law school entrance essays

2 Law School Personal Statements That Succeeded

These examples of law school essays were critical components of successful law school applications.

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Sincerity is an essential ingredient of a compelling law school admissions essay, one J.D. admissions expert says.

Deciding what to say in the law school personal statement is the most challenging part of the admissions process for some applicants.

"Even people who are good writers often have a hard time writing about themselves," says Jessica Pishko, a former admissions consultant and writing tutor at Accepted, a Los Angeles-based admissions consulting firm. "That is perfectly normal."

Pishko, who coached law school applicants on how to overcome writer's block, says, "If you can find the thing that you really care about, that is who you are, and talking about that is a great way to write about yourself."

Why Law Schools Ask for Personal Statements

Personal statements can offer J.D. admissions committees "a narrative" about the applicant, which is important because it is rare for law schools to conduct admissions interviews, says Christine Carr, a law school admissions consultant with Accepted who previously was an associate director of admissions at Boston University School of Law .

The statement can help explain an applicant's reasons for wanting to attend law school , Carr adds.

"It can then add 'color' to a one-dimensional process," Carr wrote in an email. "The personal statement also allows the applicant to showcase writing ability. Law school and the legal profession require a clear and concise writing style that can be displayed by the applicant in the personal statement."

Personal statements often help admissions committees make difficult decisions, Carr says. "Given a relatively robust applicant pool, institutions often have more 'numerically' qualified applicants – LSAT and GPA – than they can admit," she explains.

Qualitative admissions factors, including not only personal statements but also resumes and recommendation letters , help to humanize applicants and "allow committees to build a community of law students not solely based on the quantifiable measures of test scores and transcripts," Carr says.

"Law schools are looking to fill classrooms with engaging and qualified students. The personal statement can provide insight into an applicant's personality and potential as a member of the school's community," she says.

What a Great Personal Statement Accomplishes

Excellent law school personal statements convey the essence of who an applicant is, experts say.

"The personal statement is the quickest way to get an overview, not only of the applicant's professional life and background, but in terms of what they emphasize, a clear indication of what the applicant themself, values," Jillian Ivy, CEO and founder of IvyCollegeEssay.com, a company that provides guidance on admissions essays, wrote in an email.

The statement "also gives admissions a snapshot of how well each applicant writes, if they understand how to brand or market their best traits, and thereby demonstrate that they know where their own strengths lie," Ivy adds.

A strong personal statement will articulate an applicant's vision for his or her future, including an explanation of short-term and long-term goals, and it will delineate how a J.D. degree will help an applicant get to where he or she wants to go, Ivy says.

"The more competitive the law school, the more admissions wants to see a level of understanding, drive and ambition within the personal statement," she explains, adding that applicants should clarify why they want to attend a particular law school and how that school can assist them on their career journey. "The schools want to see that the applicant has taken the time to understand what their particular program offers, and what makes it different."

How to Structure a Law School Personal Statement

The beginning of a solid law school personal statement ought to be intriguing, experts say.

"The statement should begin with a strong intro sentence, that summarizes the applicant's goal or tone," Ivy says. "For example, 'I have always been interested in international finance.' From there, the applicant would go on to describe 'why' they are interested in this area of financial law, and what in their unique background and experience has led them to pursue this path."

A personal statement provides context for the experiences that have prepared the applicant for law school and led him or her to pursue a legal career, experts say. It's also ideal to have a thoughtful ending "that ties the statement up," Ivy says.

An important point to address in a law school personal statement is what "sparked" the applicant's interest in law, Ivy says. She adds that law school admissions readers are aware that J.D. hopefuls' career goals may change between the time they apply to law school and the day they graduate.

Nevertheless, it can still be useful for an applicant to provide an explanation of what particular area of law he or she wants to learn more about and what type of lawyer he or she would like to become, if that is something the applicant is clear about, Ivy says.

An effective personal statement will also explain an applicant's background and how it has shaped him or her, Ivy adds. "It's connecting the dots back to anything at all that can be relevant ... to your new interest and what you want to pursue professionally."

Applicants should tailor their personal statement to each law school where they submit an application, Ivy adds. " Harvard Law School is very different than Columbia Law School even though both of them are excellent schools," she explains. "So each has their own approach to learning and to learning about law in particular."

Law school admissions committees appreciate when applicants make it clear that they have done thorough research on the school and its J.D. program . This reassures admissions officers that an applicant will be a good fit and make a valuable contribution to his or her law school class, Ivy explains.

Experts advise that a law school personal statement should align with the content in the rest of the law school application . Ideally, the essay will emphasize a selling point that is conveyed elsewhere in the application, but not simply repeat information.

In order for a personal statement to be effective and stand out, experts say, it needs to be both representative of who the applicant is and distinctive from personal essays that others have written.

How to Start Writing a Law School Personal Statement

Carr notes that writing a law school personal statement can be intimidating because it isn't easy to convey the essence of decades of events "into two pages double-spaced." She says law school hopefuls are often unsure about which portions of their life would be most meaningful and interesting to an admissions committee.

"Some applicants have a tendency to throw the 'kitchen sink' at committees and write about everything," Carr explains. But that's a mistake, Carr says, adding that J.D. personal statements should be "clear and concise."

Carr suggests that J.D. applicants concentrate on answering the central question of a law school personal statement, "Why law school?" Once they have brainstormed answers to that question, they should focus on a specific aspect or theme that explains their rationale for pursuing a career as an attorney, Carr says.

Ivy suggests that law school hopefuls who are struggling to decide what to write about in their law school personal statement should make a bullet-point list of the various topics they could focus on alongside brief one-sentence descriptions of each topic. The process of recording ideas on a piece of paper can clarify which ideas are most promising, she says.

"The strong ones will rise to the surface," she says, adding that once an applicant has narrowed down his or her list of essay ideas to only a few, it can be valuable to solicit feedback from trusted individuals about which of the remaining essay concepts is the very best.

Law school admissions experts suggest that applicants recall the various pivotal moments in their lives that shaped their identity, and then consider whether there is any idea or thesis that ties these events together.

Focusing on a central concept can help ensure that a law school personal statement does not simply list accomplishments in the way that a resume or cover letter might, experts say. Plus, an idea-driven essay can give law school admissions officers insight into the way a J.D. applicant's mind works.

A personal statement should illustrate the positive attributes the applicant has that would make him or her successful as a law student and lawyer. Sometimes the best way for an applicant to show his or her character strengths is to recount a moment when he or she was challenged and overcame adversity, experts say.

Experts advise law school hopefuls to write multiple drafts of their personal statement to ensure that the final product is top-notch.

They also recommend that applicants solicit feedback from people who understand the law school admissions process well, such as law school admissions consultants, and from people who know them well, such as close friends or family members. Getting input from friends and family can help ensure that an applicant's essay authentically conveys their personality, experts say.

Once the statement is finalized, Carr advises, the applicant should thoroughly proofread it more than once.

Mistakes to Avoid in Law School Personal Statements

A scatterbrained or disorganized approach in a law school personal statement is a major no-no, experts warn.

Ivy suggests that J.D. hopefuls avoid "rambling," adding that top law schools want to identify individuals who demonstrate that they are highly focused, ambitious, driven and persistent. "If you can hit those four things in your essay, then that's going to stand out, because most people don't know how to do that," she says.

Because it's important for a law school personal statement to be coherent and streamlined – like the law school resume – it's prudent to use an outline to plan the essay, Ivy says. The most common mistake she sees in J.D. personal statements is the lack of logical flow.

"Instead of a linear line, they're cycling around, and they'll touch on something, and then they'll come back to it again three paragraphs later," she says, adding that an unstructured essay is "just messy" and will not make a positive impression during the law school admissions process.

Experts warn that law school personal statements should not be vague, melodramatic and repetitive. The essay should not merely describe a person that the applicant met or recount an event – it needs to convey the applicant's personality.

Plus, language should be specific and clear. Absolutes like "never" or "always" are typically not the best words to use, experts warn, and it's important to not overshare personal information.

In addition, J.D. hopefuls should understand that they have a lot to learn about the law since they have not gone to law school. They should recognize that the individuals reading their essays probably know a great deal about the law, so they should not write essays that lecture readers about legal issues, experts warn.

Grammatical and spelling errors can tarnish an otherwise good personal statement, so it's important to avoid those, according to experts. It's also essential to follow any formatting rules that a law school outlines for personal statements.

Additionally, though many law school hopefuls are tempted to begin their personal statement with a dramatic anecdote, they should resist because doing so will most likely make a negative impression, experts warn. An aspiring attorney does not need to have suffered a tragedy in order to write a compelling law school personal statement, and describing something bad that has happened does not automatically lead to an effective essay.

