Managing Your Law School Reference Letters
The Law School Admissions Council offers a convenient Letter of Recommendation (LOR) service, included with your Credential Assembly Service (CAS) registration. This service allows you to collect and manage your letters of recommendation through your LSAC.org account, building your file over time.
How Many Letters Do I Need?
- Most law schools require two or three reference letters, though some may accept more.
- Faculty references are ideal, but nonacademic references (such as from employers or volunteer supervisors) can also be appropriate—especially for applicants who have been out of school for several years.
- Always follow each school's application instructions regarding number and type of letters.
- If you have more than the minimum number, consider sending an extra letter only if:
- You do not exceed the maximum allowed by the school,
- The letter provides new information about you.
Who Should Write My Letters?
- At least one letter should be from a professor, ideally in your major, who knows your work well.
- Other strong choices include professors, advisors, or supervisors from significant academic, research, teaching, or leadership contexts.
- Letters from employers or volunteer supervisors can be valuable if they speak directly to your skills and character.
- Avoid letters from public officials or "power letter" writers—such as politicians or judges—unless you worked directly for them and they can provide meaningful, first-hand insights.
How Do I Get Strong Letters?
- Ask potential writers if they know you well enough to write a detailed and positive letter.
- Ask early—give at least two to three weeks’ notice, and more if possible.
- Provide writers with helpful supporting materials, such as:
- A copy of your transcript
- A resume
- Your personal statement or a statement of your goals
- Examples of your work, if relevant
- A list of skills or experiences you’d like them to mention
- If you haven’t interacted recently, consider providing a photo or a brief reminder of your classroom or project work.
- Be sure to send a thank-you note and let them know your admission outcome.
What Should Letters Address?
The American Bar Association Pre-Law Committee identifies these core skills and values for future law students:
- Analytic and problem solving skills
- Critical reading abilities
- Writing skills
- Oral communication and listening abilities
- General research skills
- Task organization and management skills
- The values of serving others and promoting justice
Additional important qualities include:
- Scholarship and intellectual ability
- Judgment, decisiveness, and common sense
- Resourcefulness, creativity, and initiative
- Work ethic and industriousness
- Responsibility and leadership skills
- Positive attitude and flexibility
- Self-confidence and self-awareness
- Dependability and conscientiousness
- Integrity and ethics
- Perseverance and motivation
- Emotional maturity and stability
- Cross-cultural awareness
When planning whom to ask, select those who can provide honest, detailed feedback on your strengths in these areas.
How Do I Obtain Letters from My Writers?
If you use the LSAC's Letter of Recommendation service, detailed instructions are available through your LSAC account to guide both you and your writers through online submission.
When Should I Send My Letters?
- Gathering strong reference letters takes more time than you might expect—start early.
- While it’s best to have all your application materials sent around the same time, reference letters may arrive separately.
- Follow each school’s specific guidance, but typically you should submit letters as soon as they are ready.
A Word of Advice
Do not procrastinate. Give yourself and your writers plenty of time to ensure your letters are as strong and effective as possible.