Introduction to Writing Recommendation Letters for Law School Applications
Writing a recommendation letter for a law school application is a critical task that requires careful consideration and a clear understanding of the candidate’s qualifications. This manual provides 16+ sample recommendation letters that serve as a guide for crafting compelling, professional, and effective letters of recommendation.
These samples cover a variety of scenarios, including academic recommendations, employment-based recommendations, and character references. Each letter is formatted to meet the highest professional standards, ensuring that the candidate’s strengths and suitability for law school are clearly articulated.
By following the principles outlined in these samples, you can create a recommendation letter that stands out and supports the candidate’s application effectively.
Sample 1: Academic Recommendation from a Professor
Dr. Emily Johnson
Professor of Legal Studies
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138
October 15, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Sarah Thompson for admission to your esteemed law program. I have had the pleasure of teaching and mentoring Sarah during her undergraduate studies, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional academic abilities and personal qualities.
Sarah’s academic performance has been outstanding. She consistently earned top grades in my courses, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex legal concepts and a remarkable ability to analyze and articulate her thoughts clearly.
Her dedication to her studies is matched only by her passion for justice and her commitment to making a positive impact in her community. I have no doubt that Sarah will excel in your law program and make valuable contributions to the legal profession.
Sincerely,
Dr. Emily Johnson
Sample 2: Recommendation from an Employer
Mr. David Wilson
Managing Partner
Smith & Associates Law Firm
New York, NY 10001
November 2, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Mr. Michael Carter for admission to your law program. As Michael’s supervisor during his internship at Smith & Associates, I had the opportunity to observe and guide his growth in a professional legal environment.
Michael’s analytical skills and attention to detail are truly impressive. He quickly grasped complex legal concepts and applied them effectively in his work, earning the respect of both colleagues and clients.
His ability to work well under pressure and his commitment to excellence make him an outstanding candidate for law school. I am confident that Michael will excel in your program and become a distinguished legal professional.
Sincerely,
Mr. David Wilson
Sample 3: Character Reference from a Community Leader
Ms. Laura Martinez
Executive Director
Community Justice Center
Los Angeles, CA 90012
October 20, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Ms. Jessica Lee for admission to your law program. I have known Jessica through her volunteer work at the Community Justice Center, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to social justice.
Jessica’s dedication to public service is inspiring. She has tirelessly advocated for the rights of underserved communities, showing a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Her passion for justice and her strong moral character make her an ideal candidate for law school. I have no doubt that Jessica will use her legal education to make a positive difference in the world.
Sincerely,
Ms. Laura Martinez
Sample 4: Academic Recommendation from a Dean
Dr. Robert Taylor
Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305
October 25, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Elizabeth Bennett for admission to your law program. As Dean of Undergraduate Studies, I have had the pleasure of observing Elizabeth’s academic journey and personal growth during her time at Stanford.
Elizabeth’s academic achievements are truly exceptional. She has maintained a stellar GPA while actively participating in extracurricular activities that demonstrate her leadership and commitment to social causes.
Her intellectual curiosity and passion for learning make her an outstanding candidate for law school. I am confident that Elizabeth will excel in your program and make significant contributions to the legal field.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Taylor
Sample 5: Recommendation from a Research Supervisor
Dr. Margaret Davis
Research Professor
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL 60637
November 5, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Mr. Daniel Brown for admission to your law program. Daniel worked under my supervision on a research project examining the impact of judicial decisions on public policy.
Daniel’s research skills and analytical abilities are exceptional. He demonstrated a keen understanding of legal principles and a remarkable ability to synthesize complex information into clear and concise arguments.
His dedication to rigorous scholarship and his passion for the law make him an ideal candidate for your program. I have no doubt that Daniel will excel in your law school and make valuable contributions to legal academia.
