• Home »
  • Editorial »
  • Advice »
  • Applying For an LLM Program »
  • How to write a great LLM personal statement »

Writing A Law School And LLM Personal Statement

Find your perfect llm program search our database of over 2500 courses.

LLM Personal Statement

A great LLM (Master of Laws) personal statement should be persuasive, concise and easy to read:

Persuasive – you want the admissions board to choose you over the competition.

Concise – you need to compress information about your past, present and future into a limited word count.

Easy to read – you don’t want the admissions board to give up on it halfway through.

Why is your LLM personal statement so important?

Your LLM personal statement is a vital part of the process of applying to an LLM course, and together with your academic record and relevant work experience , it is a key element to the success of your LLM application.

It is crucial that you allow yourself enough time to craft the perfect LLM personal statement, one that showcases all your skills, qualifications, experience and personality.

1. An LLM personal statement explains gaps

If you've got a few spaces in your work history or a job that ended poorly, then the LLM personal statement is your chance to explain what happened and what you have learnt from the experience. An unhappy or bad experience can be a significant learning experience and might have provided you with additional skills or motivations that will make you able to contribute to the course in a unique or significant way. Many law schools encourage students to explain any career gaps.

2. Provides insight into motivation

It's important that your motivations for applying for and doing the LLM course match with the law school's ethics and ethos. Your LLM personal statement is your chance to show that you are a good match for the law school and the LLM course. Explain your reasons for wanting to do this course and why you are passionate about the law or the particular part of the law you are planning on studying. You can show what you will bring to the course and why you will be an asset to the law school.

3. Make yourself stand out

A popular LLM course at a prestigious global law school will receive many more applications than spaces on the course. Everyone applying to that course will have an excellent academic record and a wealth of relevant work experience. Your LLM personal statement might make the difference between being accepted onto the course and not. Make yourself stand out with the language you use, but don't overdo it. Explain the finer details of your experience and why you've chosen to attend this course at this particular law school.

4. Important part of the law school’s decision making

Almost 90% of universities use the LLM personal statement to make their decision about applicants. This means the time you spend on your personal statement is crucial. Try and get some other people to read through your statement and offer their advice/opinion, especially if you know someone who has completed the LLM course recently. Make sure that your personal statement is your own work and that any revisions you make on the recommendation of others don't change your personal statement beyond recognition and lose the essence of you.

5. Proves you can follow instructions

There will be guidelines and advice provided by the law school or university to help you write your LLM personal statement. Use these instructions to prove that you can follow directions. It's also an opportunity to show off your written English skills, this could be particularly relevant if English is not your first language, and your English test scores are not what you would like them to be.

6. The first chance for potential professors to ‘meet’ you

Your LLM personal statement is your introduction to your future law school professors and the people who you might connect and reconnect with throughout your legal career. View your personal statement as the first introduction to this new part of your future network.

What information should you include?

LLM Personal Statement

Key things to bear in mind to achieve success when crafting the perfect LLM personal statement are:

1. Conciseness:  whatever you do, you MUST remain within the institution’s word limit. Legal professionals are expected to be able to summarise masses of information without losing any essential facts, and your personal statement is an indicator of your ability to do this.

2. Language:  don’t use complicated words in an attempt to impress. As a legal professional, you will be working with clients who may not understand technical terms so your ability to communicate in a formal yet simple style will not go unnoticed.

3. Format:  keep your LLM personal statement uncluttered, with lots of spacing and white space, to make it easy to read. It's important for the document to look good as well as to read well.

4. Structure and flow:  your intro could summarise the reasons why granting you a place is the right decision for the admissions board to make. The main body should be broken up into your past (academic, professional and personal info; relevant experience, your interests and motivations and what led you to the point of applying), your present (all the details about the LLM; why you chose it at that particular institution, which modules you’re really keen on) and your future (what you plan to do after you complete the LLM). Your conclusion is a summary of your main points and should end on a memorable note. After you’ve written your first draft, print it out and review it to see if it makes sense, making notes in the margins along the way as if you were an editor editing another writer’s work.

LLM personal statement top tips

Here are some tips and strategies to creating the perfect LLM personal statement.

Academic history

Discuss what you studied as an undergrad and whether the LLM is a natural progression or would represent a change in career path. Do you have a first degree in law and are you working your way towards a PhD in Law and a future in legal academia? If your first degree was not in Law, how would the LLM complement it; do you have a first degree in Economics and want to do an LLM in International Business Law for example?

Make it personal

Mention what interests and motivates you, and what has happened in your life that put you on the path to applying for an LLM at that institution. If you’ve chosen a small college, explain why you prefer institutions with a small population. If you’ve opted for a large law school, let the admissions board know why you thrive in a busy environment. It’s important to explain your preferences so the admissions board gets a sense of who you are and why you fit in with their law school. Include relevant information – like volunteer experience or extra-curricular activities – that have inspired you with your choice. The admissions team want to understand the personal reasons why you want to study their LLM course.

Don’t make claims you can’t support

Since you are applying for a postgrad legal program you should be familiar with making persuasive arguments. As legal arguments are evidence-based, be prepared to apply the same approach in your statement by avoiding unsubstantiated claims. If you state that certain modules are ‘relevant to your career’, state specifically how. Don’t leave it to the admissions board to try to work it out for themselves. If you claim that you are a top student, highlight your grades even though you will submit transcripts as part of your application. Use clichés like ‘leadership skills’ only if you can give examples of instances when you demonstrated these traits. And don't forget that if you are subsequently called in for an LLM interview, this personal statement will probably be used as the basis for the interview, so always tell the truth!

Don’t just write it, craft it

When it comes to the actual writing of your LLM personal statement be prepared to write, edit and rewrite your personal statement several times. Remember all those essays you wrote in your undergrad days? Well, the same rules of presentation, structure and flow apply to your personal statement; the only difference being that this time, the essay is about you. And once you think you’ve written the perfect LLM personal statement get a trusted friend or colleague to read it through to offer you constructive criticism and to pick up any typos or grammatical errors.

Relevant referees

Pick a referee who can provide you with a good academic reference, so choose a tutor and lecturer who will remember you from your undergraduate studies. Including your employer as a referee is a good idea if your current job is relevant to the course, or include someone you did relevant work experience for. You will need to ask potential referees before you submit your application.

10 things to avoid in your LLM personal statement

Here are the top 10 things that you should avoid doing when writing your LLM personal statement.

Including a mini dissertation – you are meant to explain your interest in the area that you wish to specialise in, which doesn’t mean writing an essay on your proposed dissertation topic! That can wait till you start your LLM program and are asked to submit a thesis proposal.

Underselling yourself – rather than blaming yourself later on for missing out on listing achievements from your work experience or undergraduate study, make it a point to highlight all the relevant information; ranging from past work experience on specific projects, skills acquired and applied, publications, moot courts, etc.

Being ambiguous – all your efforts will be futile if you didn’t make your personal statement read clearly with details relevant to the LLM course that you are applying for and clearly stating your interest for that course.

Writing too much or too little – usually universities provide the word count/A4 page limit for the LLM personal statement. Some students will have a tendency to write less hoping that the CV will cover all their academic and career highlights, whilst others may be tempted to write too much describing everything they have done in all possible detail. The sensible approach would be to mention enough to match the word count/page limit and to highlight only what is important to put your case forward.

Obsessing with templates – it might be a common trend to scour the internet for templates on personal statements but be warned that some may have been copied off the others and may all end up looking very similar. Your LLM personal statement should be unique and well drafted to make logical sense to the reader.

Making stupid mistakes – sometimes we tend to overlook minor mistakes that can have significant bearing on the outcome of our application. Things such as addressing the statement to the wrong university (or with a wrong date/address) can give a very bad first (and almost certainly final) impression!

Doing it last minute – our general advice when it comes to university applications is to never leave anything to the last minute. Some students tend to work hard on their personal statement redrafting it a 100+ times, while others only pick up this part of the application on the last day of its submission. Time must be given to this vital part of your application so that any mistakes including ones listed here can be corrected in good time.

Repeating information – although you may feel that you are trying to make a point by explaining a situation in different ways, university admissions staff may see this as a repetition of information that they don’t need to know. Once you make a point about a particular skill/achievement, move on to the next piece of information to show varied experience, knowledge and interest.

Name dropping – in professional services we tend to mention names of high-profile clients or popular legal representatives to get ahead of competition through our application. This may work in a casual networking setting, however when it comes to application processes for admissions, the focus is usually around your contribution to legal matters, your ambition to progress your career further through further studies, rather than just throwing some names in!

Making grammatical errors – although legal eagles tend to be careful on this one, it is best to proofread your LLM personal statement several times before handing it in. Ideally, you should share it with friends or colleagues to spot any noticeable errors.

Writing a personal statement – real-life examples

With all this key information on writing the perfect LLM personal statement – explore our law expert’s analysis of real applications to help you craft the ideal introduction and give yourself the best chance of getting onto your dream LLM program.

Introduction to our law admissions expert

LLM Personal Statement Robynn Aliveri

To help you achieve the success you deserve with your LLM applications we have taken four genuine (and successful) LLM personal statements from four genuine LLM students and asked LLM admissions expert Robynn Allveri to fine-tune them to make them as good as they possibly can be. To put it simply, our admissions expert cast her (very) critical eye over all four law school personal statements – that had already proved successful – and offers advice on how they can be improved. She highlights where the LLM personal statements let the candidates down, and of course also shows where and why they enable the candidate’s qualities to really shine through.

Our genuine LLM personal statements have been written by both international students and home students, applying to law schools in the UK, the USA and Canada. This unique selection of real law school personal statements will give you real insight into how to make you own law school personal statement a success. Armed with our knowledge of the dos and don’ts of LLM personal statement writing and unique admissions tips , you should be just a hop, skip and a jump away from LLM admissions success!

So here is our real-life guide on how to write a law school personal statement to guarantee success with your LLM application .

international law personal statement

  • Law bursaries
  • Open day alerts
  • Funding advice
  • Application tips
  • Law & LLM news

Sign up now!

Take 2 minutes to sign up to PGS student services and reap the benefits…

  • The chance to apply for one of our 5 PGS Bursaries worth £2,000 each
  • Fantastic scholarship updates
  • Latest LLM and PG Law news sent directly to you
  • Personal Statements
  • International Law Personal Statement

International Law Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

As well as commerce commonly accepted law is a way of international organisations and countries to communicate and uphold a set of moral codes of conduct for all the world’s citizens to live their lives by.

However despite the best efforts of international law organisations there is still times when the legal system needs to step in and protect the ethical and moral rights of citizens. My aim in studying International Law is to be able to be involved in the international legal system and bring justice to as many people as possible.

During my time at college I not only studied subjects such as Critical Thinking, Ethics, and Politics to enable to me to gain the skills needed to work in International Law but I also studied several languages throughout my educational career.

I am fluent in French, Spanish, and German and have also spent a significant amount of time in many European countries to give me a better understanding of their culture and how a country’s cultural heritage affects its legal system.

At school I undertook a work experience placement with charity UNICEF in their UK Head Office. I was particularly interested in their campaigns for children’s rights all over the world and still regularly donate and help to raise money for their causes.

Outside of my school and employment commitments I am a keen runner, which is one of the ways I help to raise money for UNICEF. Fitness is a very important part of my life and something I hope to continue to enjoy during my time at university.

As I have said above I also enjoy travelling and have a trip to Peru planned for this summer where I am working with a charity to help teach local primary school aged children English.

I hope that my time studying at your university will help me to build on the skills I already have and prepare me for my future career in International Law. I am looking forward to the new challenges I will face both academically and personally at your university. 

Applytouni _guides _button

University Guides

  • Accommodation
  • + much more!

Sign up for news & advice about applying to uni

  • Universities
  • Fees & Finance
  • For Parents
  • International Students
  • Terms and Conditions

Apply to Uni logo

  • FindAMasters
  • International Relations Masters Personal Statement Sample

Written by Ben Taylor

This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in International Relations. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement .

In today’s unstable political climate, a nuanced, multifaceted understanding of international relations seems more important than ever, with the emergence of right-wing populism around the world and the imminent reckoning of the climate crisis (not to mention the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic). Being able to grasp the power dynamics at play between (and within) nations seems crucial to maintaining some semblance of continuity in the international community.

Having studied History and Politics at undergraduate level, one of the aspects of your Masters in International Relations programme that appeals to me the most is its interdisciplinary nature. Sociology, international law and history are all incredibly important when it comes to understanding our current moment and I look forward to studying the myriad ways in which they inform each other.

My undergraduate dissertation focused on the breakup of Yugoslavia and the subsequent Dayton Accords peace agreement, and was informed by my time at an NGO in Sarajevo in 2017. This organisation promoted human rights in the Balkan region and I helped with the development of several campaigns to support judicial and civic reform. I’m eager to expand on this research for my Masters and have already secured another internship working for a Zagreb-based refugee organisation next summer.

While at university I was active in several student societies, including being on the committee for the Amnesty International Society, where I helped organise several keynote speeches and letter-writing campaigns. I was also the social secretary for the History Society and the treasurer for the Alternative Music Society, putting on several financially lucrative gigs around the city.

After graduating in 2018, I started working as an account manager for a marketing agency, drumming up sales and also acting as a liaison between our clients and the in-house team of creatives. I like to think that this experience has boosted my interpersonal communication skills and given me a knack for negotiation and managing expectations.

Despite working full-time, I’ve continued to travel widely wherever possible, returning to the Balkans on several occasions and also making self-guided study trips to the International Criminal Court in the Hague, the UN Headquarters in New York City and the United Nations Office at Geneva.

I hope that your Masters programme will provide the scope to expand on my existing experience and give me opportunities to develop expertise in new and exciting areas. Once my studies have finished, I hope to find work in a more senior role at an NGO in the Balkans and I’m sure that your programme will act as the perfect springboard for this goal.

Find a Masters in International Relations

If you're interested in a studying International Relations, then why don't you check out our regularly updated catalogue of available International Relations Masters .

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

You may also like....

international law personal statement

Looking for the best universities for Politics & Government in the USA? Compare ranking tables from top sources here, along with their methodologies.

international law personal statement

Looking for the best universities for Politics & Government in the UK? Compare ranking tables from top sources here, along with their methodologies.

international law personal statement

Looking for the best universities for Politics & Government in Australia? Compare ranking tables from top sources here, along with their methodologies.

international law personal statement

Looking for the best universities for Politics & Government in Ireland? Compare ranking tables from top sources here, along with their methodologies.

FindAMasters. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about Masters study?

Select your nearest city

  • Aberystwyth
  • Beaconsfield
  • Bishop Burton
  • Bournemouth
  • Bridlington
  • Chatham Maritime
  • Cirencester
  • East Malling
  • Hemel Hempstead
  • High Wycombe
  • Huddersfield
  • Isle of Man
  • Jordanstown
  • London Central
  • London East
  • London South
  • London West
  • Londonderry
  • Loughborough
  • Middlesbrough
  • Milton Keynes
  • Musselburgh
  • Northampton
  • Potters Bar
  • Saffron Waldon
  • Scarborough
  • Southampton
  • St Leonards on Sea
  • Stoke on Trent
  • Wolverhampton

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAMasters, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

  • Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
  • Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
  • Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, application tips and much more
  • Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAMasters.com

or begin browsing FindAMasters.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

international law personal statement

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAMasters account and sign up to our newsletter:

  • Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
  • Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest Masters news
  • Hear about our upcoming study fairs
  • Save your favourite programmes, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

international law personal statement

Create your account

Looking to list your Masters programmes? Log in here .

Modal image

Let us help you find a Masters

Never miss a course

Enter our ambassador competition

Get funding news, tips and advice

Hear about upcoming events

Sign up to our newsletter today

We've been helping students find the right postgraduate course for over a decade.

Login to your account

Enter your username below to login to your account.

  • Ask a question Ask
  • go advanced Search
  • Please enter a title
  • Please enter a message
  • Your discussion will live here... (Start typing, we will pick a forum for you) Please select a forum Change forum View more forums... View less forums... GCSEs A-levels Applications, Clearing and UCAS University Life Student Finance England Part-time and temporary employment Chat Everyday issues Friends, family and work Relationships Health News Student Surveys and Research
  • post anonymously
  • All study help
  • Uni applications
  • University and HE colleges
  • University help and courses
  • University student life

Postgraduate

  • Careers and jobs
  • Teacher training
  • Finance and accountancy
  • Relationships
  • Sexual health
  • University and university courses
  • Universities and HE colleges
  • Life and style
  • Entertainment
  • Debate and current affairs
  • Careers and Jobs
  • Scottish qualifications
  • Foreign languages
  • GCSE articles
  • A-level articles
  • Exam and revision articles
  • What to do after GCSEs
  • What to do after A-levels
  • When is A-level results day 2024?
  • When is GCSE results day 2024?
  • Studying, revision and exam support
  • Grow your Grades

Revision and exam discussion

  • All GCSE exams
  • All A-level exams

Revision tips

  • Top vloggers for revision help
  • Best video resources for revising GCSE or A-level English
  • Best places online for maths revision
  • How to use past exam papers for revision

Preparing for an exam

  • How to study effectively for your exams
  • Handling revision and exam stress
  • What to expect from an exam
  • Seven things to do in the last week before an exam
  • How to handle exam nightmares

Finding motivation

  • Getting past procrastination
  • It's not too late: 10 ways to kick-start your revision
  • How to revise when you're feeling lazy
  • All universities
  • Applying through Ucas
  • Student finance
  • Personal statement
  • Postgraduate study
  • Uni accommodation
  • University life
  • All uni courses
  • Apprenticeships
  • Arts and humanities courses
  • Stem courses
  • Social science courses

Universities by region

  • North of England
  • South of England
  • Greater London
  • Distance learning
  • International study

University guides and articles

  • All university articles
  • Applying to uni articles
  • Personal statements

Personal statement examples

  • University open days
  • Studying law at university
  • Student life at university
  • Careers and jobs discussion
  • Apprenticeships discussion
  • Part-time and temp jobs
  • Career forums by sector
  • Armed forces careers
  • Consultancy careers
  • Finance careers
  • Legal careers
  • Marketing careers
  • Medicine and healthcare careers
  • Public sector careers
  • Stem careers
  • Teaching careers
  • General chat
  • Relationships chat
  • Friends, family and colleagues
  • Advice on everyday issues
  • General health
  • Mental health
  • UK politics
  • Educational debate

Undergraduate

  • Postgraduate Master’s Loan
  • Postgraduate Doctoral Loan
  • Disabled Students’ Allowances
  • Taking a break or withdrawing from your course

Further information

  • Parents and partners
  • Advanced Learner Loan

Law personal statements

Scroll down this page to find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study economics and related courses at university.

Plus, over on The Uni Guide, we've also got advice from universities on what they want to see in a law personal statement . 

Among the tips shared by admissions experts: back up everything with examples from your life; focus your statement on yourself, not your grades; show your interest outside the classroom; cover relevant work experience.

Law personal statement examples - top rated by students

We have lots of law personal statement examples that you can read through. To help you find the best ones, we asked students to vote for which they found the most useful. 

The following personal statements are those that were the most highly rated.

law concept graphic

Law degree personal statement example (2z) Oxford, Warwick offers Submitted by: Anonymous "Law has been one of the most relevant, interesting and necessary areas of life throughout the ages- it has kept order, helped build civilisations..."

law concept graphic

Law degree personal statement example (3k) applicant advice Submitted by: Anonymous "Law as an academic discipline offers the ability to answer some of the biggest questions facing society today. Moreover, the law..."

law concept graphic

Law degree personal statement example (3b) Cambridge, Nottingham offers Submitted by: Anonymous "The diverse and multifaceted nature of the law, as well as the fact that it has an impact on so many different aspects of society is..."

law concept graphic

Law degree personal statement example (1x)          Submitted by : Anonymous "Without the law, society will cease to exist as we know it. It is of vital importance, and protects individuals from the major power of..."

law concept graphic

Law degree personal statement example (2a)          Submitted by: Anonymous "My interest in law stems from the knowledge that it affects every aspect of our lives, despite our often being oblivious to it..."

law concept graphic

Law personal statement example          Submitted by: Anonymous "I first realised I wished to study law whilst reading a newspaper, when it suddenly occurred to me that every article..."

law concept graphic

Law degree personal statement example (1o) international applicant Submitted by: Anonymous          "I am a person keen on challenges. Law will provide me with the kind of constant challenge I have always craved, while..."

law concept graphic

Law degree personal statement example (2j)          Submitted by: Anonymous "My love of law stemmed from a dislike of geography and severe stage fright. Unaware of the life-changing decision..."

law concept graphic

Law degree personal statement example (3b) Cambridge, Nottingham offers Submitted by: Anonymous "The diverse and multifaceted nature of the law, as well as the fact that it has an impact on so many different aspects of society..."  

law concept graphic

Law degree personal statement example (1n) work experience          Submitted by: Anonymous "While the law may be too ungainly and inefficient a vehicle to directly change the world, it offers a unique opportunity..."

Full list of law personal statement examples

More help with your personal statement.

You can find personal statement examples for other courses by using this subject list, or by returning to our personal statements by subject page.

Other useful links

  • Applying to university

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are both part of The Student Room Group.

  • Main topics
  • GCSE and A-level
  • Revision & exams
  • Life and relationships

Get Started

  • Today's posts
  • Unanswered posts
  • Community guidelines
  • TSR help centre
  • Cookies & online safety
  • Terms & conditions
  • Privacy notice

Connect with TSR

© Copyright The Student Room 2023 all rights reserved

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd.

Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB

international law personal statement

international law personal statement

Clearing Universities & Courses

Clearing advice.

Recommended Clearing Universities

Popular Course Categories

Take our quick degree quiz.

Find the ideal uni course for you with our Course Degree Quiz. Get answers in minutes!

Take our full degree quiz

Get more tailored course suggestions with our full Course Degree Quiz and apply with confidence.

Search by Type

Search by region.

Recommended Universities

international law personal statement

Swansea University

Wales · 100% Recommended

international law personal statement

University of Surrey

South East England · 98% Recommended

international law personal statement

University of Portsmouth

Search open days.

What's new at Uni Compare

international law personal statement

University of Law

Ranked Top 20 amongst English universities in the 2023 National Student Survey!

international law personal statement

Northeastern Uni London

Want to earn two globally recognised degrees simultaneously? Look no further!

Ranking Categories

Regional rankings.

More Rankings

international law personal statement

Top 100 Universities

Taken from 131,500+ data points from students attending university to help future generations

international law personal statement

About our Rankings

Discover university rankings devised from data collected from current students.

Guide Categories

Advice categories, recommended articles, popular statement examples, statement advice.

international law personal statement

What to include in a Personal Statement

international law personal statement

Personal Statement Tips

Personal statement example law with international relations personal statement.

Submitted by Priya

Uni Logo for The University of Law

Unlock your potential at The University of Law!

Develop practical skills and gain a comprehensive understanding of legal principles to pave the way for a successful career in law.

Uni Logo for University of Brighton

Discover Law at Brighton - become skilled, confident and career-ready

Law at University of Brighton offers a rich and dynamic education that prepares students for real-world legal practices and a variety of career paths. Learn more.

Law with International Relations Personal Statement

Recent court cases, including Charlie Gard's battle for experimental medical treatment involving UK courts, the US President and the Pope and the McLibel case that involved a breach of Article 6 of the ECHR has inspired me to delve deeper into the worlds of Law and International Relations. Initially, I first began to consider Law two years ago where I was examining the case of O.J Simpson at school. The case appeared to be a foregone conclusion but, it was the unexpected use of racial issues that had changed both the outcome and American culture on a larger scale. In addition to this, the 1991 Factortame case was one my biggest reason to take on International Relations because it had confirmed the priority of the EU over UK's Acts of Parliament. Through this course, I would like to understand how UK's withdrawal from the EU would impact UK's position in legislation.

During my research, I learnt how law and politics is a vital branch of our culture today, serving as a guideline for the conduct which is acceptable in society today. To gain a better understanding I organised work experience independently in local law firms, spending a week with a Senior Litigator and a week in a solicitors firm. I observed the practice of law such as giving legal advice to clients, collecting witness statements first hand and drafting legal documents for clients. Through my visit at the local Magistrate's court and the Supreme Court, I witnessed court proceedings such as a personal injury claim and gained an understanding of the challenges of being a Justice.

By looking into the exhibition at the Supreme Court, I was able to gain a insight into the history of the UK's highest court. During my placement at Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, I improved my understanding of commercial law where I observed the advisory service they provide on legislation such as employment law and the international links provided to the members. through their close relationship with their European branch. I am proud to consider myself as an adaptable and well-rounded individual who is able to work with people of all ages. My visits at a care home for the elderly allowed me to realise that small gestures like making conversations can ease people of stress.

Also ,my voluntary work as a peer mentor and prefect at school helped me to develop a sympathetic and understanding nature towards others. I helped to lead a debate club which allowed me to express myself confidently in front of a larger audience. This developed my ability to construct logical arguments, which were helpful in my studies because I was able to criticise texts by analysing language in English Literature. I enjoy reading a variety of texts such as 'The Book Thief' however, to gain a further understanding I read 'Media Law' , which presented plagiarism of popular songs, which I may never have thought about before.' I also began reading 'The Power' which gave a subversive vision of what the world will look like if millennialism or feminism went the other way,showing how legislation and political stability is important to create a balance in the world.Through Government and Politics, I particularly enjoy researching the judiciary system in both the UK and the USA. This allows me to examine their past development and analyse the impact of the two different systems on the functioning of the state such as USA having a constitution and UK having statute law. By studying Business, I am able to look into government legislation and how it affects both businesses and consumers around the UK. By studying legislation as a module, I am able to analyse the effects on businesses of consumer protection and employee protection.

At University, I would like to expand my knowledge on foreign affairs and my main interest: European Law. In return, I wish to provide sheer determination and be inspired by challenges.

Recommended Course

international law personal statement

Recommended Statements

Submitted by anonymous

Law Personal Statement

My attraction to law originates from my interest in justice and rewards.  Human behaviour is always altern...

It is being observed that the law on parliamentary today is too vague, and very prone to abuse. Hence, the...

LLB Law Personal Statement

Life is a constantly changing maze, where the question of right or wrong defines acceptable modes of behav...

Law is the predominant overarching factor in defining the stability of our society. My fervent interest in...

international law personal statement

SUBJECT RANKINGS

Discover top unis for law Discover top unis for law

Discover the top universities for law with our subject rankings.

undergraduate Universities

Undergraduate uni's.

Photo of Swansea University

Swansea Uni

1324 courses

Photo of University of Surrey

Uni of Surrey

736 courses

Photo of University of Portsmouth

Uni of Portsmouth

753 courses

Photo of University of Chester

Uni of Chester

629 courses

Photo of University of Sunderland

Uni of Sunderland

328 courses

Photo of West London Institute of Technology

West London IoT

Photo of ARU Writtle

ARU Writtle

Photo of Escape Studios

Escape Studios

Photo of University of East London

Uni of East London

569 courses

Photo of University of Winchester

Uni of Winchester

257 courses

Photo of SOAS, University of London

467 courses

Photo of University for the Creative Arts

Uni for Creative Arts

614 courses

Photo of Goldsmiths, University of London

Goldsmiths, UOL

319 courses

Photo of Northeastern University - London

Northeastern Uni

Photo of Middlesex University

Middlesex Uni

656 courses

Photo of The University of Law

114 courses

Photo of Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Met Uni

501 courses

Photo of University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD)

884 courses

Photo of Coventry University

Coventry Uni

729 courses

Photo of University of Roehampton

Uni of Roehampton

469 courses

Photo of New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering, NMITE

Uni of Bradford

385 courses

Photo of University of Hertfordshire

Uni of Hertfordshire

584 courses

Photo of Bangor University

723 courses

Photo of University of Leicester

Uni of Leicester

435 courses

Photo of University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)

Highlands & Islands

454 courses

Photo of University of Bedfordshire

Uni of Bedfordshire

654 courses

Photo of Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt Uni

334 courses

Photo of Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett Uni

Photo of Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent

911 courses

Photo of Staffordshire University

Staffordshire Uni

472 courses

Photo of Queen's University, Belfast

Queen's Uni

634 courses

Photo of University of Westminster

Uni of Westminster

496 courses

Photo of University of Suffolk

Uni of Suffolk

216 courses

Photo of University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol

UWE, Bristol

497 courses

Photo of University of Huddersfield

Uni of Huddersfield

642 courses

Photo of University Academy 92, UA92

Leeds Arts University

Photo of University of South Wales

709 courses

Photo of University of Kent

Uni of Kent

583 courses

Photo of University of Reading

Uni of Reading

683 courses

Photo of Wrexham University

Wrexham Uni

287 courses

Photo of University of Central Lancashire

Uni of C.Lancashire

793 courses

Photo of University of Essex

Uni of Essex

1398 courses

Photo of Kingston University

Kingston Uni

616 courses

Photo of LIBF

Ravensbourne

103 courses

Photo of Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin Uni

823 courses

Photo of University of Hull

Uni of Hull

Photo of Edge Hill University

Edge Hill Uni

Photo of University of Brighton

Uni of Brighton

510 courses

Photo of Bath Spa University

Bath Spa Uni

513 courses

FIND THE IDEAL COURSE FOR YOU

Degree Course Quiz

Find the ideal university course for you in minutes by taking our degree matchmaker quiz today.

Find the latest from Uni Compare

Image of University of Law

Bangor University

Find the perfect Criminology degree which allows you to specialise in your interests

Image of University of Sussex

University of Sussex

Choose Sussex for cutting-edge degrees in Finance, Banking, and Digital Finance.

  • Browse Law Schools
  • LLM Articles
  • LLM Info Events
  • Law School Rankings
  • Top 10 Lists
  • LLM Scholarships
  • LLM Discussions
  • Application Tracker
  • Advanced LLM Search
  • UK / Ireland
  • Australia / New Zealand
  • Canada & Latin America
  • Africa / Middle East

By Concentration

  • General LL.M. Programs
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution / Arbitration / Mediation
  • American Law / U.S. Law
  • Banking Law / Finance Law / Securities Law
  • Business Law / Commercial Law
  • Corporate Law / Company Law
  • Human Rights

All Resources

Ll.m. applications: the personal statement.

LL.M. Applications: The Personal Statement

The personal statement can be a daunting part of the LL.M. application process—what to write, and how to write it? Here are some tips from admissions officials to help guide you through the process.

While it’s only one of many elements going into an LL.M. application, the personal statement can be a tricky one to master. 

Many law schools are not very specific about the requirements for the personal statement, aside from word count. Georgetown University Law Center, for instance, asks applicants to describe their background, goals, and reasons for applying to the program; Stanford is looking for information about the applicant’s experience in legal practice, interest in graduate study, and professional goals.

“To be honest we are purposefully broad in our description because we want applicants to have the freedom to express themselves in whatever way they see fit,” says Justin Swinsick, director of graduate admissions at Georgetown. 

“However, applicants should think about what they would say to the admissions committee if they were sat in front of them and had the chance to highlight the very best things about themselves and how the program and school will take them where they want to go.”  

Other law schools are more explicit; Northwestern asks applicants to answer two essay questions, while Harvard requires a two-part statement—one addressing a theoretical framework or analysis to a current legal problem, and another that says something about the applicant’s motivations for the LL.M. and how it relates to his/her future plans.

This year, University of Pennsylvania also updated its personal statement requirement to include a bit more guidance, calling for a statement of no more than two pages, and specifically recommending that the applicant avoid repeating his/her CV. 

For some schools, like Trinity College Dublin, the personal statement is optional; around 10 to 15 percent of each year’s pool of applicants sends one as part of their applications, according to Kelley McCabe, senior executive officer of the School of Law at Trinity.

“We’re looking for further insight into the applicant's current research interests and their career plans and goals for the future,” she says. “But we focus mostly on academic transcripts, the two academic references and the applicant's CV.”

“These documents give us a holistic picture of the applicant.” 

Tackling the LL.M. personal statement

One of the cornerstone pieces of advice is: be specific. Admissions officers read many personal statements, and you want yours to stand out in their memories. 

“Spend some time really thinking about why you want to get an LL.M.” and why that specific program fits this reason, says Elise Kraemer, director of graduate programs at UPenn.

Be honest and open about yourself; you could be moved to write about an inspirational figure in your life, an important event, or even about the school itself—which is fine, as long as you direct the statement back to you, Georgetown’s Swinsick recommends. 

Kraemer agrees: “Although a personal and/or family stories can be moving, if you use one, be sure that it directly supports your application.”

Sometimes, a well-justified directness can pay off. Swinsick says one applicant start her statement by writing that she wanted to pursue an LL.M. in order to make as much money as possible. “This was certainly an unusual way to start and played into negative stereotypes of why one pursues legal education,” Swinsick recalls. But she went on to tie this into how she planned to leverage her legal studies, career and financial success into bringing help and visibility to problems plaguing her community in a developing country.  

“It was very well written, highlighted her best qualities, and tied together why she wanted to pursue the program and why Georgetown’s program in particular would help her achieve her goals.” 

Mistakes to avoid in your personal statement

While it’s a good thing to be personal, don’t overdo it either. “Some of the more colorful statements I have read entail very personal details that usually would only be shared with clergy, partners or close personal friends,” Swinsick says.

And polish is key: proofread, check your word limit, and make sure it looks as professional as possible. For Kraemer, a minor typographical or grammatical error—especially from non-native speakers—is not a deal-breaker, but a statement that is “poorly written or contains unprofessional content” can be. 

“Take some time to work on it,” Kraemer says. “Don’t leave it to the last minute.”

And the resounding consensus from every law school is: always, always check the name of the school at the top of the page. Every year, every admission committee receives personal statements addressed to the wrong school. “I tend to be relatively forgiving on this one, but it never looks good,” Kraemer says. 

How much does your personal statement matter?

The value of the personal statement can vary from school to school, but in general, a strong one can significantly bolster the merit of an application. 

“It’s the only communication that we receive in the applicant’s own voice and is one of the best ways for the committee to ‘get to know’ the person applying,” says Kraemer. “It is not uncommon for a personal statement to have a significant impact on how we evaluate a candidate—a particularly strong or weak statement can be determinative.”

It can also afford an opportunity for the applicant to explain or put in context to the admissions committee a negative element of their application—a poor grade or language score, for instance. And this effort will show; an applicant that puts time and thought into their personal statement shows that they are serious about pursuing graduate legal education, Swinsick says.

“A personal statement is just that—personal,” says McCabe. “It gives the admissions committee a sense of who the applicant is so, when writing it, they should be true to themselves.”

LL.M. personal statement quick tips

  • Be specific. Address why you want to get an LL.M. and your career goals.
  • Be honest, about your background and the reasons for applying for an LL.M.
  • Address any negative elements of your application, such as a low TOEFL or ITELTS score.
  • Make sure to proofread your personal statement and check your word count.
  • Make sure that you've addressed the statement to the right law school.

Related Law Schools

Virtual Event: U.S. LL.M. Legal Education Conference

Virtual Event: U.S. LL.M. Legal Education Conference

Feb 19, 2024

More LLM News

More LLM Articles

10 Do’s and Don’ts for Your LL.M. Application

10 Do’s and Don’ts for Your LL.M. Application

Jun 06, 2024

Navigating the LL.M. application process can be daunting. To help you stand out from the sea of applicants, we’ve compiled a list of 10 essential do’s and don’ts to guide you through the process.

USA Scholarships For International LL.M. Students

USA Scholarships For International LL.M. Students

May 22, 2024

An LL.M. is a substantial investment, but many law schools offer generous financial aid.

From Algorithms to Antitrust: Study an LL.M. in Technology Governance

From Algorithms to Antitrust: Study an LL.M. in Technology Governance

May 10, 2024

As technology reshapes our world, LL.M. programs are equipping lawyers with tools for the digital age.

More Articles

Related Top 10 Lists

Top LL.M. Programs for International Tax Law

More Top 10 Lists

  • Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
  • Penn Carey Law
  • Northwestern - Pritzker

In-Depth: The American Bar Exam

  • Personal Statements from succesfull LLM applicants! Oct 12, 2023  2
  • The Harvard Personal Statement Sep 12, 2022  0
  • Personal statement guidance - Stanford LL.M. (LST) Jun 09, 2022  0
  • Personal Statement A at Harvard Nov 21, 2021  0
  • CAMBRIDGE LLM 2021-22: Personal Statement Jul 03, 2020  0
  • LLM Personal Statement - Durham, Bristol, Kent, York Aug 21, 2017  0
  • Personal Statement Advice Nov 24, 2016  1
  • Personal statement Feb 03, 2016  1
  • Personal Statements Feb 03, 2016  9
  • Personal statement Aug 04, 2014  0

Cryptocurrencies Stake a Claim on the LL.M. Curriculum

  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy

Information

  • Featured LLM Programs
  • MBA Programs
  • Online MBA Programs
  • Executive Courses

Search LLM Programs

Go to Advanced Search

Subscribe to the LLM GUIDE Newsletter

Receive the latest news and tips

© 2001–2024 Pritzwalks – LLM GUIDE – Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programs Worldwide

  • Personal statement advice: law

Applying to university

  • Getting started
  • UCAS Tariff points
  • Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
  • Amendments to the Tariff consultation
  • Offer rate calculator
  • How to use the offer rate calculator
  • Understanding historical entry grades data
  • Admissions tests
  • Deferred entry
  • Personal statement advice and example: computer science
  • Personal statement advice: English
  • Personal statement advice: Midwifery
  • Personal statement advice: animal science
  • Personal statement advice: biology
  • Personal statement advice: business and management
  • Personal statement advice: chemistry
  • Personal statement advice: dance
  • Personal statement advice: dentistry
  • Personal statement advice: drama
  • Personal statement advice: economics
  • Personal statement advice: engineering
  • Personal statement advice: geography
  • Personal statement advice: history
  • Personal statement advice: maths
  • Personal statement advice: media studies and journalism
  • Personal statement advice: medicine
  • Personal statement advice: modern languages
  • Personal statement advice: music
  • Personal statement advice: nursing
  • Personal statement advice: pharmacy
  • Personal statement advice: physiotherapy
  • Personal statement advice: politics
  • Personal statement advice: psychology
  • Personal statement advice: social work
  • Personal statement advice: sociology
  • Personal statement advice: sports science
  • Personal statement advice: statistics
  • Personal statement advice: teacher training and education
  • Personal statement advice: veterinary medicine
  • Personal statement: finance and accounting
  • Filling in your application
  • Staying safe online
  • How to write a personal statement that works for multiple courses
  • How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement
  • Fraud and similarity
  • How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber
  • How to end your personal statement
  • Introducing the personal statement tool
  • Personal statement dos and don'ts
  • What to include in a personal statement
  • Using AI and ChatGPT to help you with your personal statement
  • Using your personal statement beyond a university application
  • Carers, estranged students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain
  • Personal statement guides
  • References for mature students

What should you write in a law personal statement?

Bringing your interest in law to life is key. If you’re already studying law, then you might want to talk about topics you've enjoyed and any wider reading you've done.