Furthermore, when a J.D. applicant submits a generic law school personal statement that could go to any school, he or she is missing an opportunity to explain why a particular school is a great fit, experts suggest. Another common mistake, they say, is when applicants use a positive adjective to describe themselves rather than sharing an anecdote that demonstrates that they have this good quality.

Additionally, when a law school hopeful includes storytelling in his or her essay, it's best to focus on a single specific anecdote, because speaking in generalities is neither interesting nor convincing, experts say.

An applicant who writes a contrived essay based purely on what he or she believes a law school wants may come across as phony, experts say. It's essential, they say, for a personal statement to articulate what special perspective a prospective student could bring to a law school class.

Law School Personal Statement Examples

Below are two law school admissions essays whose authors were accepted to their top-choice law schools. The first is written by Waukeshia Jackson, an intellectual property attorney who earned her J.D. from the Paul M. Herbert Law Center at Louisiana State University—Baton Rouge . The second essay is written by Cameron Dare Clark, a Harvard Law School graduate.

Pishko says these two personal statements demonstrate the necessity of sincerity in an admissions essay. "It has to be sincere, and it has to be you and what you want to write about and why you want to go to law school.”

Both essays are annotated with comments from the authors about how the essays were written as well as comments from Pishko about passages that resonated best and how the essays could be improved.

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Law School Personal Statement Tips

In your personal statement for law school you want to present yourself as intelligent, professional, mature and persuasive. These are the qualities that make a good lawyer, so they're the qualities that law schools seek in applicants. Your grades and LSAT score are the most important part of your application to law school. But you shouldn't neglect the law school personal statement. Your application essay is a valuable opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants, especially those with similar LSAT scores and GPA.

How To Write a Personal Statement for Law School

1. be specific to each law school ..

You'll probably need to write only one basic personal statement, but you should tweak it for each law school to which you apply. There are usually some subtle differences in what each school asks for in a personal statement.

2. Good writing is writing that is easily understood.

Good law students—and good lawyers—use clear, direct prose. Remove extraneous words and make sure that your points are clear. Don't make admissions officers struggle to figure out what you are trying to say.

3. Get plenty of feedback on your law school personal statement.

The more time you've spent writing your personal statement, the less likely you are to spot any errors. You should ask for feedback from professors, friends, parents, and anyone else whose judgment and writing skills you trust. This will help ensure that your statement is clear, concise, candid, structurally sound and grammatically accurate.

4. Find your unique angle.

Who are you? What makes you unique? Sometimes, law school applicants answer this question in a superficial way. It's not enough to tell the admissions committee that you're a straight-A student from Missouri. You need to give them a deeper sense of yourself. And there's usually no need to mention awards or honors you've won. That's what the law school application or your resume is for.

Use your essay to explain how your upbringing, your education, and your personal and professional experiences have influenced you and led you to apply to law school. Give the admissions officers genuine insight into who you are. Don't use cliches or platitudes. The more personal and specific your personal statement is, the better received it will be.

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7 Law School Personal Statement Topic Ideas

Applying to Law School
Pre-Law Prep
Surviving Law School
Homework Help
Private School
College Admissions
College Life
Graduate School
Business School
Distance Learning
J.D., Temple University
B.A., English and History, Duke University

The law school personal statement is a required part of most law school applications. Each law school provides their own instructions and the requirements will vary, so make sure to review them thoroughly. For example, some law schools will ask for specific information about you (e.g., academic background, professional experiences, personal identity), while others ask for a general personal statement. Many law schools are most interested in why you want to pursue law, but not all.

Regardless of any school-specific requirements, your personal statement must demonstrate exceptional writing abilities. The admissions committee will be considering your ability to communicate and present information effectively. In addition, although the personal statement does not need to address your interest in law, it should illustrate qualities that would make you a good lawyer. Most importantly, the essay should be personal in nature.

Good topics for personal statements can come from almost any part of your life: extracurricular activities, community service projects, professional experience, or personal challenges. The possibilities are endless, and most law schools do not provide specific writing prompts—a perfect recipe for writer's block. If you're feeling stuck on your personal statement, use our list of topic ideas to kick off the brainstorming process.

Why Law School?

Most law school personal statements say something about why the applicant wants to go to law school, so it's important to make your essay personal and unique to you. Avoid legal jargon or overly abstract concepts. Instead, write a truthful essay that conveys sincere interest.

To jumpstart the brainstorming process, jot down all the reasons you want to study law. Then, look for patterns in the list to identify key moments or experiences that led you to pursue a legal career. Remember, your reasons can be personal, professional, academic, or a combination of all three. A typical "why law school" essay will begin with a pivotal moment that led to your decision, then explain your short and long term goals, potentially including classes you want to take, specializations you plan to pursue, and the area of law you intend to practice.

A Personal Challenge You Overcame

If you have overcome significant personal challenges or hardships , you may wish to share those experiences in your personal statement. Make sure to structure the essay in a way that demonstrates personal growth, and consider connecting it to your interest in law. The description of the challenge should be relatively concise; the majority of the essay should focus on how you overcame it and how the experience affected you.

One caveat: it's best to avoid writing about academic failures in your personal statement. If you must explain a low grade or test score, do so in an addendum , rather than your personal statement.

Your Proudest Personal Achievement

This prompt gives you the opportunity to brag about accomplishments that you may not have been able to include elsewhere in your application. For example, you might write about the time you navigated your hiking group out of the woods during a storm, or the summer you spent helping a neighbor develop their small business.

Be sure to provide details about how you felt as you worked toward and eventually achieved your goals. The accomplishment does not have to be academic, but it should be something that demonstrates personal growth or showcases your best qualities.

A Project That Led to Personal Growth

Did you create or participate in a project that still influences you to this day? Consider writing about the project and its impact in your personal statement.

Don't worry if your project doesn't feel big enough. Remember, the most compelling projects are often those that initially seem small but are actually quite impactful. Good examples include community service work or a significant project undertaken at a job or internship. In the personal statement, explain the project and its impact on you with vivid language and anecdotes. In other words, take the reader on the growth journey with you, rather than just describing it to them.

Growth Experienced in College

In addition to intellectual growth, many students experience significant personal growth in college. When you reflect on your undergraduate years, what stands out? Perhaps one of your long-held beliefs was challenged by friendships you formed in college. Maybe you discovered an unexpected interest that changed the course of your academic or professional career. Reflect on your core values and beliefs before and after college. If you see an obvious and interesting growth trajectory, consider using this topic for your personal statement.

An Experience That Changed Your Life

This personal statement prompt allows you to describe formative experiences and how they impacted your life and career choices. Good examples include a mid-life career change or the decision to have a baby while in college.

Describing a truly life-changing experiences will help you stand out from other applicants, especially if you write reflectively and demonstrate how the experience connects to your pursuit of a law career.

Introduce Yourself

If you were introducing yourself to an admissions officer, what would you want him or her to know about you? What makes you who you are, and what unique perspective can you add to the law school environment?

Get started by reflecting on these questions and free writing your answers. You can also ask friends, family, teachers, and classmates for their input about your special qualities. By the end of the process, you should have a list of unique personal characteristics and experiences. A great law school personal statement will either focus on one specific personal characteristic or experience, or braid several of them together to paint a rich portrait of who you are.

Remember, the admissions committee wants to know applicants through their personal statements, so don't be afraid to let your personality shine through.

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Where can I find successful law school application essays?

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You've taken the LSAT . You've sent off your college transcripts. You've filled out the required forms. You're almost done with the law school application process -- but not yet.

Now it's time to think about that other important part of your law school application: your essay. You've heard that the personal statement (as these essays are sometimes known) can make a difference, especially if your grades and test scores aren't at the top of the pack of applicants to your school of choice.

Most law schools use an index as part of the admissions process. They combine applicants' LSAT scores and grades, weighting them according to their believed importance. The lucky few at the very top of the index are likely to be automatically in; those at the very bottom are likely to be automatically out. But for the masses in the middle -- and even, sometimes, for someone near the bottom -- the personal statement can be what opens the door [source: Owens ]

Some law schools give all applicants a prompt for the essay. The admissions staff at those schools believes that if everyone has to write about the same thing, it will be easier to make comparisons. However, an increasing number of schools won't tell applicants what to write about. Their thinking is that leaving the subject open will produce creative essays that reveal more about their authors.

The latter approach puts more pressure on the applicant to think of a good subject and an angle. What to do? Search for information about law school application essays on the Internet and you'll be bombarded with a bewildering flood of information and commercial offers. Can you believe what you read? You really want to be accepted to law school. Is it worth the money to pay for sample essays, or to pay someone to help you write yours?

