Introduction
When applying to law school, one of the most critical components of your application is the reference letter. These letters, often referred to as letters of recommendation, provide law schools with an outside perspective on your qualifications, character, and potential for success in a legal career. A well-crafted reference letter can significantly strengthen your application, setting you apart from other candidates.
Law schools typically require 2-3 letters of recommendation, often from academic or professional mentors who can speak to your skills and experiences. The letters should highlight your academic achievements, leadership qualities, and any relevant work experience that demonstrates your readiness for law school. Below, we provide 16 sample reference letters that you can use as templates or inspiration when requesting letters of recommendation for your law school applications.
These examples cover a variety of scenarios, including academic recommendations, professional recommendations, and character references. Each letter is tailored to highlight different aspects of the applicant’s background, showcasing their unique strengths and qualifications. Use these samples to guide your own letter writers or to help you craft a compelling letter if you are writing one for someone else.
Sample 1: Academic Recommendation for a High-Achieving Student
Dr. Emily Carter
Professor of Constitutional Law
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138
October 15, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Sarah Johnson for admission to your esteemed law school. As Sarah’s professor in Constitutional Law, I had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional academic abilities and her deep commitment to the study of law.
Sarah consistently demonstrated a remarkable understanding of complex legal concepts and a keen analytical mind. Her ability to articulate her thoughts clearly and persuasively, both in writing and during class discussions, was truly impressive. Her final paper on the Evolution of Due Process was one of the best I have read in my 15 years of teaching.
Sarah’s intellectual curiosity and passion for the law are evident in everything she does. I have no doubt that she will excel in law school and make valuable contributions to the legal profession. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Emily Carter
Sample 2: Professional Recommendation for a Legal Intern
Michael Thompson, Esq.
Partner, Smith & Associates Law Firm
123 Main Street, Suite 400
New York, NY 10001
November 2, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Mr. James Wilson for admission to your law school. I had the pleasure of supervising James during his internship at Smith & Associates, where he demonstrated outstanding legal research skills and a strong work ethic.
James was instrumental in assisting with a high-profile corporate litigation case, where his attention to detail and ability to synthesize complex legal information were invaluable. His contributions to the case were far beyond what we typically expect from an intern, and his dedication earned him the respect of both attorneys and support staff.
James’s passion for the law is evident in his commitment to learning and his desire to make a positive impact. I am confident that he will excel in law school and become an accomplished attorney. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Michael Thompson, Esq.
Sample 3: Character Reference from a Community Leader
Rev. David Martinez
Community Outreach Director
St. Mary’s Church
456 Elm Street
Chicago, IL 60601
September 20, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Ms. Maria Gonzalez for admission to your law school. I have known Maria for five years through her extensive volunteer work at St. Mary’s Church, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to social justice.
Maria has been instrumental in organizing our annual Legal Aid Fair, which provides free legal services to underserved members of our community. Her ability to coordinate with local attorneys, community organizations, and volunteers is a testament to her organizational skills and her passion for helping others.
Maria’s dedication to making a difference in her community is inspiring. She possesses the compassion and moral integrity that are essential for a successful legal career. I have no doubt that she will be an asset to your law school and the legal profession as a whole.
Sincerely,
Rev. David Martinez
Sample 4: Academic Recommendation for a Non-Traditional Student
Dr. Linda Green
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90095
October 10, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Ms. Laura Brown for admission to your law school. As a non-traditional student who returned to academia after several years in the workforce, Laura has demonstrated remarkable resilience and a strong commitment to her educational goals.
Laura excelled in my Criminal Justice course, consistently producing outstanding written work and actively participating in class discussions. Her unique perspective, shaped by her real-world experiences, enriched the learning environment for all students. Her final research paper on Reformative Justice Models was particularly impressive, showcasing her critical thinking skills and her ability to engage with complex legal concepts.
Laura’s determination and intellectual curiosity make her an ideal candidate for law school. I am confident that she will bring a valuable perspective to your program and excel in her legal studies.
Sincerely,
Dr. Linda Green
Sample 5: Professional Recommendation from a Former Employer
Susan Lee
Managing Director
Legal Services Division
ABC Corporation
789 Corporate Drive
Dallas, TX 75201
November 5, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Mr. Daniel Kim for admission to your law school. Daniel worked under my supervision in the Legal Services Division of ABC Corporation, where he demonstrated exceptional legal acumen and a strong work ethic.
Daniel was responsible for conducting legal research, drafting contracts, and assisting with compliance matters. His ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide practical solutions was impressive. He played a key role in negotiating a high-stakes contract that resulted in significant cost savings for the company.
