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I've done multiple forum searches on this topic, but I need some 'fresh' advice.

I have been out of undergrad for 14 years. I went to a very large undergrad school and have had zero contact with my professors for the past 14 years. I reviewed the faculty list and saw one professor who might possibly remember me and to whom I can send a photo of us that 'might' jog his memory. But I highly doubt he will be able to remember anything about my academic peformance and even if he is willing to write a letter, it would probably be very generic.

I have been employed at the same company for 8 years, and get very high reviews. But it would be career suicide to mention I was considering law school. It is a company that works with a lot of attorneys but looks down on them, so me wanting to be a lawyer would not be considered a 'good' thing. I also do not want them to know I am considering leaving, because they would be aware there are no part time law programs in this area.

I have two former supervisors who have been transferred to another office who I could approach for a recommendation, but I can't feel 100% certain they would not advise my current supervisor. I also have some colleagues who could write letters, but again, I can't be 100% sure they will not tell anyone of my plans, and I'm not sure that a colleague recommendation. would be as strong as a supevisor recommendation.

If I was going for a MBA I could ask for a rec in a heartbeat from my employer. They would write glowing recommendations out how I was suited for grad school, and it would in no way put my job in jeopardy as many people at my job are getting their MBA part time.

I also want to be honest and say even if I did risk asking my employer for a recommendation, I would be mortified to go through all that and then not get in.

So any advice on what I should do?

samolly wrote:I've done multiple forum searches on this topic, but I need some 'fresh' advice.

I have been out of undergrad for 14 years. I went to a very large undergrad school and have had zero contact with my professors for the past 14 years. I reviewed the faculty list and saw one professor who might possibly remember me and to whom I can send a photo of us that 'might' jog his memory. But I highly doubt he will be able to remember anything about my academic peformance and even if he is willing to write a letter, it would probably be very generic.

I have been employed at the same company for 8 years, and get very high reviews. But it would be career suicide to mention I was considering law school. It is a company that works with a lot of attorneys but looks down on them, so me wanting to be a lawyer would not be considered a 'good' thing. I also do not want them to know I am considering leaving, because they would be aware there are no part time law programs in this area.

I have two former supervisors who have been transferred to another office who I could approach for a recommendation, but I can't feel 100% certain they would not advise my current supervisor. I also have some colleagues who could write letters, but again, I can't be 100% sure they will not tell anyone of my plans, and I'm not sure that a colleague recommendation. would be as strong as a supevisor recommendation.

If I was going for a MBA I could ask for a rec in a heartbeat from my employer. They would write glowing recommendations out how I was suited for grad school, and it would in no way put my job in jeopardy as many people at my job are getting their MBA part time.

I also want to be honest and say even if I did risk asking my employer for a recommendation, I would be mortified to go through all that and then not get in.

So any advice on what I should do?

Why not get an MBA? Just curious. The legal market is in the toliet. Also, it sounds like you are going to have to take a risk and ask someone you work with for that LOR. Or you could take a class at you local Community College , dominate, and then ask that professor for a LOR. Good luck. You are in a tough spot.

You're not in a tough spot at all. Who writes your LORs isn't nearly as important as what they say.

I wouldn't worry about bothering your profs. Your grades will speak to your classroom performance; it's more important that your LORs speak to your personality, and professional contacts will be able to do that. Pick a few former supervisors, people you've worked with at other companies, coworkers who can speak to your abilities and can describe how they have been able to evaluate your work (we worked together on _____ stressful project, he/she provided ____ service to me, etc.). Admissions folks are all working professionals, just like you, so it isn't as if the idea of having professional (rather than academic) LORs is going to completely blow their minds.

listen to renzo... his advice on this topic is spot on. Get the best letters you can, it doesnt matter who writes them, only what they say about you

Assuming that you have had great employment reviews, why not submit copies of your recent employee evaluations as a substitute. While it won't specifically satisfy the requirement of a law school recommendation it would certainly be a superior indication of your employment, and more importantly, of what you have been up to during the past several years. Of course, you should also write a brief explanation as to why you have chosen to go this route instead of asking your co workers for a recommendation.

I got a letter from a colleague whose position is equal to mine and it was ok. I knew I could trust him to not tell anyone.

My job is a litte different, though. I gave my company four months notice that I was leaving for law school. They have been very supportive. Actually my boss asked if I could go to a local law school at night so I could keep working and also asked if a raise would keep me here.

I was in the same spot although was able to get references from two former supervisors from a previous company. It is a challenge however get the best and most current references you can. I was also concerned about notifying my current employer about my law school aspirations. I did get accepted and am attending my top choice in August. Good luck!