Read on for some insight.

Law School Application Essay Examples

Law school essay dos and don'ts.

It can be worthwhile to read examples of essays that have helped applicants win admission to law school. Seeing successful essays might give you a sense of what admissions committees are looking for. Reading what others have written might inspire you to think of an approach that will work for you. Knowing what has worked for other people might give you confidence -- and confidence makes for a better essay. But don't expect to find something that you can adapt a little and submit as your own.

Few law schools offer essay examples. That's because admissions officers want an applicant to write from his or her own experience rather than imitate what someone else has written. Melanie Nutt, the director of admissions for the Wake Forest University School of Law in Winston-Salem, N.C., said she wishes applicants would stay away from blogs and books that offer essay advice and examples. Even worse, she said, are services that will "help" someone write an essay, for a fee. "I want applicants to write about something that they care about and have some passion for. Hopefully, by the time somebody is ready for graduate school, he [or she] might have an original thought," she said.

Examples abound for those who want them, however. An Internet search will take you to free sites such as top-law-schools.com that post and critique essays.

A number of books include essay examples and writing tips. They're likely available at your local library and on sale at bookstores for under $20. These books often include writing advice that most college-educated people already know, such as:

Don't be vague.
Use active rather than passive voice.
Be accurate in spelling and grammar.
Have a good beginning and ending that will interest the reader.

Many include comments from admissions officers at leading law schools (often, the same people appear in several books). And then there are the examples of essays by people who won admission to their law school of choice.

What does make a good essay? Read on for some enlightenment.

If the school asks for specific information -- why you want to be a lawyer , or what you see as your strengths -- you, of course, should follow instructions.

Some schools require an open-ended essay and allow an optional essay on some topic such as how you would contribute to increased diversity in the incoming class.

When it comes to writing an open-ended essay:

Write what you would want to tell the admissions officers if you met them.
Focus on something you care passionately about.
Make yourself come alive as a person.
Write about something that's unusual or compelling in your life.
Draw on your professional and life experience. If you've been out of school for a while or are a single parent, use that insight.
Write something that will make yourself stand out in the committee's minds.
Relate the story you're telling about yourself to your passion for the lawi
Be sincere and honest. Tell the truth, not what you think they want to hear.
Use the essay to explain bad grades or low LSAT scores. Use an addendum for explanations.
Rehash your awards and activities. The committee will know that information from your application forms and/or resume.
Talk about how you've wanted to be a lawyer since you were a child. The committee has read that 1,000 times.
Rely on gimmicks. That clever poem or joke will probably fall flat.
Write about everything that's ever happened to you. Focus on one or two life-shaping experiences.
Go on too long. The committee does a lot of reading. Two to 2 1/2 double-spaced pages are probably plenty.

Your goal should be to help the people who will be making the decision know you and understand why you want to attend law school.

Melanie Nutt, the Wake Forest University School of Law admissions director, said that one of the most memorable essays she's read lately was from a young man who said his mother was his hero -- and his inspiration to be a lawyer -- because she left an abusive relationship and raised him as a single parent. Another was by a young woman whose father is a mechanic. She wrote about "life lessons learned under the hood of a car."

What most of this advice boils down to is this: The best place to find a successful law school application essay is within your own life story.

Once you're written your story, that's the time to get help. Show it to a professor, counselor or editor for a helpful critique.

Need a bit more help with your law school applications? Take a look at the links on the next page.

Lots More Information

Tips for Law School Admission Essays

By Mehran Ebadolahi Mehran Ebadolahi -->

By the time you’re preparing your law school applications, there’s not a lot you can control. You’ve already earned your LSAT score, undergraduate GPA, and your work history. That’s all in the past, and all that’s left is to report it. But there’s one area in which you still have all the control in the world: your personal statement, through which you can showcase what can’t be learned about you from your transcript and test scores. Your application essay(s) are your opportunity to stand out from other applicants and tell admissions officers how you will uniquely contribute to the school of your dreams.

To make sure your personal essay is on point, follow these guidelines:

1) Make It Personal

It’s right there in the name: personal essay. Narrow in on a specific experience that’s unique to you, rather than discussing your views on some impersonal topic. For instance, an essay about how your life changed when you received a cochlear implant will resonate much more with readers than an essay about your views on cochlear implants in the deaf community. Avoid talking about an issue in an overly generalized way. Keep it specific and personal.

2) Make Sure You Have a Fresh Idea

Your essay should not be like anybody else’s. Avoid common topics, like how traveling to a developing country made you want to fight against economic injustice, how you come from a long line of lawyers, or how your love of Law & Order makes you certain you’re meant to be a lawyer. Thousands of people apply to law school, and somebody else is probably going to have your exact GPA, LSAT score, and extracurricular interests. What they won’t have is a unique story from your life. Focus on what you and you alone can talk about and you won’t get thrown in the reject pile.

3) Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of listing your positive attributes like a laundry list, use a story to show the reader that you have those traits. Think of it like trying to avoid bad exposition in a movie. Nobody wants the hero of the story to tell them, “I’m really strong.” They want to see the hero lift a car off a trapped child. Use a story to show what you’ve done and have to offer rather than passively listing what’s unique and wonderful about you.

4) Make Sure You Have a Great Hook

Your first paragraph has to be excellent. Your essay is likely one of hundreds, if not thousands, that the reader has to judge, and she may stop reading if the first paragraph does not grip her. Just as people may judge a book by its cover, your reader may judge your entire essay on its opening. Make sure yours is killer!

5) Follow the Instructions

Many law school personal essays are open ended, but if there is a specific question, make sure you answer it. If there is a word limit, don’t exceed it. You can get creative in the body of the essay, but not with the requirements.

6) Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Grammatical errors and spelling mistakes will make you stick out for all the wrong reasons. Proofread your essay many times, double and triple checking the name of the school. You’re likely applying to numerous law schools , and you do not want to send an essay with the wrong school name in it!

7) Avoid Inspiration Quotations

Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gandhi said some great things, but starting your essay with one of them is cliché.

8) Avoid Big Words

Throw too many big words in your essay, and you’ll come off as pretentious. Don’t try so hard to impress the reader with an expansive vocabulary. For best results, write eloquently and concisely from the heart.

9) Take a Risk—If You’re in the Bottom of the Applicant Pool

If you know your LSAT score and grades aren’t on par with the average applicant for the school to which you are applying, it’s more important than ever to stand out in the personal essay. In this case, it’s OK to take a risk to get noticed.

10) Build to a Law School Tie-In

Your personal essay should not start with why you’d be a great fit for law school, but by the end, the reader should know. Your personal story should reveal characteristics about yourself or a lesson learned that clearly shows you have the desire or traits necessary to succeed and contribute as a law student.

But don’t just take our word for it. Check out these essays that resulted in acceptance to the University of Chicago Law School , and these essays that garnered admission to Harvard Law School and the Law Center at Louisiana State University Baton Rouge.

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Law School Admissions Essays: Why Do I Want to Be a Lawyer?

Published: Mar 31, 2009

A less obvious, more common mistake is to write about how you want to help people. The fact is that most law school graduates, especially from the top schools, go on to work in the private sector. Law school admissions officers are not out to judge the moral value of your career intentions, particularly because they know that people often change their minds. They're well aware that most of their graduates will go on to seek financially rewarding careers. Therefore, applicants who mention clichis about wanting to "improve society" usually sound disingenuous.

Focusing on Specific Legal Areas

If you have a specific goal, such as working for a particular disadvantaged group that lacks advocates, then the situation is different: It's always good to showcase a unique, focused commitment. Even better would be if you had a track record of community service to back up your objectives. For example, you may have worked with handicapped people for several years, and this exposed you to certain injustices that you want to correct. The same approach would work for topics that are not about public service. For example, this applicant describes his background in science and connects this to his current interests in intellectual property law. He recognizes that his unusual background is a strength rather than a liability. His unique reasons for attending law school are clearly grounded in relevant experience and thoughtful consideration.

Personal Interests

Discussing specific areas of law is a surefire way to demonstrate a mature commitment to the study of law. However, admissions officers certainly do not expect this level of decisiveness. Another way to show your reasons for pursuing law is to tie your interest to personal qualities or skills. This applicant shows that her interest in law is grounded in her willingness to seek "justice at any cost." What's important is not that she be the only person with this conviction, because that would not be possible. Instead, the uniqueness comes through her personal details, the evidence that she provides to back up her principled nature.

Brushes With the Law

Some people will discover their interest in law through an unplanned encounter. This applicant describes her involvement in an Equal Employment Opportunity suit, then ties this in with her interest in environmental law. The result is an essay that provides two specific details: first, a concrete event that demonstrates her exposure to law, and second, a distinct field of law for which she has special qualifications to pursue.