Daniel’s professionalism, combined with his intellectual curiosity, makes him an excellent candidate for law school. I am confident that he will excel in your program and make valuable contributions to the legal profession.
Sincerely,
Susan Lee
Sample 6: Academic Recommendation for a Research Assistant
Dr. Robert Harris
Professor of Intellectual Property Law
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305
October 25, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Emily Davis for admission to your law school. As my research assistant, Emily demonstrated outstanding analytical skills and a deep passion for legal scholarship.
Emily assisted me in researching and writing a law review article on emerging issues in intellectual property law. Her ability to synthesize complex legal concepts and present them in a clear, concise manner was exceptional. She also took the initiative to suggest innovative approaches to the research, showcasing her creative thinking.
Emily’s intellectual curiosity and dedication to legal scholarship make her an ideal candidate for law school. I am confident that she will excel in your program and make significant contributions to the field of law.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Harris
Sample 7: Professional Recommendation from a Small Law Firm
Mark Sanchez, Esq.
Partner, Sanchez & Moreno Law Firm
321 Pine Street, Suite 200
Denver, CO 80203
November 8, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Olivia Martinez for admission to your law school. Olivia interned at our firm during the summer of 2023, where she demonstrated exceptional legal skills and a strong commitment to excellence.
Olivia assisted with several family law cases, including drafting legal documents and conducting client interviews. Her ability to connect with clients and provide compassionate support was remarkable. She also demonstrated a keen understanding of legal procedures and a strong attention to detail.
Olivia’s passion for the law and her dedication to helping others make her an outstanding candidate for law school. I am confident that she will excel in your program and become a skilled attorney.
Sincerely,
Mark Sanchez, Esq.
Sample 8: Academic Recommendation for a Student with a Non-Legal Background
Dr. Patricia Wilson
Professor of Philosophy
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
October 12, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Mr. David Lee for admission to your law school. Although David’s academic background is in philosophy, he has demonstrated exceptional critical thinking skills and a strong analytical mind, which will serve him well in law school.
In my Ethics and Logic course, David consistently produced outstanding written work and actively participated in class discussions. His ability to analyze complex philosophical concepts and apply them to real-world issues was impressive. His final paper on Moral Reasoning in Legal Contexts was one of the best I have read in my career.
David’s intellectual curiosity and passion for learning make him an excellent candidate for law school. I am confident that he will excel in your program and bring a unique perspective to your student body.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patricia Wilson
Sample 9: Professional Recommendation from a Government Agency
Karen Brown
Assistant Director
Legal Affairs Division
U.S. Department of Justice
987 Justice Way
Washington, D.C. 20530
November 15, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Mr. Kevin White for admission to your law school. Kevin worked in the Legal Affairs Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he demonstrated outstanding legal skills and a strong commitment to public service.
Kevin was instrumental in assisting with several high-profile cases, including a major civil rights investigation. His ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide well-reasoned recommendations was impressive. He also demonstrated a strong understanding of federal regulations and a commitment to upholding justice.
Kevin’s passion for public service and his dedication to the law make him an excellent candidate for law school. I am confident that he will excel in your program and make valuable contributions to the legal profession.
Sincerely,
Karen Brown
Sample 10: Academic Recommendation for a Student with a Strong Work Ethic
Dr. Michael Adams
Professor of Business Law
University of Texas
Austin, TX 78712
October 20, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Jessica Garcia for admission to your law school. Jessica has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to her studies.
In my Business Law course, Jessica produced outstanding written work and actively participated in class discussions. Her ability to analyze complex legal concepts and apply them to real-world business scenarios was impressive. She also took the initiative to assist her peers, showcasing her leadership skills.
Jessica’s dedication to her education and her passion for the law make her an excellent candidate for law school. I am confident that she will excel in your program and become a successful attorney.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Adams
Sample 11: Professional Recommendation from a Judge
Hon. Margaret Johnson
Circuit Court Judge
456 Courthouse Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303
November 10, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Sophia Rodriguez for admission to your law school. Sophia clerked for me during the summer of 2023, where she demonstrated exceptional legal skills and a strong commitment to the administration of justice.
Sophia assisted with several civil and criminal cases, including drafting legal memoranda and conducting legal research. Her ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide well-reasoned recommendations was impressive. She also demonstrated a strong understanding of courtroom procedures and a commitment to fairness.
Sophia’s passion for the law and her dedication to public service make her an outstanding candidate for law school. I am confident that she will excel in your program and become a distinguished attorney.
