Top Law Schools

A law professor at my target school is teaching a philosophy class that is cross listed in the law school (think HYS). So far I really like the class and was wondering whether it would be worth it to try to really impress him with the hopes of getting a good LoR.

Does having a rec from a law professor at a top notch school noticeably increase your chances at getting into places like HLS?

22bells wrote:A law professor at my target school is teaching a philosophy class that is cross listed in the law school (think HYS). So far I really like the class and was wondering whether it would be worth it to try to really impress him with the hopes of getting a good LoR.

Does having a rec from a law professor at a top notch school noticeably increase your chances at getting into places like HLS?

A rec being good is based on how well the writer can speak to your strengths and abilities. The best rec will come from the prof who knows you best, and who sees your strengths most often, not the prof with the most impressive title or position. A rec from a law professor at your target school can't hurt, but don't expect it to give you any real advantage either. Your primary goal should be finding profs who you are close with and would be happy to gloat about you.

Suppose I have two professors who will gloat on me equally about my academic abilities. One professor is a famous prof in the humanities department, while the other is a top law school prof.

My question is how much more benefit do you get in terms of admissions strength from the top law rec?

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So I take it there is no extra benefit (at least no extra noticeable benefit), all else being equal, to having a top law school prof write a rec for you over another type of prof?

22bells wrote:So I take it there is no extra benefit (at least no extra noticeable benefit), all else being equal, to having a top law school prof write a rec for you over another type of prof?

I feel like a law (or similar) prof may be able to speak better about your aptitude for studying law. I also think a reference with a big name helps (assuming he can still speak about you.... reputation is a nice bonus, but shouldn't be why you pick a recommendation writer)