This essay focuses even more explicitly on the role that law and lawyers have played in the applicant's life. Though the details of the essay still center on the applicant's background, he uses past encounters with the law to define his current objectives.

18 Law School Personal Statement Examples That Got Accepted!

sample-law-school-personal-statement-and-tips

This blog contains law school personal statement examples written by applicants who were successfully accepted to multiple law schools after working with our admissions experts as part of our application review programs . Your law school personal statement is one of the most important parts of your application and is your best opportunity to show admissions officers who you are behind your numbers and third-party assessments. Because of its importance, many students find the personal statement to be daunting and demanding of the full scope of their skills as writers. Today we're going to review these excellent law school personal statement examples from past successful applicants and provide some proven strategies from a former admissions officer that can help you prepare your own stellar essay.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 44 min read

Law school personal statement example #1.

When I was a child, my neighbors, who had arrived in America from Nepal, often seemed stressed. They argued a lot, struggled for money, and seemed to work all hours of the day. One day, I woke early in the morning to a commotion outside my apartment. Police officers were accompanying my neighbors out of the building. They were being deported. In my teens, I was shocked to see that our kind, friendly neighbors had exhausted their last chance to stay in America as they lost a court appeal.

Since that time, I have worked closely with the many immigrant families in my neighborhood, and now university town. I began by volunteering at a local community center. Together with social workers, I served food and gave out clothes to new arrivals. My diligent work ethic led to more responsibility, and I received training in basic counseling techniques, first aid skills and community services. Soon, I was tasked with welcoming new community members and assessing their health and social needs. I heard the many difficult stories of those who had traveled thousands of miles, often through several countries, risking everything to reach a safe, welcoming country. I was proud to contribute in some small way to making America welcoming for these individuals.

The community center is where I had my first formal contact with legal aid lawyers, who were a constant source of knowledge and support for those who needed assistance. I was struck by the lawyers’ ability to explain complex legal processes to nervous and exhausted incomers: law, I realized, was about more than procedure. I decided that I, too, would strive to balance a wealth of technical knowledge with my caring, compassionate personality.

As soon as I enrolled in university, I knew I had the chance to do so. In my very first week, I signed up to volunteer at the university’s legal aid center, where I worked closely with law professors and students on a range of cases. Academically, I have focused on courses, such as a fourth-year Ethics seminar, that would help me develop rigorous critical reasoning skills. More importantly, I knew that, given my experience, I could be a leader on campus. I decided to found a refugee campaign group, Students4Refugees. Together with a group of volunteers, we campaigned to make our campus a refugee-friendly space. I organized a series of events: international student mixers, an art installation in our student commons, and concerts that raised over $5,000 for the charity Refugee Aid. I am proud to say that my contributions were recognized with a university medal for campus leadership.

I have seen time and again how immigrants to the United States struggle with bureaucracy, with complex legal procedures, and with the demands of living in a foreign and sometimes hostile climate. As I plan to enter law school, I look back to my neighbors’ experiences: they needed someone who knew the law, who could negotiate with the authorities on their behalf, who could inform them of their rights—but they also needed someone who would provide a caring and compassionate outlet for their stresses. I know that Townsville University’s combination of academic rigor, legal aid services, and history of graduates entering labor and non-profit sectors will allow me to develop these skills and continue making contributions to my community by advocating for those in need.

Thematic consistency: It focuses on just one theme: justice for immigrants. Each paragraph is designed to show off how enthusiastic the student is about this area of law. Personal statements—including those for law school—often begin with a personal anecdote. This one is short, memorable, and relevant. It establishes the overall theme quickly. By constraining their essay’s focus to a single general theme, the writer can go into great depth and weave in emotional and psychological weight through careful and vivid description. The personal statement isn’t a standard 3-paragraph college essay with a spotlight thesis statement, but it conveys similar impact through presenting a central focus organically, without resorting to simply blurting out “the point” of the piece.
Shows, rather than tells: Connected to this, this statement focuses on showing rather than telling. Rather than simply telling the reader about their commitment to law, the applicant describes specific situations they were involved in that demonstrate their commitment to law. “Show don’t tell” means you want to paint a vivid picture of actions or experiences that demonstrate a given quality or skill, and not simply say "I can do X." Make it an experience for your reader, don't just give them a fact.
Confident, but not arrogant: Additionally, this personal statement is confident without being boastful—leadership qualities, grades, and an award are all mentioned in context, rather than appearing as a simple list of successes.
Specific to the school: It ends with a conclusion that alludes to why the applicant is suitable for the specific school to which they’re applying and points to their future career plans. Thoroughly researching the law school to which you’re applying is incredibly important so that you can tailor your remarks to the specific qualities and values they’re looking for. A law essay writing service is really something that can help you integrate this aspect effectively.

What Should a Law School Personal Statement Do?

1. be unique to the school you’re applying to.

Students are always asking how to write a personal statement for law school, particularly one that stands out from all the rest. After all, advice from most universities can often be quite vague. Take this zinger from the University of Chicago : “Write about something personal, relevant, and completely individual to you… Just be yourself.” Every school will have different requirements or content they want to see in a personal statement. This is why it’s a good idea to review specific guidelines for the school to which you’re applying. For example, you can read Yale Law School personal statement examples , Stanford Law personal statement examples , and an NYU personal statement to get an idea of what these schools look for.

2. Demonstrate your skills and capabilities

For motivated students with the world at their fingertips, it’s a tough ask to narrow your character down into a few hundred words! But this is exactly the point of such generic guidelines—to challenge aspiring law students to produce something unique and convincing with minimal direction by the university. Law is, after all, a profession that demands your language to be persuasive, and the personal statement is merely one of many exercises where you can demonstrate your language skills.

3. Meet basic requirements

While the law school personal statement is about far more than just following essay directions, you still need to keep basic formatting and length restrictions in mind. Most law schools ask for a 2-page personal statement, but lengths can range from 2-4 pages. Georgetown Law School , for instance, recommends a 2-page personal statement but explicitly states that there is no official minimum or maximum. In general, length does not make a personal statement better. Rambling, meandering sentences and tiresome descriptions will only hurt the impact of your ideas, especially considering how many thousands of pages admissions committees have to churn through each year.

In short, keep to 2 double-spaced pages, and only go below or above this is if you absolutely have to, and if the school to which you're applying allows it. You want to keep things as widely applicable as possible while drafting your personal statement, meaning that you don't want to draft a 4 page letter for the one school that allows it, and then have to significantly rewrite this for your other schools. Stick to 2 pages.

4. Embody what the school is looking for

Lastly, many law schools won’t offer hyper-specific prompts, but will give you general law school admissions essay topics to follow. For instance, the University of Washington’s law school provides a number of topics to follow, including “Describe a personal challenge you faced” or “Describe your passions and involvement in a project or pursuit and the ways in which it has contributed to your personal growth and goals.” These topics may feel specific at first, but as you begin drafting, you’ll likely realize you have dozens of memories to choose from, and numerous ways of describing their impact. While drafting, try to explore as many of these options as possible, and select the best or most impactful to use in your final draft.

Want to write the perfect law school personal statement? Watch this video:

Law School Personal Statement Example #2

In my home community, the belief is that the law is against us. The law oppresses and victimizes. I must admit that as a child and young person I had this opinion based on my environment and the conversations around me. I did not understand that the law could be a vehicle for social change, and I certainly did not imagine I had the ability and talents to be a voice for this change. I regularly attended my high school classes because I enjoyed the discussions and reading for English and history, and writing came easily to me, but I wasn’t committed to getting good grades because I felt I had no purpose. My mindset changed as I spent time with Mark Russell, a law student who agreed to mentor and tutor me as part of a “high school to law school” mentorship program. Every week, for three years, Mark and I would meet. At first, Mark tutored me, but I quickly became an “A” student, not only because of the tutoring, but because my ambitions were uncorked by what Mark shared with me about university, the law, and his life. I learned grades were the currency I needed to succeed. I attended mock trials, court hearings, and law lectures with Mark and developed a fresh understanding of the law that piqued an interest in law school. My outlook has changed because my mentor, my teachers, and my self-advocacy facilitated my growth. Still, injustices do occur. The difference is that I now believe the law can be an instrument for social change, but voices like mine must give direction to policy and resources in order to fight those injustices.

Early in my mentorship, I realized it was necessary to be “in the world” differently if I were to truly consider a law career. With Mark’s help and the support of my high school teachers, I learned to advocate for myself and explore opportunities that would expand my worldview as well as my academic skills. I joined a Model UN club at a neighboring high school, because my own school did not have enough student interest to have a club. By discussing global issues and writing decisions, I began to feel powerful and confident with my ability to gather evidence and make meaningful decisions about real global issues. As I built my leadership, writing, and public speaking skills, I noticed a rift developing with some of my friends. I wanted them to begin to think about larger systemic issues outside of our immediate experience, as I was learning to, and to build confidence in new ways. I petitioned my school to start a Model UN and recruited enough students to populate the club. My friends did not join the club as I’d hoped, but before I graduated, we had 2 successful years with the students who did join. I began to understand that I cannot force change based on my own mandate, but I must listen attentively to the needs and desires of others in order to support them as they require.

While I learned to advocate for myself throughout high school, I also learned to advocate for others. My neighbors, knowing my desire to be a lawyer, would often ask me to advocate on their behalf with small grievances. I would make phone calls, stand in line with them at government offices, and deal with difficult landlords. A woman, Elsa, asked me to review her rental agreement to help her understand why her landlord had rented it to someone else, rather than renewing her lease. I scoured the rental agreement, highlighted questionable sections, read the Residential Tenancies Act, and developed a strategy for approaching the landlord. Elsa and I sat down with the landlord and, upon seeing my binder complete with indices, he quickly conceded before I could even speak. That day, I understood evidence is the way to justice. My interest in justice grew, and while in university, I sought experiences to solidify my decision to pursue law.

Last summer, I had the good fortune to work as a summer intern in the Crown Attorney’s Office responsible for criminal trial prosecutions. As the only pre-law intern, I was given tasks such as reviewing court tapes, verifying documents, and creating a binder with indices. I often went to court with the prosecutors where I learned a great deal about legal proceedings, and was at times horrified by human behavior. This made the atmosphere in the Crown Attorney’s office even more surprising. I worked with happy and passionate lawyers whose motivations were pubic service, the safety and well-being of communities, and justice. The moment I realized justice was their true objective, not the number of convictions, was the moment I decided to become a lawyer.

I broke from the belief systems I was born into. I did this through education, mentorship, and self-advocacy. There is sadness because in this transition I left people behind, especially as I entered university. However, I am devoted to my home community. I understand the barriers that stand between youth and their success. As a law student, I will mentor as I was mentored, and as a lawyer, I will be a voice for change.

What’s Great about this Second Law School Personal Statement?

It tells a complete and compelling story: Although the applicant expressed initial reservations about the law generally, the statement tells a compelling story of how the applicant's opinions began to shift and their interest in law began. They use real examples and show how that initial interest, once seeded, grew into dedication and passion. This introduction implies an answer to the " why do you want to study law? ” interview question.
It shows adaptability: Receptiveness to new information and the ability to change both thought and behavior based on this new information. The writer describes realizing that they needed to be "in the world" differently! It's hard to convey such a grandiose idea without sounding cliché, but through their captivating and chronological narrative, the writer successfully convinces the reader that this is the case with copious examples, including law school extracurriculars . It’s a fantastic case of showing rather than telling, describing specific causes they were involved with which demonstrate that the applicant is genuinely committed to a career in the law.
Includes challenges the subject faced and overcame: This law school personal statement also discusses weighty, relatable challenges that they faced, such as the applicant's original feeling toward law, and the fact that they lost some friends along the way. However, the applicant shows determination to move past these hurdles without self-pity or other forms of navel-gazing. Additionally, this personal statement ends with a conclusion that alludes to why the applicant is suitable for the specific school to which they’re applying and points to their future career plans. The writer manages to craft an extremely immersive and believable story about their path to the present, while also managing to curate the details of this narrative to fit the specific values and mission of the school to which they’re applying.

What’s Great About This Third Law School Personal Statement?

Description is concise and effective: This writer opens with rich, vivid description and seamlessly guides the reader into a compelling first-person narrative. Using punchy, attention-grabbing descriptions like these make events immersive, placing readers in the writer's shoes and creating a sense of immediacy.
Achievements are the focus: They also do a fantastic job of talking about their achievements, such as interview team lead, program design, etc., without simply bragging. Instead, they deliver this information within a cohesive narrative that includes details, anecdotes, and information that shows their perspective in a natural way. Lastly, they invoke their passion for law with humility, discussing their momentary setbacks and frustrations as ultimately positive experiences leading to further growth.

Want more law school personal statement examples from top law schools?

Harvard law school personal statement examples
Columbia law school personal statement examples
Cornell law school personal statement examples
Yale law school personal statement examples
UPenn law school personal statement examples
Cambridge law school personal statement examples

Law School Personal Statement #4

What’s great about this fourth law school personal statement.

Engaging description: Like the third example above, this fourth law school personal statement opens with engaging description and first-person narrative. However, the writer of this personal statement chooses to engage a traumatic aspect of their childhood and discuss how this adversity led them to develop their desire to pursue a career in law.
Strong theme of overcoming adversity: Overcoming adversity is a frequent theme in personal statements for all specialties, but with law school personal statements students are often able to utilize uniquely dramatic, difficult, and pivotal experiences that involved interacting with the law. It may be hard to discuss such emotionally weighty experiences in a short letter but, as this personal statement shows, with care and focus it's possible to sincerely demonstrate how your early struggles paved the way for you to become the person you are now. It's important to avoid sensationalism, but you shouldn't shy away from opening up to your readers about adverse experiences that have ultimately pointed you in a positive direction.

Why "show, don't tell" is the #1 rule for personal statements:

Law School Personal Statement Example #5

What’s great about this fifth law school personal statement .

Highlights achievements effectively: This writer does a fantastic job of incorporating their accomplishments and impact they had on their community without any sense of bragging or conceit. Rather, these accomplishments are related in terms of deep personal investment and a general drive to have a positive impact on those around them—without resorting to the cliches of simply stating "I want to help people." They show themselves helping others, and how these early experiences of doing so are a fundamental part of their drive to succeed with a career in law.
Shows originality: Additionally, they do a great job of explaining the uniqueness of their identity. The writer doesn't simply list their personal/cultural characteristics, but contextualizes them to show how they've shaped their path to law school. Being the child of a Buddhist mother and a Hindu father doesn’t imply anything about a person’s ability to study/practice law on its own, but explaining how this unique aspect of their childhood encouraged a passion for “discussion, active debate, and compromise” is profoundly meaningful to an admissions panel. Being able to express how fundamental aspects of law practice are an integral part of yourself is a hugely helpful tactic in a law school personal statement.

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Law School Personal Statement Example #6

What’s great about this sixth law school personal statement .

Weaves in cultural background: Similar to the writer of personal statement #5, this student utilizes the cultural uniqueness of their childhood to show how their path to law school was both deeply personal and rooted in ideas pervasive in their early years. Unlike the writer of statement #5, this student doesn't shy away from explaining how this distinctiveness was often a source of alienation and difficulty. Yet this adversity is, as they note, ultimately what helped them be an adaptable and driven student, with a clear desire to make a positive impact on the kinds of situations that they witnessed affect their parents.
Describes setbacks while remaining positive: This writer also doesn't shy away from describing their temporary setbacks as both learning experiences and, crucially, springboards for positively informing their plans for the future.

What’s Great About This Seventh Law School Personal Statement?

The writer takes accountability: One of the hardest things to accomplish in a personal statement is describing not just early setbacks that are out of your control but early mistakes for which you must take responsibility. The writer of this personal statement opens with descriptions of characteristics that most law schools would find problematic at best. But at the end of this introduction, they successfully utilize an epiphany, a game-changing moment in which they saw something beyond their early pathological aimlessness, to clearly mark the point at which they became focused on law.
The narrative structure is clear: They clearly describe the path forward from this moment on, showing how they remained focused on earning a law degree, and how they were able to work through successive experiences of confusion to persist in finishing their undergraduate education at a prestigious university. Of course, you shouldn't brag about such things for their own sake, but this writer makes the point of opening up about the unique feelings of inadequacy that come along with being the first person in their family to attend such a school, and how these feelings were—like their initial aimlessness—mobilized in service of their goal and the well-being of others. Their statement balances discussion of achievement with humility, which is a difficult but impactful tactic when done well.

Law School Personal Statement Example #8

What’s great about this eighth law school personal statement .

