Choosing Recommenders for Your Law School Application

Most law schools require applicants to submit letters of recommendation along with their application. Every Admissions Committee will weigh LORs differently; however, all Committees recognize the LOR's inherent bias in favor (hopefully) of the applicant. With this in mind, Committees must look beyond the content of the letter itself and examine the applicant's judgment in choosing a recommender.

You should check with the law school in which you are applying, however, most law schools are looking for professional letters of recommendation as opposed to personal letters of recommendation.

Professional letters of recommendation are LORs from people have either supervised or worked directly with you and can speak about your work ethic, leadership, character, and disciple.  Examples of "professional" recommenders are supervisors, professors, advisors, mentors, counselors - those people who have worked one-on-one with you in a professional setting.

Personal letters of recommendation are LORs from friends or acquaintances that generally speak to the personality or fit of the applicant. Examples of "personal" recommenders are friends, friends of friends, family members, social contacts - those people who know you socially and have not worked with you closely in a professional setting.

Professional LORs are typically more helpful to Admissions Committees because the LORs can give concrete examples of what the applicant has done to prepare her or him for the rigors of law school. Personal LORs are typically less helpful because they tend to only address the applicant superficially and lack depth and analysis.

As an applicant it is important that you use your best judgment when deciding who should write your letters of recommendation. There may be exceptions to this advice; however, submitting a LOR from someone "famous" is typically not in your best interest if you have not worked directly with them. Admissions Committees read thousands of LORs and it apparent when the recommender does not know the applicant professionally. Just because you or your family know a attorney, judge, politician, or  (insert well known person here) does not mean they will write you the best letter of recommendation.

Ultimately, your choice of recommenders reflects your judgment. Good judgment is a trait all Admissions Committees are weighing in their decisions. Choose wisely my friend.