Letters of Recommendation: Who to Ask & How to Ask (Your Ultimate Guide!)

KatherineGalland_KCT
KatherineGalland_KCT Posts: 82
in Pre-Law Success Community
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Hey everyone,

The LSAT and law school applications are stressful enough, but then you have to tackle letters of recommendation (LORs)! Don't worry, I'm here to break it down for you. This post covers who to ask, how to ask, and some crucial tips for maximizing your LORs.

Part 1: Who to Ask (The Million Dollar Question)

The ideal recommender is someone who knows you well and can speak to your qualities relevant to law school. Think:

  • Academic Abilities: Professors are the classic choice. Ideally, choose professors whose classes you excelled in and with whom you developed a good relationship (office hours are your friend!). They can speak to your analytical skills, critical thinking, and writing abilities. Avoid professors you barely interacted with or whose classes you struggled in.
  • Professional Skills: If you have significant work experience, a supervisor or mentor can be a great option. They can attest to your work ethic, leadership potential, teamwork skills, and other professional attributes. This is especially valuable if your work experience is relevant to law.
  • Character and Personal Qualities: While less common, a mentor, volunteer leader, or someone who has known you for a long time in a significant context can speak to your character, resilience, and commitment. This can be valuable if you have a less traditional academic background.

Key Considerations:

  • Relevance: How well does this person know you in the context of law school? Can they speak to skills and qualities that are valued in the legal profession?
  • Strength of Recommendation: A lukewarm letter from a prestigious person is less valuable than an enthusiastic letter from someone who knows you well.
  • Recency: A recommendation from someone you interacted with recently is generally better than one from someone you knew years ago.

Part 2: How to Ask (The Art of the Ask)

Don't just send a quick email! Treat this process with respect and professionalism.

  1. Do Your Homework: Before asking, consider if the recommender is likely to write you a strong letter. Think about your interactions with them and their potential perspective on your abilities.
  2. Personal Approach: Whenever possible, ask in person or via video call. This shows respect and allows for a more personal conversation.
  3. The Ask: Be clear and direct. "I'm applying to law school and would be honored if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me."
  4. Provide Information: Give your recommenders everything they need to write a compelling letter:
    • Resume/CV: Highlight your academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities.
    • Personal Statement Draft (Optional but Recommended): This helps them understand your motivations for law school and how you see yourself.
    • List of Schools and Deadlines: Make it easy for them to keep track of deadlines. Provide pre-addressed envelopes or online submission links.
    • Specific Talking Points (Optional): If there are specific skills or experiences you want them to highlight, gently suggest them. Don't dictate, but offer guidance.
    • Plenty of Time: Give them at least 6-8 weeks, ideally more. Respect their time and workload.
  5. Waiving Your Right to See the Letter: Generally, it's recommended to waive your right to see the letter. This signals confidence and encourages the recommender to be candid.
  6. Follow Up: A polite thank-you note is essential. A gentle reminder a few weeks before the deadline is also appreciated.

Part 3: Bonus Tips for Success

  • Choose Wisely: Don't just ask the most prestigious person you know. Focus on those who can genuinely advocate for you.
  • Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines and communicate regularly with your recommenders.
  • Express Gratitude: A sincere thank-you goes a long way.

This process can feel daunting, but with careful planning and communication, you can secure strong letters of recommendation that will boost your application. Good luck!

What are your experiences with LORs? Share your tips and questions in the comments below!

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