Shows commitment to the community: Commitment to one’s community is a prized value in both law students and law professionals. This writer successfully describes not only how they navigated the challenges in their group environments, such as their internship, the debate team, etc., but how these challenges strengthened their commitment to being a positive part of their communities. They don’t simply describe the skills and lessons they learned from these challenging environments, but also how these challenges ultimately made them even more committed to and appreciative of these kinds of dynamic, evolutionary settings.
Avoids negative description: They also avoid placing blame or negatively describing the people in these situations, instead choosing to characterize inherent difficulties in terms neutral to the people around them. In this way, you can describe extremely challenging environments without coming off as resentful, and identify difficulties without being accusatory or, worse yet, accidentally or indirectly seeming like part of the problem. This writer manages to convey the difficulty and complexity of these experiences while continually returning to their positive long-term impact, and though you shouldn’t seek to “bright-side” the troubles in your life you should absolutely point out how these experiences have made you a more capable and mature student.

Watch this for more law school personal statement examples!

Law School Personal Statement Example #9

What’s great about this ninth law school personal statement .

The writer effectively describes how their background shaped their decision to pursue law: Expressing privilege as adversity is something that very few students should even attempt, and fewer still can actually pull it off. But the writer of this personal statement does just that in their second paragraph, describing how the ease and comfort of their upbringing could have been a source of laziness or detachment, and often is for particularly well-off students, but instead served as a basis for their ongoing commitment to addressing the inequalities and difficulties of those less comfortable. Describing how you’ve developed into an empathic and engaged person, worked selflessly in any volunteer experiences, and generally aimed your academic life at a career in law for the aid of others—all this is incredibly moving for an admissions board, and can help you discuss your determination and understanding of exactly why you desire a career in law.
The student shows adaptability, flexibility, and commitment: Additionally, this writer is able to show adaptability while describing their more prestigious appointments in a way that’s neither self-aggrandizing nor unappreciative. One of the big takeaways from this statement is the student’s commitment and flexibility, and these are both vitally important qualities to convey in your law school personal statement.

Law School Personal Statement Example #10

What’s great about this tenth law school personal statement .

Shows passion: If you’re one of the rare students for whom service to others has always been a core belief, by all means find a novel and engaging way of making this the guiding principle of your personal statement. Don’t overdo it—don’t veer into poetry or lofty philosophizing—but by all means let your passion guide your pen (well…keyboard). Every step of the way, this student relates their highs and lows, their challenges and successes, to an extremely earnest and sincere set of altruistic values invoked at the very beginning of their statement. Law school admissions boards don’t exactly prize monomania, but they do value intense and sustained commitment.

Shows maturity: This student also successfully elaborates this passion in relation to mature understanding. That is, they make repeated points about their developing understanding of law that sustains their hopefulness and emotional intensity while also incorporating knowledge of the sometimes troubling day-to-day challenges of the profession. Law schools aren’t looking for starry-eyed naivete, but they do value optimism and the ability to stay positive in a profession often defined by its difficulties and unpredictability.

Every pre-law student blames their lack of success on the large number of applicants, the heartless admissions committee members, or the high GPA and LSAT score cut offs. Check out our blog on law school acceptance rates to find out more about the law school admission statistics for law schools in the US . Having taught more than a thousand students every year, I can tell you the REAL truth about why most students get rejected:

Need tips on your law school resume?

8 Additional Law School Personal Statement Examples

Now that you have a better idea of what your law school personal statement should include, and how you can make it stand out, here are five additional law school personal statements for you to review and get some inspiration:

Law school personal statement example #11

According to the business wire, 51 percent of students are not confident in their career path when they enroll in college. I was one of those students for a long time. My parents had always stressed the importance of education and going to college, so I knew that I wanted to get a tertiary education, I just didn’t know in what field. So, like many other students, I matriculated undecided and started taking introductory courses in the subjects that interest me. I took classes from the department of literature, philosophy, science, statistics, business, and so many others but nothing really called out to me.

I figured that maybe if I got some practical experience, I might get more excited about different fields. I remembered that my high school counselor had told me that medicine would be a good fit for me, and I liked the idea of a career that involved constant learning. So, I applied for an observership at my local hospital. I had to cross “doctor” off my list of post-graduate career options when I fainted in the middle of a consultation in the ER.

I had to go back to the drawing board and reflect on my choices. I decided to stop trying to make an emotional decision and focus on the data. So, I looked at my transcript thus far, and it quickly became clear to me that I had both an interest and an aptitude for business and technology. I had taken more courses in those two fields than in any others, and I was doing very well in them. My decision was reaffirmed when I spent the summer interning at a digital marketing firm during my senior year in college and absolutely loved my experience.

Since graduating, I have been working at that same firm and I am glad that I decided to major in business. I first started as a digital advertising assistant, and I quickly learned that the world of digital marketing is an incredibly fast-paced sink-or-swim environment. I didn’t mind it at all. I wanted to swim with the best of them and succeed. So far, my career in advertising has been challenging and rewarding in ways that I never could have imagined.

I remember the first potential client that I handled on my own. Everything had been going great until they changed their mind about an important detail a day before we were supposed to present our pitch. . I had a day to research and re-do a presentation that I’d been preparing for weeks. I was sure that I’d be next on the chopping block, but once again all I had to was take a step back and look at the information that I had. Focusing on the big picture helped me come up with a new pitch, and after a long night, lots of coffee, and laser-like focus, I delivered a presentation that I was not only proud of, but that landed us the client.

Three years and numerous client emergencies later, I have learned how to work under pressure, how to push myself, and how to think critically. I also have a much better understanding of who I am and what skills I possess. One of the many things that I have learned about myself over the course of my career is that I am a fan of the law. Over the past three years, I have worked with many lawyers to navigate the muddy waters of user privacy and digital media. I often find myself looking forward to working with our legal team, whereas my coworkers actively avoid them. I have even become friends with my colleagues on the legal team who also enjoy comparing things like data protection laws in the US and the EU and speculating about the future of digital technology regulation.

These experiences and conversations have led me to a point where I am interested in various aspects of the law. I now know that I have the skills required to pursue a legal education and that this time around, I am very sure about what I wish to study. Digital technology has evolved rapidly over the last decade, and it is just now starting to become regulated. I believe that this shift is going to open up a more prominent role for those who understand both digital technology and its laws, especially in the corporate world. My goal is to build a career at the intersection of these worlds.

Law school personal statement example #12

The first weekend I spent on my undergrad college campus was simultaneously one of the best and worst of my life. I was so excited to be away from home, on my own, making new friends and trying new things. One of those things was a party at a sorority house with my friend and roommate, where I thought we both had a great time. Both of us came from small towns, and we had decided to look out for one another. So, when it was time to go home, and I couldn't find her, I started to worry. I spent nearly an hour looking for her before I got her message saying she was already back in our dorm.

It took her three months to tell me that she had been raped that night. Her rapist didn't hold a knife to her throat, jump out of a dark alleyway, or slip her a roofie. Her rapist was her long-term boyfriend, with whom she'd been in a long-distance relationship for just over a year. He assaulted her in a stranger's bedroom while her peers, myself included, danced the night away just a few feet away.

I remember feeling overwhelmed when she first told me. I was sad for my friend, angry on her behalf, and disgusted by her rapist's actions. I also felt incredibly guilty because I had been there when it happened. I told myself that I should have stayed with her all night and that I should have seen the abuse - verbal and physical harassment- that he was inflicting on her before it turned sexual. But eventually, I realized that thinking about what could, should, or would've happened doesn't help anyone.

I watched my friend go through counseling, attend support groups, and still, she seemed to be hanging on by a thread. I couldn't begin to imagine what she was going through, and unfortunately, there was very little I could do to help her. So, I decided to get involved with the Sexual Assault Responders Group on campus, where I would actually be able to help another survivor.

My experience with the Sexual Assault Responders Group on campus was eye-opening. I mostly worked on the peer-to-peer hotline, where I spoke to survivors from all walks of life. I was confronted by the fact that rape is not a surreal unfortunate thing that happens to a certain type of person. I learned that it happens daily to mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends. I also learned that most survivors try to manage this burden on their own, afraid of judgment and repercussions and fearful of a he-said-she-said court battle.

I am proud to say that I used my time in college to not only earn an education, but also to advocate for survivors of sexual assault. I protested the university's cover-up of a gang rape that took place in one of the fraternity houses on campus. I spearheaded a 'no means no' campaign to raise awareness about consent on campus. I also led several fundraising campaigns for the Sexual Assault Responders Group that allowed us to pay for legal and mental health counselors for the survivors who came to us for support.

One of the things that this experience helped me realize is that sexual assault survivors often do not know where to turn when the system tries to tell them that it'd be best to just keep quiet and suffer in silence. My goal is to become one of those people that they can turn to for counsel and support. I believe that a law degree would give me the knowledge and tools that I need to advocate for survivors on a more significant scale.

Need tips for your law school optional essays? Check out this infographic:

Law school personal statement example #13

I grew up in two different worlds. My world at home was full of people of various skin tones and accents. It was small, loud, and often chaotic in the best ways. I remember walking home and getting to experience music from across the world before I got to my apartment building. Loud reggaeton and afrobeat were always playing somewhere in the distance. Aunties and uncles usually stopped by unannounced and slipped money in your palm when they hugged you goodbye. And the smell of fried plantains was almost always present.

My other world was in school. It was a much quieter, more organized world with white hallways, navy blazers, and plaid skirts. It was full of people who did not look or sound like me and teachers who thought my hair was "interesting." It was also full of great books and engaging debates about everything from foreign policy to the influence of Jazz on hip hop.

I lived in these two worlds because I was born and raised in Xtown, but I went to a private school in a much richer neighborhood. I loved both of my worlds, but I hated that I had to act differently in both of them. When in school, I had to "code switch" to sound like I belonged there. When I was at home, all the people who shared the interests I was developing in school were either working or in college, so I had no one to talk to about them.

My words never felt more divided until I started considering a career in law. I remember telling one of my uncles that I wanted to become a lawyer and his response was, "So you want to become the man, huh?"

I wasn't surprised by his response, or at least I shouldn't have been. One of the things that I know for sure about the first world I lived in is that many of its inhabitants do not trust the law. I had believed this for so long simply because of the conversations that I would hear around me. However, in my second world, I was learning about all of these great freedoms and rights that the law was designed to give all Americans, and I wanted to bring those to my community.

I started working on this during the summer before my final year of high school. I got an internship with the legal aid office in my neighborhood and spent three months learning from people who, like me, had grown up in Xtown and wanted to help people. During my time in the legal aid office, I understood that the people in my community did not trust the law for two main reasons: 1. They did not understand a lot of it, and 2. It had been used against people like us many times.

I remember one particular case that Ms. Sharma - the lawyer I was learning from then and who still mentors me today - handled that summer. It was the case of a young mother who had received a notice of eviction from her landlord two days after refusing his advances. The man claimed that she violated her contract because she made homemade shea butter that she sold on Etsy. Ms. Sharma had me look through her rental agreement. After she confirmed that I was right in determining that the young mother had not violated her contract, she contacted the landlord to advise him that what he was doing was intimidation and sexual harassment.

My experiences in the legal aid office with Ms. Sharma opened my eyes to the disgusting behavior of human beings, but it also gave me the opportunity to see that the law was my opportunity to use what I learned in my second world to help the community that I was raised in. I returned to school with a new motivation that followed me to college. In addition to completing my bachelor's degree in sociology and African American studies, I spent most of my college years participating in legal internships and community outreach programs.

I believe that these experiences have given me the foundation I need to be a successful law student and, eventually, a lawyer who can truly be an advocate for members of his community.

Law school personal statement example #14

One day, my parents noticed that the other children in my age group had been speaking and communicating, but I had not. At first, they thought that my lack of speech was just me being shy, but eventually, they realized that on the rare occasions that I did speak, my words were practically incomprehensible. It wasn't long before they took me to a specialist who diagnosed me with a severe phonological disorder that hindered my ability to verbalize the basic sounds that make up words.

I started going to speech therapy when I was three years old. I saw numerous speech therapists, many of whom believed that I would never be able to communicate effectively with others. Lucky for me, my parents did not give up on me. I went to speech therapy thrice a week until the 8th grade, and I gave every single session my all. I also spent a lot of time in my room practicing my speech by myself. My efforts paid off, and even though I didn't become a chatterbox overnight, I could at least communicate effectively.

This was a short-lived victory, though. A year later, my speech impediment was back, and my ability to articulate words was once again severely limited. This complicated matters because it was my freshman year of high school, and I was in a brand-new school where I did not know anyone. Having been bullied in middle school, I knew first-hand how vicious kids can be, and I didn't want to be the butt of any more jokes, so I didn't try to speak at school. I knew that this was preventing me from making new friends or participating in class and that it was probably not helping my impediment, but I was not ready to face the fact that I needed to go back to speech therapy.

Eventually, I stopped resisting and went back to speech therapy. At the time, I saw it as accepting defeat, and even though my speech improved significantly, my self-confidence was lower than it had ever been. If you ask any of my high school classmates about me, they will likely tell you that I am very quiet or timid – both of which are not true, but they have no way of knowing otherwise. I barely spoke or interacted with my peers for most of high school. Instead, I focused on my studies and extracurricular activities that didn't involve much collaboration, like yearbook club and photography.

It was only when I was getting ready for college that I realized that I was only hurting myself with my behavior. I knew I needed to become more confident about my speech to make friends and be the student I wanted to be in college. So, I used the summer after my high school graduation to get some help. I started seeing a new speech therapist who was also trained as a counselor, and she helped me understand my impediment better. For example, I now know that I tend to stutter when stressed, but I also know that taking a few deep breaths helps me get back on track.

Using the confidence that I built in therapy that summer, I went to college with a new pep in my step. I pushed myself to meet new people, try new things, and join extracurricular organizations when I entered college. I applied to and was accepted into a competitive freshman leadership program called XYZ. Most of XYZ's other members were outgoing and highly involved in their high school communities. In other words, they were the complete opposite of me. I didn't let that intimidate me. Instead, I made a concerted effort to learn from them. If you ask any of my teammates or other classmates in college, they will tell you that I was an active participant in discussions during meetings and that I utilized my unique background to share a different perspective.

My experience with XYZ made it clear to me that my speech disorder wouldn't hold me back as long as I did not stand in my own way. Once I understood this, I kept pushing past the boundaries I had set for myself. I began taking on leadership roles in the program and looking for ways to contribute to my campus community outside of XYZ. For example, I started a community outreach initiative that connected school alumni willing to provide pro bono services to different members of the community who were in need.

Now, when I look back at my decision to go back to speech therapy, I see it as a victory. I understand that my speech impediment has shaped me in many ways, many of which are positive. My struggles have made me more compassionate. My inability to speak has made me a better listener. Not being able to ask questions or ask for help has made me a more independent critical thinker. I believe these skills will help me succeed in law school, and they are part of what motivates me to apply in the first place. Having struggled for so long to speak up for myself, I am ready and eager for the day when I can speak up for others who are temporarily unable to.

“ You talk too much; you should be a lawyer.”

I heard that sentence often while growing up because Congolese people always tell children who talk a lot that they should be lawyers. Sometimes I wonder if those comments did not subconsciously trigger my interest in politics and then the law. If they did, I am grateful for it. I am thankful for all the experiences that have brought me to this point where I am seeking an education that will allow me to speak for those who don’t always know how to, and, more importantly, those who are unable to.

For context, I am the child of Congolese immigrants, and my parents have a fascinating story that I will summarize for you:

A 14-year-old girl watches in confusion as a swarm of parents rush through the classroom, grabbing their children, and other students start running from the class. Soon she realizes that she and one other student are the only ones left, but when they both hear the first round of gunshots, no one has to tell them that it is time to run home. On the way home, she hears more gunshots and bombs. She fears for her survival and that of her family, and she starts to wonder what this war means for her and her family. Within a few months, her mother and father are selling everything they own so that they can board a plane to the US.

On the other side of the town, a 17-year-old boy is being forced to board a plane to the US because his mother, a member of parliament and the person who taught him about the importance of integrity, has been executed by the same group of soldiers who are taking over the region.

They met a year later, outside the principal’s office at a high school in XXY. They bonded over the many things they have in common and laughed at the fact that their paths probably never would have crossed in Bukavu. Fast forward to today, they have been married for almost two decades and have raised three children, including me.

Growing up in a Congolese household in the US presented was very interesting. On the one hand, I am very proud of the fact that I get to share my heritage with others. I speak French, Lingala, and Swahili – the main languages of Congo – fluently. I often dress in traditional clothing; I performed a traditional Congolese dance at my high school’s heritage night and even joined the Congolese Student Union at Almamatter University.

On the other hand, being Congolese presented its challenges growing up. At a young age, I looked, dressed, and sounded different from my classmates. Even though I was born in the US, I had picked up a lot of my parents’ accents, and kids loved to tease me about it. Ignorant comments and questions were not uncommon. “Do you speak African?” “You’re not American! How did you get here?” “You don’t look African” “My mom says I can’t play with you because your parents came here to steal our jobs”. These are some of the polite comments that I heard often, and they made me incredibly sad, especially when classmates I considered my friends made them.

My parents did not make assimilating any easier. My mother especially always feared I would lose my Congolese identity if they did not make it a point to remind me of it. She often said, “Just because you were born in America doesn’t mean that you are not Congolese anymore.” On one occasion, I argued that she always let me experience my Congolese side, but not my American side. That was the first time she told me I should be a lawyer.

