Introduction
A well-crafted recommendation letter is a critical component of any successful law school application. It provides admissions committees with valuable insights into a candidate’s academic, professional, and personal qualities. This guide offers a comprehensive manual for writing effective recommendation letters, complete with nine formal examples tailored for law school applications.
Each letter example is designed to highlight specific qualities that law schools look for in candidates, such as academic excellence, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to the legal profession. These templates are fully customizable and can be downloaded in MS Word format for easy editing.
1. Academic Recommendation Letter
Dr. Emily Carter
Professor of Constitutional Law
University of Michigan Law School
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 excelled in my Constitutional Law course during the spring semester of 2023. Sarah demonstrated a profound understanding of complex legal concepts and consistently contributed insightful analyses during class discussions.
Sarah’s academic performance was exemplary, earning the highest grade in the class. Her ability to articulate well-reasoned arguments and engage in thoughtful debates made her a standout student. I have no doubt that she will excel in law school and make valuable contributions to the legal community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Emily Carter
2. Professional Recommendation Letter
Mr. David Thompson
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 pleased to recommend Mr. Michael Lee for admission to Yale Law School. As a summer associate at Thompson & Associates, Michael demonstrated exceptional analytical skills and a keen understanding of legal principles while working on complex cases.
Michael’s ability to think critically and communicate effectively made him an invaluable asset to our team. His dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics is truly commendable. I am confident that he will excel in your rigorous program.
Sincerely,
Mr. David Thompson
3. Character Recommendation Letter
Rev. John Smith
Community Leader
St. Mary’s Church
Los Angeles, CA 90017
October 20, 2023
Admissions Committee
Stanford Law School
Stanford, CA 94305
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Laura Martinez for admission to Stanford Law School. As a community leader, I have had the pleasure of working with Laura on several community service projects that demonstrate her exceptional character and commitment to social justice.
Laura’s ability to lead by example and inspire others is truly remarkable. Her dedication to advocating for the rights of underserved communities reflects her deep sense of responsibility and passion for the legal profession. I have no doubt that she will make a positive impact at Stanford Law School.
Sincerely,
Rev. John Smith
4. Research Recommendation Letter
Dr. Margaret Wilson
Research Director
National Legal Research Institute
Chicago, IL 60611
November 5, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Chicago Law School
Chicago, IL 60637
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Olivia Brown for admission to the University of Chicago Law School. As a research assistant at the National Legal Research Institute, Olivia demonstrated a keen aptitude for legal research and a exceptional ability to analyze complex data.
Olivia’s work on our recent study of criminal justice reform was instrumental in shaping the final report. Her ability to synthesize information and present findings clearly is a rare skill that will serve her well in law school. I am confident that she will excel in your program.
Sincerely,
Dr. Margaret Wilson
5. Leadership Recommendation Letter
Ms. Sophia Patel
President
Pre-Law Society
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720
October 25, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of California, Los Angeles School of Law
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Mr. Daniel Kim for admission to UCLA School of Law. As the President of the Pre-Law Society at UC Berkeley, Daniel has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and a deep commitment to fostering a supportive community for pre-law students.
Under Daniel’s leadership, the Pre-Law Society has grown significantly, with membership increasing by over 50%. His ability to motivate and inspire others has been instrumental in the organization’s success. I have no doubt that he will bring the same level of dedication and leadership to your law school community.
Sincerely,
Ms. Sophia Patel
6. Internship Recommendation Letter
Mr. James Davis
Supervising Attorney
Legal Aid Society
San Francisco, CA 94105
November 10, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of California, Hastings College of the Law
San Francisco, CA 94102
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Ms. Jessica Rodriguez for admission to UC Hastings College of the Law. During her internship at the Legal Aid Society, Jessica demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and a deep understanding of legal principles in practice.
Jessica’s ability to connect with clients and advocate for their rights was truly impressive. Her work on a high-profile immigration case showcased her exceptional legal skills and dedication to justice. I am confident that she will excel in your program.
Sincerely,
Mr. James Davis
7. Volunteer Recommendation Letter
Ms. Linda Green
Executive Director
Community Legal Services
Houston, TX 77002
October 30, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX 78705
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Mr. Robert Taylor for admission to the University of Texas School of Law. As a volunteer at Community Legal Services, Robert has demonstrated a profound commitment to serving others and a deep passion for the legal profession.
Robert’s work with our domestic violence prevention program has been instrumental in helping victims navigate the legal system. His ability to listen compassionately and provide thoughtful guidance has made a significant impact on our clients. I have no doubt that he will excel in law school and become a dedicated advocate for justice.
Sincerely,
Ms. Linda Green
8. Employer Recommendation Letter
Mr. William Brown
CEO
Brown & Co. Law Firm
Dallas, TX 75201
November 15, 2023
Admissions Committee
Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
Dallas, TX 75275
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Ms. Amanda White for admission to SMU Dedman School of Law. As a legal assistant at Brown & Co. Law Firm, Amanda has consistently demonstrated exceptional legal skills and a strong work ethic.
Amanda’s ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously and maintain attention to detail has been instrumental in the success of our firm. Her deep understanding of legal procedures and commitment to excellence make her an ideal candidate for law school. I am confident that she will excel in your program.
Sincerely,
Mr. William Brown
9. Character and Academic Recommendation Letter
Dr. Susan Miller
Dean of Students
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL 60208
November 20, 2023
Admissions Committee
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
Chicago, IL 60611
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Emily Chen for admission to Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. As the Dean of Students, I have had the pleasure of observing Emily’s academic excellence and outstanding character during her time at Northwestern University.
Emily’s ability to balance academic rigor with community service and leadership roles is truly impressive. Her deep commitment to social justice and passion for the legal profession make her an ideal candidate for law school. I have no doubt that she will excel in your program and make valuable contributions to the legal community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Susan Miller
Conclusion
Each of the recommendation letters above is designed to highlight specific qualities that law schools look for in candidates. By emphasizing academic excellence, professional experience, leadership, and character, these letters provide a comprehensive foundation for crafting compelling recommendation letters. Remember to customize each letter to reflect the unique qualities and experiences of the applicant.
For your convenience, these templates can be downloaded in MS Word format below: