When should I ask for LOR Forum

[julius305]

I'm wondering when is it appropriate to ask for a LOR? I'm aware that applications open up in September and I don't know if I should ask for the letters now even though I obviously have not started an application and CAS or after when I start the application in Septmenber.

[breadbucket]

Ask, at a minimum, one month prior to when you plan to send it, remember, It takes about one to two weeks to arrive and be processed by LSAC and another week or two to get to the target school.

[Doorkeeper]

Ask for them now. You want to have your recommendations in LSAC when applications open. Plus, some professors are notoriously clumsy when it comes to recommendation submission. One of my professors, despite repeated emails, took over 2 months to get his recommendation in.

Ask now and get it into LSAC so you don't have to worry about it.

[Nova]

Ask for them now.

[julius305]

Is it appropriate to ask for LORs via email, even thought my fall semester doesn't start until late August, and I fell that at least one professor I will be asking will want an in person meeting.

[Nova]

Yes, it is appropriate. Although, in person is preferable. Just explain to them how you wish to get apps out as early as possible, which is why you are contacting them over the summer. They are probably less busy now than they will be during the school year any way. You could also ask them via email to meet with you in person briefly before school starts, if you think that its necessary.

Be prepared to tell your recommender why you are applying to law school, why you would make a good law student, and why you want them to write the recommendation. Do not be afraid to ask whether they think they will be able to provide you with a strong recommendation. If your recommender expresses hesitation, move on. Since you will not see the finished letter (a discussion of signing the confidentiality waiver will follow later), you want to be sure that you will receive a glowing recommendation. Remember, you want a letter of recommendation that is positive and enthusiastic.

If your professor or employer agrees to write the recommendation, provide him or her with the following documents:

- a copy of your transcript;
- a copy of your resume;
- a copy of you personal statement (if written);
- copies of past work from her class (preferably with comments and/or grade);
- a signed LSAC letter of recommendation form (if you are using their service);
- any institutional forms that need to be filled out; and
- a stamped, addressed envelope.

http://www.top-law-schools.com/letters- ... ation.html

[bp shinners]

Is it appropriate to ask for LORs via email, even thought my fall semester doesn't start until late August, and I fell that at least one professor I will be asking will want an in person meeting.

If you're not around your campus, send the professor an e-mail asking when is a good time to call him/her at the office to discuss LoRs/law school. In person>phone call>e-mail.

[djmr]

The TLS article that Nova referenced talks about "any institutional forms that need to be filled out." What forms would fall into this category?

[bp shinners]

The TLS article that Nova referenced talks about "any institutional forms that need to be filled out." What forms would fall into this category?

I'm not 100% on this answer, but I believe some schools require you to inform them when you ask a professor for a LoR so that they can have records of that stuff. I don't think it's common at all, though.