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Long story short, I took a class approx. three years ago from an adjunct professor who is also a prominent attorney and former Presidential appointee. They're not a household name, but certainly someone whose title alone would be recognizable to an AdCom. I did very well in the class, but since the professor does so many other (and more important) things, it's been hard to keep up with them over the years, and I think my LOR would probably just be the standard form letter as opposed to anything specific to my academic strengths.

My question is, do you think I should try and get this LOR anyways, or is it a waste of time? I should note that this would NOT be my primary academic LOR, even if I attempt to get it.

Waste of time + possibly detrimental for ignoring the advice of every adcomm who has ever spoken on the subject.

lawls wrote:Waste of time + possibly detrimental for ignoring the advice of every adcomm who has ever spoken on the subject.

Credited.

given that this is (at least) your second LOR, and you already have an academic one, i don't see any harm in feeling this out. doing very well in the class separates you from many students who request from him/her, and i dont think three years is that long of a timespan. if you can, schedule to meet with this person and renew your relationship, perhaps bringing along some of your best work. regardless of what the others say, i think there's a strong possibility this could turn into + on your application.

Thanks for the responses. I see the reasoning behind not getting a LOR from someone just because they're a big name, and I certainly wouldn't have even entertained the thought of asking this person had I not done well in their class. If I do apply to my undergraduate institution for law school (where this professor is very well respected, not only at the university but in the surrounding legal community) would it make sense to use their LOR there and only there?

Again, thanks to everyone for the advice.

You said yourself it would probably just be a standard form letter, which I think is a detriment by default (since it doesn't add anything substantive, it looks like you didn't know who to choose to write your LOR.) There's no harm at ALL in asking, but when you meet with the former professor to ask him, if it seems like he doesn't remember you or can't remember your performance in class, then I'm sure the letter would be a bland endorsement at best. No harm in asking, though! Just feel it out, but if you have any doubts, just don't use the letter.

Get the letter, if you don't like it don't use it.