Introduction
Writing a recommendation letter for a law school application is a critical task that requires careful thought and precise execution. A well-crafted letter can significantly enhance an applicant’s chances of admission by providing valuable insights into their character, skills, and potential for success in law school. This guide provides 16+ sample recommendation letters tailored for law school applications, offering a comprehensive resource for those seeking to write compelling letters of recommendation.
Sample 1: Academic Recommendation for a Pre-Law Student
Dr. Emily Carter
Professor of Political Science
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
October 15, 2023
Admissions Committee
Harvard Law School
Cambridge, MA 02138
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to write this letter of recommendation for Ms. Sarah Johnson, who has been an outstanding student in my Constitutional Law class. Sarah’s intellectual curiosity and analytical skills are exceptional, and her ability to engage in nuanced legal discussions has been impressive.
One of Sarah’s most notable qualities is her ability to think critically and articulate complex ideas with clarity. Her contributions to class discussions have consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of legal principles and their practical applications.
I am confident that Sarah will excel in law school and make valuable contributions to your academic community. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Emily Carter
Sample 2: Employer Recommendation for a Legal Intern
Michael Thompson, Esq.
Partner
Thompson & Associates Law Firm
New York, NY 10001
November 2, 2023
Admissions Committee
Yale Law School
New Haven, CT 06520
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Mr. James Reed for admission to Yale Law School. As an intern at Thompson & Associates, James demonstrated exceptional legal research skills and a strong work ethic that impressed both attorneys and staff alike.
James’s ability to synthesize complex legal information into clear, concise arguments was particularly noteworthy. His contributions to several high-profile cases were instrumental in achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
I have no doubt that James will excel in law school and become an outstanding attorney. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
Michael Thompson, Esq.
Sample 3: Character Recommendation from a Community Leader
Reverend David Brown
Community Outreach Director
First Baptist Church
Chicago, IL 60611
October 20, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Chicago Law School
Chicago, IL 60637
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Ms. Laura Martinez, who has been an active and dedicated member of our community outreach program. Laura’s commitment to public service and her ability to lead by example have made a significant impact on our community.
Laura’s leadership skills and her passion for social justice are qualities that will serve her well in law school and beyond. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life and inspire collective action is truly remarkable.
I am confident that Laura will bring the same level of dedication and compassion to your law school community. Please feel free to contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,
Reverend David Brown
Sample 4: Academic Recommendation for a Non-Traditional Applicant
Dr. Robert Lee
Associate Professor of Philosophy
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305
November 5, 2023
Admissions Committee
Stanford Law School
Stanford, CA 94305
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Mr. Daniel Kim for admission to Stanford Law School. As a non-traditional applicant with a background in philosophy, Daniel has brought a unique perspective to our academic community, and his intellectual depth and maturity have been truly impressive.
Daniel’s ability to approach complex philosophical concepts with both analytical rigor and creative thinking is a rare talent. His contributions to our seminars have consistently challenged and enriched the discussions.
I have no doubt that Daniel will bring the same level of intellectual curiosity and dedication to your law school program. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Lee
Sample 5: Recommendation from a Research Supervisor
Dr. Margaret Wilson
Research Professor of Criminal Justice
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720
October 25, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of California, Berkeley School of Law
Berkeley, CA 94720
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Olivia Green, who has been an exceptional research assistant in my criminal justice studies. Olivia’s dedication to understanding the complexities of the criminal justice system has been remarkable, and her research skills are well beyond those of her peers.
Olivia’s ability to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions has been instrumental in advancing our research projects. Her passion for justice and her commitment to making a positive impact are qualities that will serve her well in law school and beyond.
I am confident that Olivia will excel in your program and make valuable contributions to your academic community. Please feel free to contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Margaret Wilson
Sample 6: Employer Recommendation for a Paralegal
Karen Davis, Esq.
Senior Associate
Smith & Davis Law Firm
Los Angeles, CA 90017
November 10, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Southern California Gould School of Law
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Sophia Garcia, who has been an outstanding paralegal at Smith & Davis Law Firm. Sophia’s legal knowledge, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex cases have been truly impressive.
Sophia’s ability to work effectively under pressure and her commitment to delivering high-quality work have made her an invaluable member of our team. Her passion for the law and her desire to become an attorney are evident in everything she does.
I have no doubt that Sophia will excel in law school and become an excellent attorney. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,
Karen Davis, Esq.
Sample 7: Academic Recommendation for a Science Major
Dr. James Evans
Professor of Chemistry
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA 02142
October 30, 2023
Admissions Committee
Harvard Law School
Cambridge, MA 02138
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Mr. Alexander Brown, who has been an outstanding student in my chemistry program. Alex’s analytical mind and problem-solving skills have been truly impressive, and his ability to approach complex scientific concepts with clarity and precision is a rare talent.