Haven't studied law at A level (or equivalent)? Don't worry – there aren't usually subject-specific entry requirements for law degrees. Learn more about the 'unspoken rules' of university entry requirements here.

Dr Murphy suggests these other ways to demonstrate your engagement with law:

  • A book you’ve read that had a legal dimension to it.
  • Work experience, which could be in a solicitor’s firm or a mini-pupillage, but equally could be shadowing at your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), some charity work, or even your Saturday job.
  • Visiting your local magistrates' court, the Crown Court, or your nearest employment tribunal. As Dr Murphy puts it, ‘the English legal system is open and receptive to those wishing to experience law in action’.
  • Join a debating club, or start your own. If you have the opportunity to conduct a personal project or the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) , consider giving it a legal focus.

But don't simply list what you've done. Write about relevant experiences in your statement in a reflective way. What did you see? What did you learn? Why did it enhance your interest in law?

What else to include in your law statement

  • Why you want to study law: bring this to life by focusing in on aspects of law that are of particular interest to you, how it relates to your current studies, and what additional reading you've embarked on. But keep it concise – three or so paragraphs is probably fine.
  • How your skills fit: demonstrate that you have, or are developing, the skills needed for success in law – from public speaking to persuasive writing, or your meticulous attention to detail when writing essays.
  • Current affairs: the University of Cambridge (and many other universities) like applicants who keep up-to-date with current affairs and who are interested in the legal implications of the latest news stories.
  • Good written English: sentence construction, spelling, and punctuation are absolutely vital, and sometimes a cause for rejection.
  • Combined course applications: if you're applying for law in combination with a different subject, make sure you demonstrate something relevant to the other subject too.
  • What you've drawn from extracurricular activities: this is another good way to demonstrate your motivation, skills and enthusiasm for the course.

What not to do in your law personal statement

  • Fail to research your chosen courses: all that talk of your passion for company law won't impress a uni that doesn't offer it as an option.
  • Spelling and grammatical errors: as Dr Murphy says, ‘law is a discipline of precision, so being careless in such an important document will not bode well for a future legal career’.
  • Not explaining why it's relevant: if you read the law section of The Times, that’s great, but make sure you elaborate on why it's relevant to your application. Try reflecting on a specific article or feature, for instance.
  • Overuse of quotations: ‘don't try too hard to impress with quotations. I don’t care what Locke thinks, I want to know what you think!’.
  • Use clichés: including overuse of the word 'passion' or the phrase ‘law is all around us’. Don't just say it, demonstrate it in a personal, concise way. And remember, less is more.

Are a law personal statement and LPC personal statement the same?

No, these are two different things.

A law personal statement is part of the UCAS application process when applying to study law.

A personal statement for the Learning Practice Course (LPC) is submitted to the Central Applications Board (CAB) when applying to LPC training to become a solicitor, having already completed an undergraduate law degree (or conversion course).

While it is also a personal essay which you use to sell your skills, experience and passion for law, it is very different to a law personal statement – for one thing, the word limit for a LPC personal statement is 10,000 characters ( compared to 4,000 characters for a UCAS personal statement ).

Sponsored articles UCAS Media Service

Do you need to take an english test to study at university in the uk, five reasons to sign up to the ucas newsletter, student finance for postgraduate loans.

Call us : +88 (0) 1712969390, +44 (0) 7495942849, +44 (0) 7459725824

[email protected]

Sign in  |  Sign up     

international law personal statement

LLM International Human Rights Law

  • Sample personal statement

international law personal statement

20 May, 2015

Llm international human rights law share.

  • 12 May, 2013

I  have  made  my  mind  to  study  LLM International Human Rights Law at University of Bedfordshire (UoB). LLM Human Rights Law is a unique programme designed  to enable students to progress to become human rights practitioners and specialists in this dynamic area of law. 

This  course  would  allow  me  to  gain  academic  progress sion  since  it  is  at  higher  level qualification than  my  current qualification LLB (Hons) – on completion, I would achieve a post-graduate qualification and become a master of Law. I would  accomplish  dvanced  knowledge  and  skills  with  enhanced  competency  and  ability  in  the  area  of International Human Rights.

This LLM course offers a detailed analysis of the theory, history and development of human rights, and an examination of the main region al mechanisms of human rights protection. Further, it provides an overview of a variety of contemporary human rights topics, including the examination of major developments and recent tendencies in the field of international human rights protection. 

The  course  covers  several  contemporary  topics  and  challenges  of  international  human  rights  protection including the emergence of the right to development and the so-called third- generation rights; human rights advocacy  and  global  governance  though  NGOs  and  non-State  actors;  the  crystallisation  of  group  rights, minorities  and  indigenous  peoples’  rights;  the  challenges  posed  to  international  human  rights  law  by international  migration  and  the  enhanced  need  of  protection  of  migrants,  asylum  seekers  and  refugees; women’s  rights  and  the  rights  of  the  child,  including  protection  against  victims  of  human  trafficking;   the crystallisation of general equality and the develop ment of human rights advocacy for sexual and gay rights.

The course encourages students to critically engage with many of the human rights issues that feature strongly in  public  debate  today,  and  gain  a  deep  understanding  of  international  human  rights  law,  as  well  as  its interconnection with international criminal and comparative criminal law, war crime, genocide, war against terror,  crime  against  humanity,  environmental  protection,  forced  labour,  child  labour,  use  of  chemical weapon. 

From  the  study,  I  intend  to  gain  an  understanding  of  the  relevant  social,  economic,  political,  historical, philosophical, ethical, scientific and cultural contexts within which International Human Rights Law operates; I aim to learn how to analyse, evaluate and interpret  the principal source materials within which International Human Rights Law operates, including national statutes, national, European and international law reports, treaties,  directives  and  other  relevant  materials  as  appropriate;  and  apply  legal  knowledge  to  a  practical situation and draw reasoned conclusions supported by legal authority.

<span style="&quot;line-height:" 1.6em;"="">In addition to the academic knowledge, I will gain a set of professional skill. The study will develop my critical analysis  skills;  time  management  and  prioritisation skills  by  working  to  deadlines;  individual  and  group communication skills by seminar presentations; oral  discussion skills by participating in debates and problem-solving  exercises;  skills  in  reading,  analysing  and   synthesising  different  viewpoints  and  presenting  their findings/conclusions  in  clear,  comprehensible,  structured  format,  with  detailed  argumentation  where appropriate; enable me to utilise problem-solving skills in complex theoretical and practical contexts; to make a critical judgment of the merits of particular arguments and make a reasoned choice between alternative solutions or arguments.

All my previous study areas in LLB under Northern University, Bangladesh have their direct and indirect relations with this LLM qualification’s practical applications and forms vital parts of interrelated branches of human rights that can be violated every which way. Therefore, my past learning will have its vital and influential roles to complement the LLM Human Rights study – without those knowledge, study of Human Rights Law itself will be a qualification with missing parts. I would certainly carry forward that knowledge to enrich the credits of LLM knowledge totals.

The UoB is one of the highly acclaimed universities  by international students. In Bangladesh, the university has a  large  alumnus.  It  would  remain  an  unexplained  secret  why  it  took  me  so  long  to  join  this  esteemed institution of knowledge and prestige.  The university provides contemporary knowledge with  modern syllabus aligned with global demands to reflect changes. The teaching comes with practical applications and simulations of real-world situations, i.e. mock court rooms, trial and arguments, case studies etc. The package comes with latest study resources, rich library, journals, e-learning materials, research facilities – all at very affordable fees. Outside the capital , yet so close to it, the campus buzzes with knowledge mongers from all over the world. It would be life time opportunity to be part of this study environment.

Find more resources

  • MSc Computing Networking Programme
  • MSc Medical Ultrasound Programme
  • Personal Statement - MSc Healthcare Leadership
  • MSc International Tourism and Hospitality Management
  • Academic reference letter

Read similar resources

international law personal statement

BA (Hons) Business Management (Final Year)

Business success requires a breadth of knowledge and abilities of efficient management to survive in fierce global co...

BA (Hons) Business and Marketing

Modern business is a dynamic environment in which customer wants and needs constantly change at an ever-faster pace. ...

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

Following my MSc in Financial Management qualification in 2012, I have been in constant search for a real career for ...

Are you looking to study abroad?

Touch your dream with University Admission Expert

  • Offering 15,000+ courses at 100+ study locations
  • Maintaining 99% visa success rate
  • Serving with 14+ years accumulative admission experience
  • Providing end-to-end services, almost 24/7

Newsletter Subscription

Keep up to date with the latest news on UK student visa, courses, universities, scholarships, start dates, study guides etc.

Post Comment

The University of Chicago The Law School

In their own words: admissions essays that worked.

Throughout this issue, countless examples show why we are so proud of the students at the law school. One might think that we get lucky that the students the admissions office chose for their academic accomplishments also turn out to be incredible members of our community, but it’s really all by design. Our students show us a great deal more in their applications than just academics—and we care about a lot more than their numbers. In these pages, meet five of our students in the way we first met them: through the personal statements they wrote for their law school applications. And through their photos, meet a sixth: Andreas Baum, ’12, the talented student photographer who took these pictures for us.

Tammy Wang, ’12

EDUCATION: Johns Hopkins University, BA in International Relations, concentration East Asian Studies, with honors (2007) WORK EXPERIENCE: AsianFanatics.net LAW SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: University of Chicago Law Review, Immigrant Child Advocacy Project Clinic, APALSA, Admissions Committee, Law School Film Festival I fell in love for the first time when I was four. That was the year my mother signed me up for piano lessons. I can still remember touching those bright, ivory keys with reverence, feeling happy and excited that soon I would be playing those tinkling, familiar melodies (which my mother played every day on our boombox) myself. To my rather naïve surprise, however, instead of setting the score for Für Elise on the piano stand before me, my piano teacher handed me a set of Beginner’s Books. I was to read through the Book of Theory, learn to read the basic notes of the treble and bass clefs, and practice, my palm arched as though an imaginary apple were cupped between my fingers, playing one note at a time. After I had mastered the note of “C,” she promised, I could move on to “D.” It took a few years of theory and repetition before I was presented with my very first full-length classical piece: a sonatina by Muzio Clementi. I practiced the new piece daily, diligently following the written directives of the composer. I hit each staccato note crisply and played each crescendo and every decrescendo dutifully. I performed the piece triumphantly for my teacher and lifted my hands with a flourish as I finished. Instead of clapping, however, my teacher gave me a serious look and took both my hands in hers. “Music,” she said sincerely, “is not just technique. It’s not just fingers or memorization. It comes from the heart.” That was how I discovered passion. Beethoven, Mozart, Mendelssohn: the arcs and passages of intricate notes are lines of genius printed on paper, but ultimately, it is the musician who coaxes them to life. They are open to artistic and emotional interpretation, and even eight simple bars can inspire well over a dozen different variations. I poured my happiness and my angst into the keys, loving every minute of it. I pictured things, events, and people (some real, some entirely imagined— but all intensely personal) in my mind as I played, and the feelings and melodies flowed easily: frustration into Beethoven’s Sonata Pathétique, wistfulness into Chopin’s nocturnes and waltzes, and sheer joy into Schubert. Practice was no longer a chore; it was a privilege and a delight. In high school, I began playing the piano for church services. The music director gave me a binder full of 1-2-3 sheet music, in which melodies are written as numbers instead of as notes on a music staff. To make things a bit more interesting for myself—and for the congregation—I took to experimenting, pairing the written melodies with chords and harmonies of my own creation. I rarely played a song the same way twice; the beauty of improvisation, of songwriting, is that it is as much “feeling” as it is logic and theory. Different occasions and different moods yielded different results: sometimes, “Listen Quietly” was clean and beautiful in its simplicity; other times, it became elaborate and nearly classical in its passages. The basic melody and musical key, however, remained the same, even as the embellishments changed. The foundation of good improvisation and songwriting is simple: understanding the musical key in which a song is played—knowing the scale, the chords, the harmonies, and how well (or unwell) they work together—is essential. Songs can be rewritten and reinterpreted as situation permits, but missteps are obvious because the fundamental laws of music and harmony do not change. Although my formal music education ended when I entered college, the lessons I have learned over the years have remained close and relevant to my life. I have acquired a lifestyle of discipline and internalized the drive for self-improvement. I have gained an appreciation for the complexities and the subtleties of interpretation. I understand the importance of having both a sound foundation and a dedication to constant study. I understand that to possess a passion and personal interest in something, to think for myself, is just as important.

Josh Mahoney, ’13

EDUCATION: University of Northern Iowa, BA in Economics and English, magna cum laude (2009) LAW SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: Student Admissions Committee, flag football, Tony Patiño Fellow The turning point of my college football career came early in my third year. At the end of the second practice of the season, in ninety-five-degree heat, our head coach decided to condition the entire team. Sharp, excruciating pain shot down my legs as he summoned us repeatedly to the line to run wind sprints. I collapsed as I turned the corner on the final sprint. Muscle spasms spread throughout my body, and I briefly passed out. Severely dehydrated, I was rushed to the hospital and quickly given more than three liters of fluids intravenously. As I rested in a hospital recovery room, I realized my collapse on the field symbolized broader frustrations I felt playing college football. I was mentally and physically defeated. In South Dakota I was a dominant football player in high school, but at the Division I level my talent was less conspicuous. In my first three years, I was convinced that obsessively training my body to run faster and be stronger would earn me a starting position. The conditioning drill that afternoon revealed the futility of my approach. I had thrust my energies into becoming a player I could never be. As a result, I lost confidence in my identity. I considered other aspects of my life where my intellect, work ethic, and determination had produced positive results. I chose to study economics and English because processing abstract concepts and ideas in diverse disciplines was intuitively rewarding. Despite the exhaustion of studying late into the night after grueling football practices, I developed an affinity for academia that culminated in two undergraduate research projects in economics. Gathering data, reviewing previous literature, and ultimately offering my own contribution to economic knowledge was exhilarating. Indeed, undergraduate research affirmed my desire to attend law school, where I could more thoroughly satisfy my intellectual curiosity. In English classes, I enjoyed writing critically about literary works while adding my own voice to academic discussions. My efforts generated high marks and praise from professors, but this success made my disappointment with football more pronounced. The challenge of collegiate athletics felt insurmountable. However, I reminded myself that at the Division I level I was able to compete with and against some of the best players in the country.While I might never start a game, the opportunity to discover and test my abilities had initially compelled me to choose a Division I football program. After the hospital visit, my football position coach—sensing my mounting frustrations—offered some advice. Instead of devoting my energies almost exclusively to physical preparation, he said, I should approach college football with the same mental focus I brought to my academic studies. I began to devour scouting reports and to analyze the complex reasoning behind defensive philosophies and schemes. I studied film and discovered ways to anticipate plays from the offense and become a more effective player. Armed with renewed confidence, I finally earned a starting position in the beginning of my fourth year. My team opened the season against Brigham Young University (BYU). I performed well despite the pressures of starting my first game in front of a hostile crowd of 65,000 people. The next day, my head coach announced the grade of every starting player’s efforts in the BYU game at a team meeting: “Mahoney—94 percent.” I had received the highest grade on the team. After three years of A’s in the classroom, I finally earned my first ‘A’ in football. I used mental preparation to maintain my competitive edge for the rest of the season. Through a combination of film study and will power, I led my team and conference in tackles. I became one of the best players in the conference and a leader on a team that reached the semi-finals of the Division I football playoffs. The most rewarding part of the season, though, was what I learned about myself in the process. When I finally stopped struggling to become the player I thought I needed to be, I developed self-awareness and confidence in the person I was. The image of me writhing in pain on the practice field sometimes slips back into my thoughts as I decide where to apply to law school. College football taught me to recognize my weaknesses and look for ways to overcome them. I will enter law school a much stronger person and student because of my experiences on the football field and in the classroom. My decision where to attend law school mirrors my decision where to play college football. I want to study law at the University of Chicago Law School because it provides the best combination of professors, students, and resources in the country. In Division I college football, I succeeded when I took advantage of my opportunities. I hope the University of Chicago will give me an opportunity to succeed again.

Osama Hamdy, '13

EDUCATION: University of California, Berkeley, BA in Legal Studies, AB in Media Studies (2010) LAW SCHOOL ACTIVITES: BLSA, Intramural Basketball I was a shy thirteen-year-old who had already lived in six locations and attended five schools. Having recently moved, I was relieved when I finally began to develop a new group of friends. However, the days following September 11, 2001, were marked with change. People began to stare at me. Many conversations came to a nervous stop when I walked by. However, it wasn’t until one of my peers asked if I was a terrorist that it really hit me. Osama, my name is Osama. I went from having a unique name that served as a conversation starter to having the same name as the most wanted man in America. The stares and the comments were just the beginning. Eventually I received a death threat at school. I remember crying alone in my room, afraid to tell my parents in fear that they might not let me go to school anymore. My experience opened my eyes up to racial and religious dynamics in the United States. I started to see how these dynamics drove people’s actions, even if some were not aware of the reasons. The more I looked at my surroundings with a critical eye, the more I realized that my classmates had not threatened me because of hate, but because of fear and ignorance. This realization was extremely empowering. I knew that mirroring their hostility would only reinforce the fear and prejudice they held. Instead, I reached out to my peers with an open mind and respect. My acceptance of others served as a powerful counter example to many negative stereotypes I had to face.With this approach, I was often able to transform fear into acceptance, and acceptance into appreciation. I chose not to hide my heritage or myself, despite the fear of judgment or violence. As a result, I developed a new sense of self-reliance and self-confidence. However, I wasn’t satisfied with the change that I had brought about in my own life. I wanted to empower others as well. My passion for equality and social justice grew because I was determined to use my skills and viewpoint to unite multiple marginalized communities and help foster understanding and appreciation for our differences and similarities alike. The years following September 11th were a true test of character for me. I learned how to feel comfortable in uncomfortable situations. This allowed me to become a dynamic and outgoing individual. This newfound confidence fueled a passion to become a leader and help uplift multiple minority communities. During the last two summers I made this passion a reality when I took the opportunity to work with underprivileged minority students. All of the students I worked with came from difficult backgrounds and many didn’t feel as though college was an option for them. I learned these students’ goals and aspirations, as well as their obstacles and hardships. I believed in them, and I constantly told them that they would make it. I worked relentlessly to make sure my actions matched my words of encouragement. I went well above the expectations of my job and took the initiative to plan several additional workshops on topics such as public speaking, time management, and confidence building. My extra efforts helped give these students the tools they needed to succeed. One hundred percent of the twenty-one high school juniors I worked with my first summer are now freshmen at four-year universities. I feel great pride in having helped these students achieve this important goal. I know that they will be able to use these tools to continue to succeed. Inspired by my summer experience, I jumped at the opportunity to take on the position of Diversity Outreach Ambassador for the San Francisco Bar Association Diversity Pipeline Program. In this position, I was responsible for helping organize a campus event that brought educational material and a panel of lawyers to UC Berkeley in order to empower and inform minority students about their opportunities in law school. In this position I was able to unite a diverse group of organizations, including the Black Pre-Law Association, the Latino Pre-Law Society, and the Haas Undergraduate Black Business Association. Working in this position was instrumental in solidifying my desire to attend law school. The lawyers who volunteered their time had a significant impact on me. I learned that they used their legal education to assist causes and organizations they felt passionate about. One of the lawyers told me that she volunteered her legal services to a Latino advocacy association. Another lawyer explained to me how he donated his legal expertise to advise minority youth on how to overcome legal difficulties. Collaborating with these lawyers gave me a better understanding of how my passion for law could interact with my interest in social justice issues. My experiences leading minority groups taught me that I need to stand out to lead others and myself to success. I need to be proud of my culture and myself. My experiences after September 11th have taught me to defeat the difficulties in life instead of allowing them to defeat me. Now, whether I am hit with a racial slur or I encounter any obstacles in life, I no longer retreat, but I confront it fearlessly and directly. I expect law school will help give me the tools to continue to unite and work with a diverse group of people. I hope to continue to empower and lead minority communities as we strive towards legal and social equality.

Eliza Riffe

Eliza Riffe, '13

EDUCATION: University of Chicago, AB in Anthropology, with honors (2006) WORK EXPERIENCE: Sarbanes-Oxley coordinator and financial analyst, ABM Industries Harper Library, situated at the center of the main quadrangle at the University of Chicago, resembles a converted abbey, with its vaulted ceilings and arched windows. The library was completed in 1912, before Enrico Fermi built the world’s first nuclear reactor, before Milton Friedman devised the permanent income hypothesis, and well before Barack Obama taught Constitutional Law. Generations of scholars have pored over Adam Smith and Karl Marx in the main reading room, penned world-class treatises at the long wooden tables, and worn their coats indoors against the drafts in the spacious Gothic hall. Abiding over all of these scholars, and over me when I was among them, is an inscription under the library’s west window that has served as my guiding intellectual principle: “Read not to believe or contradict, but to weigh and consider.” Per this inscription, which is an abridgement of a passage by Sir Francis Bacon, we readers ought to approach knowledge as a means of enhancing our judgment and not as fodder for proclamations or discord. The generations of scholars poring over Marx, for example, should seek to observe his theories of economic determinism in the world, not immediately begin to foment a riot in the drafty reading room at Harper. The reader may contend, though, that too much weighing and considering could lead to inertia, or worse, to a total lack of conviction. The Harper inscription, however, does not tell its readers to believe in nothing, nor does it instruct them never to contradict a false claim. Instead it prescribes a way to read. The inscription warns us to use knowledge not as a rhetorical weapon, but as a tool for making balanced and informed decisions. On the cruelest days in February during my undergraduate years, when I asked myself why I had not chosen to pursue my studies someplace warmer, I would head to Harper, find a seat from which I would have a clear view of the inscription, and say to myself: “That is why.” On such a day in February, seated at a long Harper table with my coat still buttoned all the way up, I discovered how much I appreciated Carl Schmitt’s clarity and argumentation. I marveled at the way his Concept of the Political progressed incrementally, beginning at the most fundamental, linguistic level. As an anthropology student, I wrongfully assumed that, because Schmitt was often positioned in a neo-conservative tradition, I could not acknowledge him. That day in February, I took the Bacon inscription to heart, modeled its discipline, and was able to transcend that academic tribalism. I added the kernel of The Concept of the Political , Schmitt’s “friend-enemy” dichotomy, to an ever-growing array of images and ideas that I had accumulated, among them Marx’s alienation, C. S. Peirce’s indexicality, and Pierre Bourdieu’s graphical depiction of social space. This patchwork of theories and descriptive models, when weighed and considered, informs my understanding of new ideas I encounter. The academic dons who decided to place the Bacon quote under the western window intended that the idea would transcend the scholastic realm of its readers. Indeed, in my work as a financial analyst for a publicly traded company, it is often a professional touchstone. Though each day in the world of corporate finance is punctuated with deadlines and requests for instantaneous information, I am at my best as an analyst when I consider all of the data thoroughly and weigh the competing agendas. Like emulsified oil and vinegar that separate over time when left undisturbed, the right answer will emerge from among all of the wrong answers when I take the time to consider all of the possibilities. An extra hour spent analyzing an income statement can reveal even more trends than could a cursory glance. Moreover, the more I weigh and consider when I have the opportunity, the more I enhance the judgment I will need to make quick decisions and pronouncements when I do not have time.With inner vision sharpened by years of consideration, I am able to “see into the life of things,” as Wordsworth described in writing of “Tintern Abbey.” Wordsworth’s memory of the abbey provided him much-needed transcendence in moments of loneliness or boredom. The memory of the inscription under the west window at Harper—“Read not to believe or contradict, but to weigh and consider”—has a similar function. For Wordsworth, Tintern alleviated emotional anguish; for me, the Bacon inscription reaffirms a sense of intellectual purpose. The words under the window, their meaning, and the very curvature of the letters in the stone are fixed in my mind and will continue to be as I enter the life of the law. What intrigues me most about legal education is the opportunity to engage simultaneously in the two complementary processes the Harper inscription inspires in me—building a foundation of theories and descriptive models while enhancing my judgment with practice and patience.

Evan Rose

Evan Rose, '13

EDUCATION: University of Otago (New Zealand), BA in Philosophy (1999) WORK EXPERIENCE: Ski and Snowboard Schools of Aspen/Snowmass, Eurospecs Limited (NZ) LAW SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: LSA 1L Representative, BLSA, Student Admissions Committee As I tumble through the air, time seems to slow. I have fallen hard many times before, but even before I hit the ground I can tell this fall is different. I complete one and a half back flips and slam shoulders-first into the slope. As I lie on the hill, the snow jammed into the hood of my jacket begins to melt, and icy water runs down my back. I do not yet know that the impact has broken my neck. I grew up only a short drive from some of New Zealand’s best ski resorts, but my family could never afford ski vacations. My first opportunity to try snowboarding came on a trip with my university flatmate.With expectations shaped purely by the media, I left for the trip assuming snowboarding was a sport for adrenaline junkies, troublemakers, and delinquents. Much to my surprise, I instead found that it provided me with a sense of peace that defied these preconceptions. Anxiety had been a constant companion throughout much of my childhood. I had not always been this way, but years of physical and psychological abuse at the hands of my stepfather had taken their toll. My once carefree demeanor had changed, leaving me fearful, panicky, and timid. On a snowboard these feelings faded into the background for the first time in years, and the difference was profound. I never truly realized the pain I had endured until riding gave me the opportunity to escape it. I sought out every possible opportunity to go riding, and through the sport I pushed the limits of both my physical and mental courage. Snowboarding became a vehicle for regaining the confidence and self-worth that had been taken from me through the injustice of abuse. Even as I began to ride competitively in boardercross racing and halfpipe, launching myself into the air over sixty-foot jumps, the sense of peace I gained during my first day on a snowboard stayed with me. It did, at least, until that April afternoon. As I lay in a hospital bed a few hours after my accident, an overwhelming sense of fear replaced any confidence that snowboarding had instilled in me. I faced the prospect of a lengthy and complicated surgery, with no certainty about the outcome. I knew my shattered vertebrae could easily leave me paralyzed. I was lucky to be alive, but any sense of luck eluded me as pain sent me in and out of consciousness. Two days later, surgeons worked for seven hours to rebuild my neck. I awoke to learn that I had escaped any serious nerve damage. However, I would need to be immobilized by a brace twenty-four hours a day, and for over three months, before I could even contemplate rehabilitation. Those months passed slowly. When I was finally able to start the process of rehabilitation, I made recovery my full-time job. I quickly learned that pain was to become the central reality of that year. The first day I could walk to my mailbox marked a significant achievement. Determined to return to full health, and even hoping to eventually return to riding, I gritted my teeth through the daily therapy sessions. At each subsequent visit, my doctor expressed his surprise at the progress of my recovery. Only twelve months after my injury, he cleared me to make a few careful runs on an easy, groomed slope. While I made it through those first few runs safely, they left me shaking with fear. Since then, I have again found joy in riding, but no amount of determination will allow me to ride the way I had before. I won’t be attempting double back flips again any time soon. Rather than focusing on my own riding, I now direct my energy into coaching. My experiences showed me the transformative power of courage and self-confidence, and taught me to build these qualities in others. At the Aspen Skiing Company, I develop and implement teaching curricula for more than two hundred snowboard instructors. My goal is for my fellow coaches to recognize that snowboarding can offer much more than just a diversion. It has the potential to have a profound and inspiring impact on their students’ lives. In the ample time my recovery allowed for reflection, I found solace in the fact that the abuse in my childhood fostered in me not bitterness, but an enduring dedication to fairness and justice. As a college student, this dedication led me to seek out classes in ethics and morality. As a manager and leader, I strive to display both courage and enduring fairness. My interest in the legal profession stems from my belief that laws represent the concrete expressions of justice and fairness in our society. After discovering the salvation it held for me, I believed that I was reliant on snowboarding. Yet, being forced to face the grueling process of rehabilitation without it allowed me to take the final step to recovery from the trauma of my childhood. I realized I am much stronger and more resilient than I had previously believed. I realized that courage is not something that snowboarding gave me but something that has always been within me. These realizations have prepared me to broaden the scope of my dedication to justice. Secure in the knowledge that the courage and determination I have shown will help shape my future success, I am now ready to take on this new challenge: the study and practice of law.  

Law (International) personal statement (5)

  • Reading time: 3 minutes
  • Price: Free download
  • Published: 22nd September 2019
  • Word count: 846 words
  • File format: Text

For most of my life, I have resided in two worlds – the first with gorgeous virgin jungles as far as the eye could see, petroleum scented air, and no shortage of locally farmed delicacies; the second with pristinely kept roads lined with palm trees, space rocket launches, and genuinely endless mosquitoes. As soon as I became accustomed to one of my homes, forgetting about the latter and beginning to understand my surroundings, learning to appreciate the unique beauty of each, I was exiled to fly back to another reality.

As I grew older, I traveled around the country my ancestors had called home for centuries, visiting the Amazon, attending cultural folklore and dance festivals, and spending afternoons swimming in pristine rivers. When we arrived back to my grandmother’s home, and my curiosity couldn’t be quenched with adventures, my grandmother pulled out one of the many photo albums from an old closet, and recounted stories of our indigenous beginnings generations before, her father’s stories of working in the first oil fields in the 1920s, and the story of the traditions and history we celebrated. I felt incomparable pride in being Venezuelan.

Growing into my teens, I continued to travel back and forth between Venezuela and the United States during school breaks and at-times to complete a partial school year. Each time I went back I began to witness increasingly desperate situations that, as a child, no one wanted or cared to clue me into. I’m sure my parents thought that they were protecting me, but as an insatiably curious child, it only served to frustrate me. I witnessed days-long lines for gasoline, the food shortages began shortly after, and eventually missing groceries and toiletries were an average fact of life in Venezuela. And with the county’s growing hostility, I could no longer travel to back for fear of being robbed, or worse.

In 2013, with the death of sitting President Hugo Chavez, the political and socioeconomic situation worsened considerably, in a way few could have foreseen. A hand-selected successor, Nicolas Maduro, did not have any of the concerns of the international community’s criticism that his predecessor did, and acted accordingly. The great pride that I felt in being Venezuelan was destroyed. And slowly, I was physically isolated from Venezuela, and all the beauty and adventure I grew accustomed to was taken from me.

To replace my time abroad, I channeled my focus into my love of history and politics. As most do, I began with ancient Greece, and I discovered Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” in Republic, which tells of the allegory of a prisoner freed from a cave to witness, for the first time, his true surroundings. And not the dark shadows that misshaped reality. In attempting to return to the cave of his imprisonment, he finds that he cannot reason his existence in the cave any longer and is freed to begin a new journey. Beginning with this allegory, and further discovering text from George Orwell, Ignazio Silone, and Albert Camus, while delving into many of history’s lessons I found myself becoming a freed prisoner from my cave of childhood ignorance. As a child, I learned so appreciate the duplicity of being from two very different places, and as a teenager, I learned to reconcile my isolation from Venezuela and redefine my own world by educating myself with facts and attempting to make the world around me a better place. From this point on, I actively sought opportunities to learn and develop myself: I volunteered in my community often asking difficult questions to those thrice my age in order to better understand their own worldview. My human geography teacher saw my love of differences, and selected me, along with 9 other students, to partake in an ongoing exchange with one of the first schools for girls built in Kabul, Afghanistan after warring with the Taliban for decades. I learned from these insightful Afghani girls that education was truly a privilege offered to few, but more often denied or hidden from many in efforts to rule an ignorant population.

Naturally, when it came time for applying for college, I enrolled in a program that suited my love of politics, culture, and history, political science seemed to fit the bill. I felt that I needed the tools to learn how to become a global citizen, and I also wanted to begin my journey of attempting to affect tangible change in my community, my county, and the world.

I first became interested in law as a means of finding my place in the international community. I believe the culmination of my meaningful life experience, curiosity, education, and respect for human life fosters the ideal foundation of an attorney in international law and will make me an asset to your college of law . As of now, I am uncertain which sector of International Law that I wish to pursue, but I know that I am heading in the right direction and pursuing a career that I truly love will not steer me wrong.

Related personal statements:

  • Criminology and Forensic Science BSc Personal Statement
  • Law degree personal statement example (9)
  • Criminology BSc (Hons) Personal Statement Example
  • Social and Political Sciences BA (Hons) Personal Statement Example
  • Law personal statement (8)
  • Law personal statement (7)
  • Law personal statement example (6)
  • Politics personal statement (1)
  • Politics personal statement example (2)
  • Law personal statement (4)

Review this personal statement:

Latest reviews:, good background.

I feel like this statement is unfinished. It has a wonderful background section on personal experiences with a cohesive and engaging narrative but there’s not enough about the course itself. I do think it makes a good read though.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

  • Student Directory
  • Disability Resource Center
  • Practice-Ready Ethics & Professionalism Program
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Registrar’s Office
  • Commencement
  • Well-Being at FIU Law
  • Academic Advising
  • Information Technology
  • Alumni Services
  • Dean’s Alumni Circle
  • Law Student Lounge Renovation Project
  • 10th Anniversary Alumni Class Gift
  • Alumni Mentoring Program
  • Virtual Discussions and Webinars
  • Update Information
  • Give to FIU Law

J.D. Admissions

  • J.D. Transfer Students
  • Events Calendar
  • Check Application Status
  • FIU Law Path (Pre-law Program)

Welcome to J.D. Admissions

FIU Law was established to provide students with a rigorous legal education designed to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.

To apply for admission you must provide the following documents before the application deadline. Applications for admission will not be processed more than one year in advance of the date for which entrance is sought.

Click here to view our Fall entering class profile.

Summer 2024 Open House

The law school admission council (lsac), fiu law: law school 101 info session, fiu law's event schedule, in-person tour, virtual tour (google maps), ready to apply, application information, application procedure.

https://onestop.fiu.edu/student-records-myfiu/personal-records/declare-residency/ Read the following instructions carefully before completing the application. To apply for admission you must provide the following documents before the application deadline. Applications for admission will not be processed more than one year in advance of the date for which entrance is sought.

  • Application for Admission –  A completed Application for Admission must be accompanied by a $20.00 nonrefundable application fee. The application must be completed in full and signed. Completed applications will be considered on a rolling basis beginning mid September/early October. The deadline for submission of a completed application is June 30. Applications received or completed after this date will be considered as class space permits.

How to apply:

  • Visit  LSAC.org  and create an account.
  • Follow the links to retrieve our application from the list of all ABA accredited law schools.
  • Supplemental documents may be attached to your LSAC application. If you need to submit additional electronic documentation after submitting your application, you may do so by e-mailing them to  [email protected]
  • For questions or problems with your account please contact LSAC via e-mail at  [email protected]  or call 215.968.1001.

Admissions Test Scores (LSAT) –  Applicants can choose to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and register with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS). FIU Law will not accept LSAT scores earned prior to June 2020. Students must sit for the LSAT no later than June to be considered for admission in August of the same year.

Admissions Test Scores (GRE):  Applicants sitting for the GRE, should select Florida International University College of Law as a recipient of the GRE results using the  ETS school code: 4431 . To register for the GRE, visit  their website here. Determine if you qualify for the  GRE Fee Reduction Program . If you have any questions about utilizing a fee waiver, please contact GRE Institutional Services at  [email protected]  or 1-609-771-7092.

If you have already taken a GRE General Test, make sure there is a reportable GRE General Test score in your ETS account and  order an Additional Score Report be sent to us.  When registering, you may have already designated our College of Law as a recipient and a score report may automatically be sent to us. Students must sit for the GRE no later than June to be considered for admission in August of the same year. NOTE: The Admissions Committee will consider your highest GRE score, but will see all your reportable scores  (Including the GRE and LSAT) .

Optional Test Score (JD Next) :Applicants are encouraged to supplement their LSAT or GRE score with their JD-Next course completion. FIU Law will consider successful completion of the JD-Next course as part of the law school’s holistic decision-making process. If you plan to include the JD-Next scores as a part of your application, please email us at [email protected] to hold your application until the scores are received. You can learn more about JD-Next here: https://www.aspenpublishing.com/programs/jd-next

  • Official Transcripts –  Official transcript from each undergraduate, graduate and professional school you attended must be sent directly to LSAC. All candidates must have been awarded a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution prior to enrollment at FIU Law. Prior to matriculation, admitted students must request that their undergraduate, graduate and professional schools submit a final official transcript to FIU Law’s Director of Admissions and to LSAC.
  • Academic Honors, Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience –  Applicants have the option of submitting a resume/curriculum vitae. Your resume/curriculum vitae should include examples of professional, academic, civic and extracurricular accomplishments (e.g. employment history, honors and awards, community service, extracurricular activities, foreign language proficiencies, military service, etc.).
  • Recommendations –  Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation, and may submit an additional letter if they desire. For current college students or recent graduates the letter must be an academic recommendation. Letters of recommendation should attest to the applicant’s character and preparedness for law school. FIU Law prefers that all letters of recommendation be submitted through LSAC.
  • Personal Statement –  The Admissions Committee requires a personal statement. In no more than three typed, double-spaced pages, please discuss your reasons for pursuing a legal education and your goals or future plans upon graduation. You may discuss any obstacles that you have overcome (for example, English is not your native language, discrimination, economic or family hardship, severe medical condition, etc.).
  • Interviews –  Interviews are not required for admission consideration and will not be factored into the Admissions Committee’s final decision regarding your application. However, FIU Law encourages you to visit our community. Individual appointments and group informational sessions are scheduled throughout the year. To schedule a visit, please complete the campus visit reservation  form .
  • Transfer Students –  Students attending an ABA accredited law school may apply for transfer to FIU Law if they are in good standing at their current institutions and their academic rank (if applicable) is in the upper-third of their first-year class. Transfer credit will not be awarded for correspondence courses or for work not done in residence at an ABA accredited law school.
  • International Candidates –  Foreign transcripts must be submitted to the Credential Assembly Service of the Law School Admission Council for transcript authentication and evaluation.

Candidates for whom English is not their first language must take the Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL). Information on the TOEFL may be found at  www.ets.org/toefl .Scores must be sent directly to the FIU College of law Office of Admissions. Candidates who receive a 156 LSAT score or better may request a waiver of the TOEFL examination from the Office of Admissions.

Note: No transfer credit will be granted for previously completed coursework.

  • J.D. for Foreign Lawyers: J.D. with Advanced Standing ( JDAS ) –  FIU Law offers the possibility of advanced standing for students who already hold a first degree in law from a country outside the United States. The J.D. with advanced standing program permits students to obtain credit for legal studies they have done elsewhere in the world. Students may receive up to 30 hours of credit towards the J.D. for prior legal studies in another country.Students may also receive credit towards the J.D. for coursework done while completing a graduate degree in law, such as an LL.M. here in the United States at an ABA accredited law school. The total amount of credit towards the J.D. is assessed on an individual basis.
  • Residency Classification – This form (available here ) must be completed in full if you claim Florida residency for tuition purposes. If you have any questions about the form or its contents please contact the Office of Admissions at 305.348.8006. Please NOTE : residency status will be updated ONLY if the applicant is admitted.