Sincerely,
Dr. Margaret Davis
Sample 6: Recommendation from a Former Professor
Dr. James Wilson
Professor of Constitutional Law
Yale University
New Haven, CT 06520
October 30, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Ms. Amanda Green for admission to your law program. I had the pleasure of teaching Amanda in my Constitutional Law course, where she consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of legal principles and a keen analytical mind.
Amanda’s ability to think critically and articulate her thoughts clearly is truly impressive. She actively participated in class discussions, offering insightful perspectives that enriched the learning experience for her peers.
Her passion for the law and her commitment to excellence make her an outstanding candidate for your program. I am confident that Amanda will excel in law school and become a distinguished legal professional.
Sincerely,
Dr. James Wilson
Sample 7: Recommendation from a Legal Mentor
Ms. Susan Clark
Partner
Clark & Associates Law Firm
Dallas, TX 75201
November 10, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Mr. Kevin White for admission to your law program. As Kevin’s legal mentor, I have had the opportunity to guide his professional development and observe his growth in a legal context.
Kevin’s enthusiasm for the law and his eagerness to learn are truly commendable. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic and a commitment to understanding the legal principles that govern our profession.
His dedication to becoming an outstanding legal professional makes him an excellent candidate for your program. I have no doubt that Kevin will excel in law school and make valuable contributions to the legal community.
Sincerely,
Ms. Susan Clark
Sample 8: Academic Recommendation from a Department Chair
Dr. William Moore
Chair, Department of Political Science
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720
October 18, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Sophia Rodriguez for admission to your law program. As Chair of the Political Science Department, I have had the pleasure of observing Sophia’s academic achievements and personal growth during her undergraduate studies.
Sophia’s academic record is outstanding, and her intellectual curiosity is evident in her coursework and research projects. She has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of legal and political concepts, as well as a remarkable ability to analyze and interpret complex information.
Her passion for social justice and her commitment to making a positive impact in the world make her an ideal candidate for law school. I am confident that Sophia will excel in your program and become a distinguished legal professional.
Sincerely,
Dr. William Moore
Sample 9: Recommendation from a Business Leader
Mr. Richard Lee
CEO
GlobalTech Industries
San Francisco, CA 94105
November 15, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Ms. Emily Kim for admission to your law program. As CEO of GlobalTech Industries, I have had the opportunity to observe Emily’s work during her internship with our legal department.
Emily’s analytical skills and attention to detail are truly impressive. She quickly grasped complex legal concepts and applied them effectively in her work, earning the respect of our legal team.
Her ability to work well under pressure and her commitment to excellence make her an outstanding candidate for law school. I am confident that Emily will excel in your program and become a distinguished legal professional.
Sincerely,
Mr. Richard Lee
Sample 10: Recommendation from a Non-Profit Organization Director
Ms. Patricia Harris
Executive Director
Justice for All Non-Profit
Atlanta, GA 30303
October 22, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Mr. Brian Adams for admission to your law program. As Executive Director of Justice for All, I have had the pleasure of working with Brian during his volunteer work with our organization.
Brian’s dedication to social justice and his passion for the law are truly inspiring. He has demonstrated a remarkable ability to advocate for the rights of underserved communities, showing a deep commitment to equality and fairness.
His strong moral character and his desire to make a positive impact in the world make him an ideal candidate for law school. I have no doubt that Brian will excel in your program and become a distinguished legal professional.
Sincerely,
Ms. Patricia Harris
Sample 11: Academic Recommendation from a Teaching Assistant
Ms. Rachel Hall
Teaching Assistant
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
November 1, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Ms. Olivia Brown for admission to your law program. As a teaching assistant for a course in which Olivia was enrolled, I had the opportunity to observe her academic performance and personal qualities.
Olivia’s academic abilities are exceptional, and her participation in class discussions was always thoughtful and insightful. She demonstrated a deep understanding of legal concepts and a remarkable ability to articulate her thoughts clearly and persuasively.
Her passion for learning and her commitment to excellence make her an outstanding candidate for law school. I am confident that Olivia will excel in your program and make valuable contributions to the legal field.
