Top Law Schools

Hey all,

I have spoken to multiple professors and friends regarding how I should go about asking for letters of recommendation. Unfortunately, their answers varied tremendously.

Some suggested asking for a "generic letter" in which the writer writes a simple LOR and does not address to anyone, specifically - they would tailor it towards a law school, but no specific one.

Some stated that I should ask the writer to write a separate letter for each and every law school - each of which would be addressed to that school (this seems tedious, on the writers part).

Finally, there's the whole "look at it" v. "don't look at it" debate. Some suggest having the writer writer the letter, and seal it - to guarantee to the schools that I am applying to that I have not read the letter. Others say to read it before sending it - those same people also agreed that instructors should write a generic letter, and that I should modify it so that it address the specific school that I am applying to.

So, what is the general consensus? Do LSAC or law schools have rules or preferences?

I think a general letter is fine, unless the person writing the letter has ties to a specific school. I don't think admissions offices expect a customized letter, as that would be too onerous to ask of recommendation writers. To be honest, the skills that they are endorsing will apply to all law schools.

Also, just waive your right to read the letter. I think it makes everyone feel more comfortable in my opinion. If someone agrees to write on your behalf, then they will have good things to say about you. If you trust them enough to entrust them with part of your application, then trust them enough to write the recommendation.

The waiver does not say you didn't read the letter, it says you won't ask the law school you end up at to show you the letter, which they otherwise have to do under FERPA.
Don't do targeted letters unless your professor has some very strong connection to the law faculty there.

Yup. Waive your right, only read if the writer offers to let you, and don't ask for targetted unless you have a damn good reason to.

Thanks, everyone. I think I am missing something here. I have a list of all of the instructors who would likely agree to write me a letter (those who I assisted and those whose classes I excelled in/graduated top of my class). However, how exactly do letters of recommendation for law school work? Would I not have to see the letter either way? If they are writing it for me, they are going to send it to me so that I can send it to law schools...or do they write the letter and send it directly to the school or LSAC?

Post removed.

MrSam wrote:Thanks, everyone. I think I am missing something here. I have a list of all of the instructors who would likely agree to write me a letter (those who I assisted and those whose classes I excelled in/graduated top of my class). However, how exactly do letters of recommendation for law school work? Would I not have to see the letter either way? If they are writing it for me, they are going to send it to me so that I can send it to law schools...or do they write the letter and send it directly to the school or LSAC?

You should really just play around on LSAC if you aren't familiar with some of these things. It will make it so much easier to figure out down the line...

Thanks guys. So, after looking around and reading what it states on LSAC, it looks like all they have to do is submit the LOR, and all of the schools that I apply to will receive it (1 submission is used for all schools).