Committee Decision Making Process

A prospective student’s academic record (undergrad GPA and LSAT score) weighs heavily in the evaluative process. In addition to these academic markers, the Admissions Committee also considers other factors, including leadership ability, commitment to public service, command of global issues, work history, military service, and any history of criminality or academic misconduct. Evidence of obstacles that an applicant may have overcome (English is not the applicant’s native language, discrimination, economic or family hardship, severe medical condition) are also considered. The Admissions Committee encourages each applicant to answer all questions candidly and with specificity.

Qualifications for Admission to the Bar

At FIU Law, every effort is made to admit students of high moral character. FIU Law reserves the right to question an applicant concerning the applicant’s prior record and conduct, insofar as it may be relevant to the character of the applicant.

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

You are  strongly encouraged  to fully disclose – to both FIU Law and to the state bar for which you are applying – any incident(s) which may have a bearing on your eligibility for admission into the College of Law or a state bar respectively. The failure to disclose any incident that may reasonably be deemed to reflect on an applicant’s character and fitness to practice law may be viewed by both the Florida Board of Bar Examiners and FIU Law as a serious omission. Such omissions may be treated as a lack of candor on the part of the applicant, and may result in your application being rejected by FIU Law, or exclusions from the Florida Bar and other state bars.

  • http://www.nationaljurist.com/
  • http://www.pad.org

Financial Aid

  • https://fafsa.gov/
  • http://www.finaid.org
  • http://www.fastweb.com
  • http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE

LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Testing Information

Office of Admissions

LSAC - Law School Admission Council

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC)

studying at a laptop

LawHub™ builds your test day confidence.

LawHub Advantage

Power up your LSAT preparation, track law school application statuses, and get a jump start to 1L success.

opens in new window

LawHub™ helps you prepare for the LSAT.

Prelaw Success Live Events

Join us online this summer as we review changes to the LSAT and what you should know about LSAT Argumentative Writing.

Law student smiling at camera

Plus Pathway Programs

LSAC’s Plus pathway programs provide insight, support, and community to those looking to join the legal profession.

calendar icon

Registration for the August 2024 LSAT ends June 27, 2024 . 2024-2025 LSAT testing year opens in mid-May .-->

Register for this Test Check out the test dates-->

What’s New at LSAC

Law professor instructing students in classroom

Are Faculty Members Enthusiastic About Preparing for the NextGen Bar Exam?

How can law schools get faculty talking about NextGen readiness?

Chelsea Hampton, Robin Brodsky, and Paul Travisano accept a silver Stevie® Award presented to LSAC's Customer Relationship department for Contact Center of the Year.

LSAC Wins Silver in 2024 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service

LSAC’s Customer Relationship department has been presented with a silver Stevie ® Award in the Contact Center of the Year category at the eighteenth annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Keeping Up to Data

An Exciting New Version of LSAC’s Plus Program

Susan Krinsky hears from LSAC’s Laura Fonseca about Plus, Guided Journey, the next generation of a popular program for those considering pursuing legal education.

Find the Law Program for You

international law personal statement

Compare All Programs

The LSAT Advantage

  • Why the LSAT?
  • How to Prepare
  • Retaking the LSAT

LSAC forum attendees in a conference hall

Attendees interacting at the in-person LSAC Law School Forums

Recent Data and Research

online reports

  • Skip to main content
  • Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Weekend Edition Sunday

  • Latest Show

Sunday Puzzle

  • Corrections

Listen to the lead story from this episode.

People arrive before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at the

People arrive before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at the "People's Convention" of Turning Point Action Saturday in Detroit. Carlos Osorio/AP hide caption

It's easy to believe young voters could back Trump at young conservative conference

by  Elena Moore

Middle East

Fighting is intensifying along the israel-lebanon border. it's not the first time.

by  Lauren Frayer

The U.S. healthcare industry has been the target of two ransomware attacks this year

by  Ryan Benk ,  Lauren Frayer

Summer of soccer: Euros 2024 kick off with Copa America to follow

Kentucky town honors its music legends the everly brothers and john prine.

by  Derek Operle

Art & Design

Pioneering nigerian artist bruce onobrakpeya opens an exhibition at the smithsonian.

by  Emmanuel Akinwotu

Sunday Puzzle

Sunday Puzzle NPR hide caption

Sunday Puzzle: State That Capital

by  Will Shortz

Sunday Puzzle: State That Capitol

Author interviews, john vercher's novel 'devil is fine' tackles grief through magical realism, the uk will go to polls after a surprise win for the far-right in the europe.

The fuselage of a Boeing 737 at the Spirit AeroSystems factory in Wichita, Kan.

The fuselage of a Boeing 737 at the Spirit AeroSystems factory in Wichita, Kan. Joel Rose/NPR hide caption

As Boeing looks to buy a key 737 supplier, a whistleblower says the problems run deep

by  Joel Rose

Muslims in Gaza pass a somber Eid al-Adha on the brink of famine

by  Hadeel Al-Shalchi

For decades, London's Fleet Street was the home of Britain's biggest newspapers, the tradition from which Washington Post CEO Will Lewis and incoming top editor Robert Winnett come.

For decades, London's Fleet Street was the home of Britain's biggest newspapers, the tradition from which Washington Post CEO Will Lewis and incoming top editor Robert Winnett come. Carl Court/Getty Images hide caption

New 'Washington Post' chiefs can’t shake their past in London

by  David Folkenflik

New ‘Washington Post’ chiefs can’t shake their past

3 americans are on trial for a failed coup in the democratic republic of congo.

Broadway musical Illinoise’s sound mixer and designer Garth MacAleavy does his preparation for the evening show at the St. James Theatre in New York, on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

Broadway musical Illinoise ’s sound mixer and designer Garth MacAleavy does his preparation for the evening show at the St. James Theatre in New York, on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Marco Postigo Storel for NPR hide caption

When you can hear every word, thank the sound mixers

by  Jeff Lunden

The Americas

Brazil's far-right introduces bill that equates abortion after 22 weeks to murder.

by  Julia Carneiro

A peek inside London's old war office, the place of inspiration for James Bond

Movie interviews, in 'ghostlight' a real-life family plays their reel selves, in 'ghostlife', a real-life family plays their reel selves, new fathers celebrate father's day and reflect on the joy of becoming dads.

Searching for a song you heard between stories? We've retired music buttons on these pages. Learn more here.

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

  • Travel Advisories |
  • Contact Us |
  • MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Get a Passport

Renew or Replace a Passport

Get My Passport Fast

Prepare to Apply

Passport Help

Legal Matters

Get a Passport Homepage

Share this page:

Apply for your First Adult Passport

Apply for a Child Under 16

Apply as a 16 or 17 Year Old

Get My Application Status

Get a Passport Card

Respond to a Letter or Email

  • Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person.
  • If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply with their child, you will need to show us more documents.
  • You cannot renew your child's passport using Form DS-82.
  • Passports for children under age 16 are only valid for 5 years. 

Steps to Apply

1. fill out form ds-11 and print it.

Use our Form Filler tool  to fill out your child's form on a desktop or laptop computer and then print it. If you are experiencing technical issues with the Form Filler, download a PDF . 

Fill Out Form DS-11 Online

Tips to complete your child's form :

  • Do not sign your child's form until asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent or employee. 
  • You can apply for a passport book , a passport card , or both documents.
  • You may ask for a larger passport book with more visa pages, at no extra cost, by checking the 'large book' box at the top of the DS-11.

2. Get Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (and a photocopy)

Your evidence must be an original or replacement copy. The document must have the official seal or stamp of the office which issued it. You must submit one of the following documents for your child:

  • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
  • Lists applicant's full name, date of birth, and place of birth
  • Lists the parent(s)' full names
  • Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
  • Has the registrar's signature
  • Has the seal or stamp of the city, county, or state which issued it
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Please note you must also provide a document, such as a birth certificate, that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. Full validity means the document is or was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16. 

If you cannot submit one of these documents, go to our  Citizenship Evidence page  for more information.

Paper only : You cannot submit digital evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a mobile or electronic birth certificate. You must submit physical evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the document. 

Returning your child's document : We will return your child's document in a separate mailing up to 8 weeks after you receive the new passport.

Tips for making a photocopy :

  • Black and white (no color)
  • Use 8.5 inch by 11 inch paper
  • Use a single side of the paper

If you do not submit a photocopy, you must submit a second copy of your citizenship evidence. We will keep this copy for our records.

Sample U.S. Birth Certificate

3. Show Your Relationship to Your Child

You must submit a document that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. Examples include:

  • U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
  • Foreign birth certificate
  • Adoption decree
  • Divorce or custody decree
  • A court order

Some documents, like a U.S. birth certificate, show  both  U.S. citizenship and parental relationship. These documents must be originals or certified copies (not photocopies).

You and your child may have different last names, as long as the document showing your relationship to your child lists your full name.

If your name is different than the one on the document showing your relationship to your child, submit proof of your legal name change.

4. Get a Photo ID (and a photocopy)

Both parents or guardians must bring a physical, photo ID and a photocopy of it. If your photo ID is from a different state than the state in which you are applying, bring a second photo ID. 

You must show at least  one  of these photo IDs:

  • Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card 
  • In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo
  • Certificate of Naturalization 
  • Certificate of Citizenship 
  • Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
  • U.S. military or military dependent ID
  • Current (valid) foreign passport
  • Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
  • U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
  • Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
  • Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
  • In-state, fully-valid learner's permit with photo
  • In-state, fully-valid non-driver ID with photo
  • Temporary driver's license with photo

If you do not have one of these photo IDs, go to our  Identification page  for more information.

5. Show More Documents (if both parents or guardians cannot apply)

  • Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person.
  • If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply in person with their child, you will need to show more documents.
If... Then...
One parent can't go in person (but both of you have custody) Submit a  . The parent that cannot apply with the child must:
You have sole legal custody, or you are the only parent

Submit one of these documents:

 parent  .
You cannot find the other parent (but both of you have custody)

Submit a 

Neither parent able to appear

Submit a  or a notarized statement from both parents or guardians giving that person (example: grandparent) permission to apply for the child.

Important : Submit  Form DS-3053  and other notarized statements within three months of signing them.

6. Provide a Photo

You must provide one photo with your child's application. Go to our  Passport Photo page  for photo requirements and to see examples of photos. 

  • Do not attach or staple your child's photo to the form. The acceptance agent or passport employee will review the photo and staple it to your form.
  • Some  passport acceptance facilities
  • A company which offers photo services
  • Home. Ask your friend or family member to take your child's photo. Print it on glossy or matte photo quality paper. 

7. Calculate Fees

When applying using Form DS-11, you will pay two separate fees - an application fee and an execution (acceptance) fee. You will pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State, and the execution (acceptance) fee to the facility which takes your application. 

  • Add $60 to your application fee if you want  expedited service .
  • Add $19.53 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-2 days after we issue it.  

Child Applicants :

Product Form  Application Fee Execution (Acceptance) Fee
Passport Book $100 $35
Passport Card $15 $35
Passport Book & Card $115 $35

For more information on how to pay and a full list of fees, go to our  Passport Fees  page.

*How to fill out your check and pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State. Please note you must pay a separate execution (acceptance) fee. 

Families may write one check or money order to the U.S. Department of State if they are applying at the same time. The check or money order must include the name and date of birth of each applicant.

international law personal statement

8. Find Location to Apply

In the United States:

  • Traveling in more than 3 weeks?  Go to a  passport acceptance facility  such as a post office, library, or local government office. Check with the facility to see if you need to make an appointment. 
  • Traveling in less than 3 weeks?   Make an appointment  to apply at a passport agency or center.

In another country:

  • Contact your  U.S. embassy or consulate .

9. Track Your Application Status

You can  subscribe to email updates  about your application status, and  learn more about each status update .

It may take 2 weeks from the day you apply until your child's application status is “In Process.” 

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you send my child's passport and supporting documents.

You will get multiple mailings. The number of mailings depends on what document(s) you asked for.

Passport Book : You may get your new passport and citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We will return the passport book using a trackable delivery service.

Passport Card : You may get your new passport card and your citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail. We do not send cards using 1-2 day delivery services.

Both a Passport Book and Card : You may get three separate mailings:

  • New passport book
  • New passport card
  • Citizenship documents

Contacting Us : If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks for your documents, call us at  1-877-487-2778  to report that you have not received your documents. 

If you want us to reimburse you for a lost supporting document, you must contact us within 90 days of the date which we mailed your passport. You will also need to provide a receipt to show the cost of replacing the document. 

Can I pay for faster delivery and return shipping?

Yes. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

  • Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster shipping. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
  • Returning the passport to you : Pay $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport   1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid. 

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings. If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services if you only applied for a passport card.

What countries require Form DS-3053 "Statement of Consent" to be notarized at an embassy or consulate?

