Email for requesting a LOR Forum

[thomas85]

I don't have much experience writing professional academic emails. Can someone point me to a good sample email that politely requests the LOR and explains exactly what kind of information law schools are looking for in a quality LOR?

[thomas85]

Is it even OK to request a LOR via email? I mean, its a professor that I have a pretty good relationship with, so I feel a little funny making an appointment to see him.

[Cleareyes]

If you are in the same city as your college you should make an appointment and go see the prof in person.

[rando]

Or if you feel uncomfortable making an "appointment" then ask to have a cup of coffee or lunch.

[tttlllsss]

I don't have much experience writing professional academic emails. Can someone point me to a good sample email that politely requests the LOR and explains exactly what kind of information law schools are looking for in a quality LOR?

"Dear Professor ___

This is _______; I was in your __________ class __this past semester/2 semesters ago, etc__. I am applying to law school this fall and I am wondering if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf.

I would be happy to come to your office and talk about specifics as well as give you any pertinent materials (my résumé, transcript, etc.). If you are willing, please let me know when it would be convenient to meet.

Best,
_____."

Sending an e-mail like this during the summer is a good idea since (1) it's presumably uncertain when your prof will be in his or her office (2) your motivations for meeting w/ your prof are clear from the start - you won't be catching him or her off guard with a request. If your prof would decline your request, this gives him or her an easy way out. When you actually meet w/ your prof, there will be a clear purpose, and then you can express your reasons for attending law school and what you expect to be included in the LOR. I would strongly suggest meeting w/ your prof in person after sending this e-mail, however.

[TrackTony88]

I had to e-mail one of my LoRec writers last year since they no longer worked at the school I went to. The e-mail actually worked out perfectly fine, and it may be a good idea to attach your resume along with the initial asking for the letter of rec just so they are familiar with who you are for sure and what you would like them to focus on in the letter of rec based on your experiences.

[lifestooquick]

Anyone have any experience just doing this by email? It seems that everyone is meeting with their professors to talk about it. I graduated two years ago and have since moved out of state. Should I just provide my resume and as much supplemental information I can in an email and then let them know that I'd be happy to talk to the them on the phone should they want to discuss anything further?

[xqhp82]

anyone who's experienced annoying professors who don't reply emails?? i asked for my LoR in person but now i'm out of the country, I gave my professor 2 months time already and now he's completely ignoring my emails for some reason....should i call him up and if so what should i say? i don't want to be sound too offensive since i believe he still hasn't written the letter and i still have 1 more year of classes with him

[lawduder]

Anyone have any experience just doing this by email? It seems that everyone is meeting with their professors to talk about it. I graduated two years ago and have since moved out of state. Should I just provide my resume and as much supplemental information I can in an email and then let them know that I'd be happy to talk to the them on the phone should they want to discuss anything further?

I think emailing is fine under these circumstances. I sent an email to a professor requesting a meeting with him to talk about writing me a LoR only to find out that he was in another country. After he agreed to write the letter, I sent him an attached resume and transcripts (at the time I didn't have a personal statement to send). It took a while for the letter to actually reach LSAC but it all worked out.

[sven]

Is a phone call better than an email for the initial request? Especially now that it's summer (and they might not be in their offices), I feel like an email is more convenient. Plus an email gives the professor some space and time to think, before committing to a perhaps half-assed recommendation.