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Skunky Bumps wrote:I've hit the search function a few times to no avail, so feel free to link me to past threads if this is a rehash.

A supervisor from the job I've been at the past few summers will be writing me a recommendation. He responded to my request by asking me what he wants me to emphasize in his letter. What, in your opinion, are the most important points I should ask him to hit on in his letter? I'm getting some academic LoRs as well, so I want him to talk about strong points that wouldn't be as evident to someone I meet with for class twice a week. Thanks.

The Ivey Guide to Law School Admissions wrote: Recommendation Content

Feel free to print this section out for your recommenders if they ask for your input or guidance. Recommenders will need to write one global letter that will work for all the schools you apply to. Here are some typical qualities that law schools care about as they put together an incoming class:  

• • Intellect and native intelligence (your academic horsepower)
  • Academic performance (what you’ve done with that horsepower)
  • Analytical skills and reasoning ability
  • Written communication skills
  • Oral communication skills
  • Independence of thought and creativity
  • Quality of class participation
  • Work ethic and self-discipline
  • Enthusiasm and dedication
  • Character and ethics
  • Maturity and common sense
  • Leadership qualities (can be thought leadership)
  • Potential for the study of law (to the extent they can judge)
  • Resilience, stick-with-it-ness, grit
  • Cooperativeness and concern for others

Similarly, if you have to ask an employer or former employer for a recommendation because you are unable, at this stage in your life, to track down enough professors from your college days, try to pick one who can address the skills that law schools will care about the most. Here are some examples:  

• • Your analytical skills
  • Your writing skills
  • Your speaking skills
  • Your research skills
  • Your attention to detail
  • Your persuasive skills
  • Your problem-solving skills
  • Your presentation and soft skills (the “can we put her in front of employers/clients” test)

Don’t ask your recommender to opine on all of these, just the ones he feels competent to discuss based on his experience with you.