How to Get Strong Letters of Recommendation for Law School

When applying to law school, your letters of recommendation (LORs) can be a game-changer. They provide admissions committees with an insider’s perspective on your abilities, character, and potential as a future lawyer. Strong LORs complement your LSAT, GPA, and personal statement by adding credibility and depth to your application.But how do you get powerful, persuasive letters that truly boost your chances? In this guide, we’ll walk you through actionable steps to secure strong recommendations for law school, plus tips on who to ask and when.

Why Are Letters of Recommendation Important for Law School? Admissions committees look for evidence beyond test scores and grades. LORs:
Verify your academic and professional skills
Highlight personal qualities like integrity, work ethic, and leadership
Provide context on your growth and potential in a legal career
A glowing recommendation can differentiate you from other qualified candidates.

Step 1: Choose the Right Recommenders
Not all recommendations carry the same weight. For law school, the best letters typically come from:
‍Professors who taught you in challenging courses, preferably in writing-intensive or critical thinking subjects
‍Employers or supervisors who can speak to your professionalism, work ethic, and responsibility
‍Research advisors or mentors familiar with your analytical skills and motivation
Avoid asking friends, family, or anyone who can’t provide a professional assessment of your qualifications.

‍Action Tip: List potential recommenders and rank them based on how well they know your work and can speak positively about you.

Step 2: Ask Early and Professionally
Timing is crucial. Reach out at least 6–8 weeks before your application deadline.

How to ask:
Send a polite, concise email or set up a face-to-face meeting
Explain why you’re applying to law school and why you value their recommendation Provide deadlines and submission instructions upfront
Offer to share your resume, personal statement draft, and any relevant work or academic samples

‍Sample Email Snippet:
Dear Professor Smith,
I hope you’re well. I’m applying to law school this fall and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. Your class on constitutional law deeply influenced my decision to pursue law, and I believe your insights on my work would strengthen my application. I’m happy to provide any materials or details you might need. The deadline for submission is October 15.
‍Best regards,
[Your Name]

Step 3: Provide Clear Supporting Materials
Make it easy for your recommenders to write a strong, specific letter.
Include:
Your resume highlighting relevant achievements
A draft or summary of your personal statement so they understand your narrative and goalsA list of specific skills or experiences you’d like them to emphasize (e.g., research skills, leadership, critical thinking)Details about the law schools you’re applying to and why

‍Action Tip: Create a one-page “recommendation packet” to email or print for your recommenders.

Step 4: Follow Up and Offer Gratitude
Send a polite reminder 1–2 weeks before the deadline if you haven’t received confirmation that the letter has been submitted.

After your recommenders submit the letters: Send a thank-you note or email expressing your gratitude for their time and supportKeep them updated on your application status and eventual decisions. Gratitude strengthens your relationships and maintains goodwill for future opportunities.

Bonus Tips for Stronger Letters of Recommendation
‍Choose recommenders who know you well. Personalized letters are more impactful than generic praise.
‍Be honest about your goals. Let your recommenders know what you want to emphasize in your application.
‍Avoid last-minute requests. Rushed letters tend to be weaker and less thoughtful.
‍Check each school’s LOR requirements.

Some schools require academic letters, others accept professional ones, or both.

Final Thoughts
Strong letters of recommendation are a key ingredient in a successful law school application. By choosing the right recommenders, asking early, providing helpful materials, and maintaining clear communication, you can secure compelling endorsements that highlight your strengths and readiness for law school.

Ready to Strengthen Your Application? Alongside strong LORs, a polished personal statement and a competitive LSAT score are critical. If you need help with your essays, our expert editors specialize in law school application materials.