Letters of rec: Professor vs Lecturer Forum

[swong1267]

Hi TLS,

How important is it that my letters of rec come from professors? I've had two lecturers who know me well who I want to ask for a letter of rec, but neither of them are actual professors.

Also, what is the purpose of the LOR? What do law schools want to see from them?

Thanks!!

[xiaoqiz]

I don't think that would be a huge disadvantage if your recommenders know you well. If you are applying to graduate school in that field some people would discourage you from obtaining letters from lecturers, only because professors' word in that particular field is more reliable, given his/her reputation in the field, which lecturers lack. In law school nobody knows your professor (unless that professor also publishes in legal area), so their reputation only plays a minor factor in law school application.

[Mikey]

Shouldn't be a problem. A lecturer you had in college, right? if so, really isn not a problem and don't they still count as your professor??

The purpose of a LOR is for the schools to hear from someone else about your work ethic and well, see why someone recommends you lol.

[A. Nony Mouse]

Work ethic, intelligence, critical thinking skills, writing ability, ability to work with others, resilience, creativity, discipline, etc etc - all the good stuff.

And if lecturers know you best, use them. The content of the letter is more important than the name on it.

[swong1267]

Thanks!!

I've seem some stuff on here about having your recommenders talk about your extracurriculars as well -- but I know my recommenders in the classroom setting, so it seems odd to ask them to also write about what clubs and positions I've done. Is there a good way to bring that up?

[blueapple]

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