In certain countries, a DS-3053 must be notarized at a  U.S. embassy or consulate  and cannot be notarized by a local notary public. Currently, these countries include:

Afghanistan

Indonesia

Pakistan

Algeria

Iran

Panama

Angola

Iraq

Philippines

Bangladesh 

Jamaica

Saudi Arabia

Bulgaria

Kenya

Senegal

Cambodia

Kuwait

Sierra Leone

Cameroon

Laos

Somalia

Central African Republic

Lebanon

Sudan

Cote d'Ivoire

Liberia

Syria

Dominican Republic

Libya

Tajikistan

Egypt

Mali

Tanzania

Equatorial Guinea

Mauritania

Trinidad and Tobago

Ethiopia

Mauritius

Uganda

Gabon

Moldova

Ukraine

Guatemala

Nepal

United Arab Emirates

Guinea

Nicaragua

Venezuela

Haiti

Nigeria

Vietnam

Honduras

North Korea

Yemen

Special Passport Fairs

Find a Special Passport Fair  near you!

We're holding special passport fairs all across the United States to help you get your passport more easily. New events are added to our site every week.

Most events are for first-time applicants and children, (who use Form DS-11). If you can use Form DS-82, you can renew by mail at your convenience!

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

  • It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
  • Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

How to Apply for your Child's Passport

Watch this video to learn how to apply in person for your child's U.S. passport!

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

  • Applying to Uni
  • Apprenticeships
  • Health & Relationships
  • Money & Finance

Personal Statements

  • Postgraduate
  • U.S Universities

University Interviews

  • Vocational Qualifications
  • Accommodation
  • ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
  • ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
  • ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
  • ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

  • ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
  • ​​​​​​​Technology
  • ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Guide

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

Law personal statement example (international student) 2.

Growing up as a British student in the American state school system, witnessing injustice has been unavoidable and ranged from the persistent educational biases against women to learning about the shooting of unarmed black men by police through live news reports.

Given my unique worldview as someone who grew up in three countries (France, the UK, and the US) I was drawn into debate and as I grew into adolescence began to consider a future in politics or law. During this period my family moved from Seattle to California, where I enrolled in a school with a successful mock-trial team and came to the realisation that a legal career would allow me to take direct action to impact the issues by which I was most motivated.

The rigour of the legal field is easily validated by its benefits. Shadowing my mock-trial attorney coach reinforced the idea that law is an adaptive and relevant field, reflective of current societal values. In fact, my mock-trial team delivered a pretrial argument about cell-site data just weeks before the Supreme Court announced their own verdict based on many of the same cases - as the judge pointed out, such issues are of pressing national importance.

As a student, I enjoy expanding my logical and critical thinking skills, both of which I know to be vital for a successful career in law. I am intellectually curious and dedicated to law, often researching criminal cases and occasionally sitting-in on court.

As much as possible, I have geared my studies towards law. My Street Law course examines elements of criminal and civil law and the workings of the justice system. We often discuss the ethics of law and how different cases are treated, which is of particular interest to me.

Similarly, my government course addresses individual rights and how laws justly come to be. Indirectly related to law, I have developed my writing ability and rhetoric in my AP Composition courses, the ability to analyse historical trends (and appreciate the importance of law in modernising society) through my AP history courses, and the necessary mathematical aptitude for legal success through my completion of precalculus and current enrollment in AP Statistics. I am studying independently for AP Macro and Microeconomics which are not offered at my school, demonstrative of my self-guided study abilities and academic resolve.

My enthusiasm for law has primarily been channeled into my participation in mock-trial. Not only does it allow me to academically converse about law and practice friendly competition, but through work with practicing attorneys and judges I have developed the speech and adaptive thinking skills necessary for a legal career.

I have won numerous awards during my time on the team and within my first year served as a witness on the county, state, and national level. I grew to be an attorney “practicing” with real case law and evidentiary code, and this year, act not just as my team’s lead attorney, presenting examinations and closing arguments, but as the team captain, mentoring younger students and coordinating my team’s success statewide. Both roles - attorney and captain - require dedication and a finely-tuned manner in interacting with everyone from teenage peers to California Superior Court judges.

The decision to move to England for higher education is both social and academic. My familial connections, citizenship, and childhood residency in the UK have given me an association with British culture and customs that I do not have with the States. As the first woman in my family to complete post-16 education, it seems fitting that I should return to the UK to do so. In addition, while my postgraduate plans are to pursue barresterial qualifications and practice law I hope to eventually enter British politics, developing policy and designing their legal implementation to impact issues of law on a larger scale.

Profile info

There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.

Author's Comments

Oxford - rejected Durham- offer Exeter - unconditional offer Leeds - offer Bristol - offer

SAT score: 1470 AP Exams: European history 4, Literature 4, US History 5 Not yet sat: AP Macroeconomics, AP Lang, AP Statistics

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Add new comment.

IMAGES

  1. International Relations Politics and Law

    international law personal statement

  2. Legal practice course personal statement

    international law personal statement

  3. 📗 Law Personal Statement

    international law personal statement

  4. Law School Personal Statement Format

    international law personal statement

  5. How to Make Law Personal Statement Example an Advantage for YouPersonal

    international law personal statement

  6. Law School Personal Statement Writing & Editing Help Online

    international law personal statement

VIDEO

  1. Write an Incredible Personal Statement: 3 Steps with Examples

  2. How To Write The Best Personal Statement For UK / USA Universities

  3. Reading my personal statement

  4. personal statement

  5. “Secrets Of The Law School Admissions Process” with Dave Killoran

  6. How to write a Best Personal Statement in Law Admission Test

COMMENTS

  1. International Law Personal Statement

    For example, the free healthcare Law in place that is eligible to UK citizen's aged 60 and above. A Level History has provided me with further knowledge of policies, which have helped shape the society we know today. For example the Treaty of Versailles which has shaped historical events as well as political ones.

  2. International Law Personal Statement Example

    This personal statement is unrated. In discussing what graduate programs I want to pursue, International Law came up most times. My family and most friends always had a puzzled look that read, "You, International Law?". My motivation to study and practice law coins from my desire to cause a change in the lives of the weak and defenseless ...

  3. International Relations and Law Personal Statement Example

    I will strive hard in the pursuit of my degree with the ultimate aim of using my passion and multicultural heritage to deepen my understanding of international relations and law. This personal statement was written by taztheman for application in 2010. taztheman's university choices. Oxford Brookes University. The University of Edinburgh.

  4. Writing A Law School And LLM Personal Statement

    A great LLM (Master of Laws) personal statement should be persuasive, concise and easy to read: Persuasive - you want the admissions board to choose you over the competition. Concise - you need to compress information about your past, present and future into a limited word count. Easy to read - you don't want the admissions board to ...

  5. International Law Personal Statement

    International Law Personal Statement Example Sample Statement. As well as commerce commonly accepted law is a way of international organisations and countries to communicate and uphold a set of moral codes of conduct for all the world's citizens to live their lives by.

  6. Law Personal Statement Examples

    Law Personal Statement Examples | Uni Compare. Explore Management degrees at LIBF, where courses are 100% online and flexible. Find the perfect Criminology degree which allows you to specialise in your interests. Taken from 65,000+ data points from students attending university to help future generations. Discover university rankings devised ...

  7. International Relations Masters Personal Statement Sample

    Written by Ben Taylor. This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in International Relations. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement. In today's unstable political climate, a nuanced, multifaceted understanding of international relations seems more important than ever, with the ...

  8. Law School Personal Statement: The Ultimate Guide (Examples Included)

    Learn how to write a law school personal statement for top schools like Yale, including law school personal statement examples and topics. ... Whether I provide pro bono advice to city government, serve as counsel to an international company, or represent my community as a public servant, a career in the law is my chance to fly into the fray ...

  9. Law and International Relations Personal Statement Example 1

    Law and International Relations Personal Statement Example 1. Through my insight into the UN's work I have learned that having declarations about Human Rights does not mean they are obeyed and automatically enforced. Law is not static, but develops all the time. It is part of everyday life, as in Berlin everyone is confronted with the issue of ...

  10. Personal Statement

    Please check HERE for detailed guidelines on how to write a personal statement (statement of purpose). I am keen to pursue LLM International Law and Social Justice at University of Brighton. This LL.M in international law and Social Justice will complement and enhance my Bachelor degree. The application is supported by my CV and evidence of my ...

  11. Law personal statements

    Submitted by: Anonymous. "I am a person keen on challenges. Law will provide me with the kind of constant challenge I have always craved, while..." Law degree personal statement example (2j) Submitted by: Anonymous. "My love of law stemmed from a dislike of geography and severe stage fright.

  12. Law International Relations Personal Statement

    Law with International Relations Personal Statement. Submitted by Priya. Recent court cases, including Charlie Gard's battle for experimental medical treatment involving UK courts, the US President and the Pope and the McLibel case that involved a breach of Article 6 of the ECHR has inspired me to delve deeper into the worlds of Law and ...

  13. LL.M. Applications: The Personal Statement

    The Harvard Personal Statement Sep 12, 2022 0 Personal statement guidance - Stanford LL.M. (LST) Jun 09, 2022 0 Personal Statement A at Harvard Nov 21, 2021 0 CAMBRIDGE LLM 2021-22: Personal Statement Jul 03, 2020 0 LLM Personal Statement - Durham, Bristol, Kent, York Aug 21, 2017 0 Personal Statement Advice Nov 24, 2016 1

  14. Law Personal Statement

    A personal statement for the Learning Practice Course (LPC) is submitted to the Central Applications Board (CAB) when applying to LPC training to become a solicitor, having already completed an undergraduate law degree (or conversion course). While it is also a personal essay which you use to sell your skills, experience and passion for law, it ...

  15. Sample statement of purpose

    LLM International Human Rights Law. Note: the example personal statement (statement of purpose) below is for guidelines only and to help you understand how to write one - do not copy any part of it. When applying to universities, write your own personal statement (statement of purpose) according to your profile for the course you are applying.

  16. 4 Outstanding Real-World Law School Personal Statement Examples

    They illustrate the reasons why a legal education is an essential next step in their careers. They display an understanding of the law school's values and sincere interest in attending. They tell an attention-grabbing yet relevant story. Check out the personal statement examples below to get inspired, and be sure to read our advice for ...

  17. In Their Own Words: Admissions Essays That Worked

    Throughout this issue, countless examples show why we are so proud of the students at the law school. One might think that we get lucky that the students the admissions office chose for their academic accomplishments also turn out to be incredible members of our community, but it's really all by design. Our students show us a great deal more in their applications than just academics—and we ...

  18. Law (International) personal statement (5)

    Home » Personal Statement Examples » Law (International) personal statement (5) Law (International) personal statement (5) 20th July 2023 22nd September 2019 by PSE. Reading time: 3 minutes; Price: Free download; Published: 22nd September 2019; Price: Free download; Word count: 846 words; File format: Text; 3.0.

  19. Law Personal Statement Example (International Student) 3

    This personal statement is unrated. As the daughter of a British mother and a Dutch father who was born and raised in Israel, I grew up speaking both English and Hebrew. My desire to study and practice law developed initially from my genuine interest in legal and ethical dilemmas and how fairness and justice are involved within a society.

  20. J.D. Admissions

    Admissions Test Scores (GRE): Applicants sitting for the GRE, should select Florida International University College of Law as a recipient of the GRE results using the ... Personal Statement - The Admissions Committee requires a personal statement. In no more than three typed, double-spaced pages, please discuss your reasons for pursuing a ...

  21. The Law School Admission Council

    Current Volume Summaries by Region, Race/Ethnicity, Gender Identity & LSAT Score LGBTQ+ Inclusion: From Candidate to Law Student The LSAT Is Still the Most Accurate Predictor of Law School Success. Visit LSAC Insights. Start your Law School journey with LSAC, a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting quality, access, and equity in ...

  22. Weekend Edition Sunday for June, 16 2024 : NPR

    Browse archive or search npr.org. Hear the Weekend Edition Sunday program for Jun 16, 2024.

  23. Law and International Relations Personal Statement Example 3

    Law and International Relations Personal Statement Example 3. Our entire system is based on law, making it the essential foundation of stability in societies; the emergence of UN, NATO, and EU made the world more cordial. International cooperation is one of the chief elements of the functionality of the modern world; thus a combination of law ...

  24. Pet Travel

    Do you want to travel with your pet to another State or country? Before you go, you may need to complete certain paperwork or tasks, such as getting a health certificate for your pet. Meeting these requirements takes time, so contact your veterinarian for help as soon as you decide to travel (whether by plane, car, boat, train, or other means).

  25. International Student Personal Statement Examples

    Law Personal Statement Example (International Student) 3. As the daughter of a British mother and a Dutch father who was born and raised in Israel, I grew up speaking both English and Hebrew. My desire to study and practice law developed initially from my genuine interest in legal and ethical dilemmas and how fairness and justice are involved ...

  26. Apply for a Child's U.S. Passport

    Submit a Statement of Special Family Circumstances: DS-5525. We may ask you for more evidence such as a custody order, an incarceration order, or a restraining order to protect against international parental child abduction. If the non-applying parent is deployed by the military, that parent should provide a notarized Form DS-3053 in most cases.

  27. Law Personal Statement Example (International Student) 2

    Law Personal Statement Example (International Student) 2. Growing up as a British student in the American state school system, witnessing injustice has been unavoidable and ranged from the persistent educational biases against women to learning about the shooting of unarmed black men by police through live news reports.