Sincerely,
Ms. Rachel Hall
Sample 12: Recommendation from a Research Institute Director
Dr. Michael Scott
Director
National Legal Research Institute
Washington, D.C. 20001
October 28, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Lauren Phillips for admission to your law program. As Director of the National Legal Research Institute, I have had the pleasure of working with Lauren during her research fellowship with our organization.
Lauren’s research skills and analytical abilities are truly exceptional. She demonstrated a keen understanding of legal principles and a remarkable ability to synthesize complex information into clear and concise arguments.
Her dedication to rigorous scholarship and her passion for the law make her an ideal candidate for your program. I have no doubt that Lauren will excel in law school and make valuable contributions to legal academia.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Scott
Sample 13: Recommendation from a Former Employer
Ms. Deborah Walker
Human Resources Manager
ABC Corporation
Chicago, IL 60606
November 8, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Mr. Matthew Garcia for admission to your law program. As Matthew’s supervisor during his employment at ABC Corporation, I have had the opportunity to observe his professional growth and personal qualities.
Matthew’s work ethic and attention to detail are truly impressive. He consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence and a remarkable ability to work effectively in a team environment.
His dedication to his career and his passion for the law make him an outstanding candidate for law school. I am confident that Matthew will excel in your program and become a distinguished legal professional.
Sincerely,
Ms. Deborah Walker
Sample 14: Recommendation from a Community Organization President
Mr. Daniel Brooks
President
Community Action Network
Houston, TX 77002
October 12, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Ms. Sophia Martinez for admission to your law program. As President of the Community Action Network, I have had the pleasure of working with Sophia during her volunteer work with our organization.
Sophia’s dedication to social justice and her passion for the law are truly inspiring. She has demonstrated a remarkable ability to advocate for the rights of underserved communities, showing a deep commitment to equality and fairness.
Her strong moral character and her desire to make a positive impact in the world make her an ideal candidate for law school. I have no doubt that Sophia will excel in your program and become a distinguished legal professional.
Sincerely,
Mr. Daniel Brooks
Sample 15: Academic Recommendation from a Pre-Law Advisor
Ms. Karen Brown
Pre-Law Advisor
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
November 4, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Mr. Christopher Taylor for admission to your law program. As Christopher’s pre-law advisor, I have had the opportunity to guide his academic and professional development as he prepared for law school.
Christopher’s academic achievements are truly exceptional. He has maintained a stellar GPA while actively participating in extracurricular activities that demonstrate his leadership and commitment to social causes.
His intellectual curiosity and passion for the law make him an outstanding candidate for your program. I am confident that Christopher will excel in law school and make significant contributions to the legal field.
Sincerely,
Ms. Karen Brown
Sample 16: Recommendation from a Legal Clinic Director
Ms. Jennifer White
Director
Community Legal Clinic
Seattle, WA 98101
October 10, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Ms. Nicole Anderson for admission to your law program. As Director of the Community Legal Clinic, I have had the pleasure of working with Nicole during her volunteer work with our organization.
Nicole’s dedication to public service and her passion for the law are truly inspiring. She has demonstrated a remarkable ability to advocate for the rights of underserved communities, showing a deep commitment to justice and equality.
Her strong moral character and her desire to make a positive impact in the world make her an ideal candidate for law school. I have no doubt that Nicole will excel in your program and become a distinguished legal professional.
Sincerely,
Ms. Jennifer White
Conclusion
These 16 sample recommendation letters provide a comprehensive guide for writing effective letters of recommendation for law school applications. Each sample is tailored to a specific context, demonstrating the key principles of strong recommendation letters. By following these examples, you can create a compelling and professional recommendation that supports the candidate’s application and highlights their strengths and qualifications.
Remember to personalize each letter, emphasizing the candidate’s unique qualities and experiences. The goal is to provide a clear and persuasive endorsement that helps the candidate stand out in the competitive law school admissions process.