Sincerely,
Hon. Margaret Johnson
Sample 12: Academic Recommendation for a Student with a Background in Public Policy
Dr. Daniel Walker
Professor of Public Policy
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22903
October 18, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Ms. Rachel Hall for admission to your law school. Rachel’s background in public policy has provided her with a strong foundation in understanding the intersection of law and policy, which will be invaluable in her legal studies.
In my Advanced Public Policy course, Rachel produced outstanding written work and actively participated in class discussions. Her ability to analyze complex policy issues and develop well-reasoned solutions was impressive. Her final paper on Healthcare Policy and Legal Implications was one of the best I have read in my career.
Rachel’s intellectual curiosity and passion for the law make her an excellent candidate for law school. I am confident that she will excel in your program and make valuable contributions to the legal profession.
Sincerely,
Dr. Daniel Walker
Sample 13: Professional Recommendation from a Non-Profit Organization
Elizabeth Taylor
Executive Director
Legal Aid Services of America
654 Non-Profit Lane
Boston, MA 02201
November 12, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Ms. Nicole Martinez for admission to your law school. Nicole volunteered at Legal Aid Services of America, where she demonstrated exceptional legal skills and a strong commitment to social justice.
Nicole assisted with several pro bono cases, including drafting legal documents and conducting client interviews. Her ability to connect with clients and provide compassionate support was remarkable. She also demonstrated a strong understanding of legal procedures and a commitment to fighting for the rights of the underserved.
Nicole’s passion for social justice and her dedication to the law make her an excellent candidate for law school. I am confident that she will excel in your program and become a skilled attorney.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Taylor
Sample 14: Academic Recommendation for a Student with a Background in International Relations
Dr. Laura Bennett
Professor of International Relations
Georgetown University
Washington, D.C. 20057
October 22, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Mr. Alexander Smith for admission to your law school. Alexander’s background in international relations has provided him with a strong foundation in understanding global legal issues, which will be invaluable in his legal studies.
In my International Law course, Alexander consistently produced outstanding written work and actively participated in class discussions. His ability to analyze complex international legal concepts and apply them to real-world scenarios was impressive. His final paper on Human Rights Law in Global Contexts was one of the best I have read in my career.
Alexander’s intellectual curiosity and passion for the law make him an excellent candidate for law school. I am confident that he will excel in your program and make valuable contributions to the legal profession.
Sincerely,
Dr. Laura Bennett
Sample 15: Professional Recommendation from a Corporate Law Firm
David Clark, Esq.
Senior Associate, Corporate Law
Johnson & Johnson Law Firm
321 Corporate Drive, Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90017
November 18, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Ms. Amanda Brown for admission to your law school. Amanda interned at Johnson & Johnson Law Firm, where she demonstrated exceptional legal skills and a strong commitment to excellence.
Amanda assisted with several corporate law cases, including drafting legal documents and conducting legal research. Her ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide well-reasoned recommendations was impressive. She also demonstrated a strong understanding of corporate law principles and a commitment to detail.
Amanda’s passion for the law and her dedication to her work make her an excellent candidate for law school. I am confident that she will excel in your program and become a skilled attorney.
Sincerely,
David Clark, Esq.
Sample 16: Academic Recommendation for a Student with a Background in Criminal Justice
Dr. James Wilson
Professor of Criminal Justice
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611
October 28, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Ms. Samantha Johnson for admission to your law school. Samantha’s background in criminal justice has provided her with a strong foundation in understanding the legal system, which will be invaluable in her legal studies.
In my Criminal Justice course, Samantha consistently produced outstanding written work and actively participated in class discussions. Her ability to analyze complex legal concepts and apply them to real-world scenarios was impressive. Her final paper on Reformative Justice Models was one of the best I have read in my career.
Samantha’s intellectual curiosity and passion for the law make her an excellent candidate for law school. I am confident that she will excel in your program and make valuable contributions to the legal profession.
Sincerely,
Dr. James Wilson
Conclusion
Each of these sample reference letters demonstrates the key qualities that law schools look for in candidates: academic excellence, professional experience, leadership, and a strong commitment to the law. By tailoring these examples to your own experiences and achievements, you can create compelling letters of recommendation that will help you stand out in the competitive law school admissions process.
Remember, the key to a successful reference letter is to showcase your unique strengths and qualifications while demonstrating a genuine passion for the law. Whether you are seeking an academic recommendation, a professional recommendation, or a character reference, these samples provide a solid foundation for crafting a letter that will help you achieve your goal of attending law school.