Alex’s ability to think critically and his passion for learning are qualities that will serve him well in law school and beyond. His unique background in science will bring a valuable perspective to your academic community.
I am confident that Alex will excel in your program and make meaningful contributions to the study of law. Please feel free to contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. James Evans
Sample 8: Recommendation from a Business Owner
Mark Johnson
CEO
Johnson Enterprises
Dallas, TX 75201
November 15, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX 78705
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Ms. Emily White, who has been an exceptional employee at Johnson Enterprises. Emily’s leadership skills, work ethic, and ability to manage complex projects have been truly impressive.
Emily’s ability to think strategically and her commitment to achieving excellence in everything she does are qualities that will serve her well in law school and beyond. Her passion for business law and her desire to make a positive impact are evident in everything she does.
I have no doubt that Emily will excel in your program and become an outstanding attorney. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,
Mark Johnson
Sample 9: Academic Recommendation for a Philosophy Major
Dr. Susan Taylor
Professor of Philosophy
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22904
November 1, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Virginia School of Law
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Rachel Lee, who has been an outstanding student in my philosophy program. Rachel’s intellectual curiosity and ability to engage in nuanced philosophical discussions have been truly impressive.
Rachel’s ability to think critically and her passion for exploring complex ethical and legal issues are qualities that will serve her well in law school and beyond. Her unique perspective and analytical skills will bring a valuable dimension to your academic community.
I am confident that Rachel will excel in your program and make meaningful contributions to the study of law. Please feel free to contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Susan Taylor
Sample 10: Recommendation from a Non-Profit Organization Director
Carolyn Martinez
Executive Director
Justice for All Non-Profit
Denver, CO 80203
November 20, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Denver Sturm College of Law
Denver, CO 80208
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Jessica Rodriguez, who has been an exceptional volunteer and leader at Justice for All. Jessica’s commitment to social justice and her ability to inspire others have been truly remarkable.
Jessica’s ability to work effectively with diverse groups and her passion for creating positive change are qualities that will serve her well in law school and beyond. Her dedication to public service and her desire to make a difference are evident in everything she does.
I have no doubt that Jessica will excel in your program and become an outstanding attorney. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Martinez
Sample 11: Academic Recommendation for a Business Major
Dr. Michael Chen
Associate Professor of Business Administration
University of Illinois
Champaign, IL 61820
November 25, 2023
Admissions Committee
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
Chicago, IL 60611
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Mr. Kevin Wilson, who has been an outstanding student in my business administration program. Kevin’s analytical skills and ability to approach complex business problems with clarity and precision have been truly impressive.
Kevin’s ability to think critically and his passion for business law are qualities that will serve him well in law school and beyond. His unique perspective and analytical skills will bring a valuable dimension to your academic community.
I am confident that Kevin will excel in your program and make meaningful contributions to the study of law. Please feel free to contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Chen
Sample 12: Recommendation from a Former Employer
David Mitchell
Managing Partner
Mitchell & Associates
Seattle, WA 98101
November 30, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Washington School of Law
Seattle, WA 98195
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Amanda Green, who was an exceptional employee at Mitchell & Associates. Amanda’s legal knowledge, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex cases have been truly impressive.
Amanda’s ability to work effectively under pressure and her commitment to delivering high-quality work are qualities that will serve her well in law school and beyond. Her passion for the law and her desire to become an attorney are evident in everything she does.
I have no doubt that Amanda will excel in your program and become an excellent attorney. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,
David Mitchell
Sample 13: Academic Recommendation for an English Major
Dr. Lisa Nguyen
Professor of English
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
December 5, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX 78705
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Sophia Martinez, who has been an outstanding student in my English program. Sophia’s ability to analyze complex texts and her passion for literature have been truly impressive.
Sophia’s ability to think critically and her passion for exploring the intersection of language and law are qualities that will serve her well in law school and beyond. Her unique perspective and analytical skills will bring a valuable dimension to your academic community.
I am confident that Sophia will excel in your program and make meaningful contributions to the study of law. Please feel free to contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lisa Nguyen
Sample 14: Recommendation from a Public Official
Maria Gonzalez
City Council Member
City of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA 94102
December 10, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of California, Berkeley School of Law
Berkeley, CA 94720
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Elena Perez, who has been an exceptional intern in my office. Elena’s commitment to public service and her ability to work effectively with diverse groups have been truly impressive.
Elena’s ability to think strategically and her passion for creating positive change are qualities that will serve her well in law school and beyond. Her dedication to social justice and her desire to make a difference are evident in everything she does.
I have no doubt that Elena will excel in your program and become an outstanding attorney. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,