obsessively.

6. Tailoring to Specific Schools

While your main statement can remain largely the same, you should tweak the conclusion for your top choices. Mention specific clinics, professors, or programs that align with the narrative you've just built.

"I am particularly drawn to [School Name]'s [Specific Clinic] because it would allow me to continue the work I started in..."

7. Final Polish Checklist

• Is the opening sentence gripping?
• Does every paragraph advance the story?
• Is the tone professional yet personal?
• Have I stayed within the character/word limit (usually 2 pages double-spaced)?
• Have at least three people read it? (One for content, one for grammar, one who doesn't know you well)

Conclusion

Your personal statement is your interview on paper. It's the best tool you have to advocate for yourself. Be honest, be specific, and let your unique voice shine through.