Having few friends and getting teased in school helped me learn to be comfortable on my own. I Often found refuge and excitement in books. I even started blogging about the books I read and interacting with other readers online. As my following grew, I started to use my platform to raise awareness about issues that I am passionate about, like climate change, the war in Congo, and the homeless crisis here in XXY. I was able to start a fundraising campaign through my blog that raised just under $5000 for the United Way – a local charity that helps the homeless in my city.

This experience helped me understand that I could use my skills and the few tools at my disposal to help people, both here in America and one day, maybe even in Congo. I realized that I am lucky enough to have the option of expanding that skillset through education in order to do more for the community that welcomed my grandparents, uncles, aunties, and parents when they had nowhere else to go.

The journey was not easy because while I received immense support and love from my family for continuing my education, I had to teach myself how to prepare and apply to college. Once there I had to learn on my own what my professors expected of me, how to study, how to network, and so much more. I am grateful for those experiences too, because they taught me how to be resourceful, research thoroughly, listen carefully, and seek help when I need it.

All of these experiences have crafted me into who I am today, and I believe that with the right training, they will help me become a great attorney.

Law School Personal Statement Example #16

During my undergraduate studies, in the first two years, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do with my career. I enjoyed doing research, but I found that I became more interested in presenting the research than the process of contributing to it. I spoke to most of my science professors to ask if I could participate in their research. I worked in biology labs, chemistry labs, and in psychology classrooms working on a variety of projects that seemed meaningful and interesting. I gained new perspectives on study habits and mental health; the influence of music on the human mind; and applications of surface tension. I noticed that I was always taking the lead when we were presenting our findings to peers and research groups. I enjoyed yielding questions and addressing the captivating the audience with engaging gestures and speech. This was what led me to consider a career in law.

I always thought that I would become a scientist, so when I discovered that there were aspects of law that could be considered “scientific”, I was all ears. Still during my second year of undergraduate studies, I wanted to join an environmental awareness group, but noticed there weren’t any active. So, I took it upon myself to create my own. I wanted to do cleanup projects across the city, so I mapped out parks and areas that we could walk or drive to. I advertised my project to other students and eventually gained approximately fifteen students eager to help out. I was struck by the pollution in the water, the negligence of park maintenance. I drafted a letter to the municipal government and petitioned for a stricter environmental compliance approach. I wanted to advertise fines to hold polluters accountable, as there were hardly any to enforce the rules. A letter was returned to me stating that the government would consider my request. I felt a sense of gratification, of purpose; I discovered that I had the ability to enact change through policy. This drew me closer to the prospect of building a future in law, so I looked at other avenues to learn more.

I still wanted to find a way to bring together my love of science and discourse/communication. As a science student, I had the privilege of learning from professors who emphasized critical thinking; and they gave me a chance to learn that on my own. I took an internship as an environmental planner. There, I helped present project ideas to various groups, updating demographic/development information, and managing planning processes. I engaged in analytical thinking by looking at maps and demographic information to develop potential plans for land use. It was also the experience I was looking for in terms of a balance between science and oral communication. Using data analysis, I spoke to other planners and review boards to bring ideas together and execute a plan.

Through science, I learned how to channel my curiosity and logical thinking; as an advocate, I learned how to be creative and resourceful. Presenting research findings and being questioned in front of a group of qualified researchers, having to be sharp and ready for anything, taught me how to be more concise in speech. Developing an advocacy group dedicated to improving my community showed me what it lacked; it opened my eyes to the impact of initiative and focused collaboration. I was eager to begin another science project, this time with the environment in mind. It was titled “determining and defining the role of sociodemographic factors in air pollution health disparities”. I compiled and summarized relevant research and sent it over to a representative of the municipal government. In a couple of weeks, my request to increase advertising of fines in public areas was agreed to.

This Juris Doctor/Master in Environmental Studies program will allow me to continue deepening my knowledge of environmental law. With my goal of developing a career in environmental affairs, overseeing policies that influence land protection/use, I know that this program will give me the tools I need to succeed. With my experience working with large groups, I also believe I will fit into the larger class sizes at your institution. I understand the value of working together and how to engage in healthy discourse. With your Global Sustainability Certification, I will equip myself the expertise I need to produce meaningful change in environmental policy.

Here's how a law school advisor can help you with your application:

Law School Personal Statement #17

Growing up in a poor neighborhood, what my friends used to call “the ghetto”, I was always looking for my way out. I tried running away, but I always ended up back home in that tiny complex, barely enough room to fit all my brothers and sisters with my parents. My dad was disabled and couldn’t work, and my mother was doing her best working full-time as a personal-support worker. There was nothing we could do to get out of our situation, or so it seemed. It wasn’t until years later when I started my undergraduate degree that ironically, after I found my way out, that I began looking for a way to come back. I wanted to be a voice for people living in those bleak conditions; hungry, without work. Helpless.

Getting my degree in social work was one of the best decisions of my life. It gave me the tools to lobby for solutions to problems in poor communities. I knew my neighborhood better than anyone because I grew up there. I had the lived experience. I started working with the local government to develop programs for my clients; the people living in those same neighborhoods. We worked to provide financial assistance, legal aid, housing, and medical treatment—all things sorely lacking. My proudest moment was securing the funds and arranging surgery for my father’s bad hip and knees. I’m currently working on a large project with one of the community legislators to lobby for a harm reduction model addressing addiction in our communities.

With five years of experience as a social worker, I knew it was time for a career change when I learned that I could have more influence on public opinion and legislative decisions as a social-security disability lawyer. I knew firsthand that people victimized from racism, poverty, and injury needed more help than they were currently allotted. I knew that, from becoming and advocate and communicating with influential members of the local government, that I could do more with a law degree helping people attain basic needs like disability benefits, which are often denied outright.

This desire to help people get the help they need from local programs and government resources brought me to Scarborough, a small town outside of Toronto. I was aware of some of the issues afflicting this community, since I’d handled a few clients from there as a children’s disability social worker. Addiction and homelessness were the two main ones. I worked with children with ADHD or other physical/mental disabilities impairing their ability to attend school and function normally. I helped many of them get an IEP with the details of the special services they require, long overdue. I made sure each child got the care they needed, including special attention in school. Also noticing that so many of these families lacked proper nutrition, I organized a report detailing this finding. In it, I argued that the community needed more funds targeting lowest income families. I spoke directly with a legislator, which eventually got the city on board with developing a program more specifically for the lowest income families with residents under 18.

My goal has always been to be a voice for the inaudible, the ignored, who’ve been victimized by inadequate oversight from the ground up. Many of these groups, as I’ve witnessed firsthand, don’t have the luxury of being their own advocates. They are too busy trying to support their families, to put food on the table for their children. I’ve realized that it isn’t quite enough to work directly with these families to connect them with resources and ensure they get the support they need. Sometimes the support simply doesn’t exist, or it isn’t good enough. This is why I’m motivated to add a law degree to my credentials so I can better serve these people and communities. As a future social-security disability lawyer, I want to work with local governments to assist clients in navigating an assistance system and improving it as much as possible. This program will give me the access to a learning environment in which I can thrive and develop as an advocate.

Law School Personal Statement #18

“You’re worthy and loved”, I said to a twelve-year-old boy, Connor, whom I was supervising and spending time with during the Big Brother program at which we met. A few tears touched my shoulder as I pulled him into me, comforting him. He was a foster child. He didn’t know his parents and never stayed in one place longer than a few months; a year if he was lucky. I joined the program not expecting much. I was doing it for extra credit, because I wanted to give back to the community somehow and I thought it would be interesting to meet people. He confided in me; he told me that his foster parents often yelled at each other, and him. He told me he needed to escape. I called Child Protective Services and after a thorough investigation, they determined that Connor’s foster parents weren’t fit for fostering. He was moved, yet again, to a different home.

I wrote an op-ed detailing my experience as a Big Brother. I kept names anonymous. I wanted people to know how hard it was for children in the welfare system. Many of them, like Connor, were trapped in a perpetual cycle of re-homing, neglect, and even abuse. He and other children deserve stability and unconditional love. That should go without saying. I sent the op-ed to a local magazine and had it published. In it, I described not only the experience of one unfortunate kid, but many others as well who saw their own stories being told through Connor. I joined a non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to quality education for young people. I started learning about disparities in access; students excluded by racial or financial barriers. I was learning, one step at a time, how powerful words can be.

With the non-profit organization, I reached out to a few public schools in the area to represent some of our main concerns with quality of education disparities. Our goal was to bring resources together and promote the rights of children in education. We emphasized that collaboration between welfare agencies and schools was critical for education stability. Together, we created a report of recommendations to facilitate this collaboration. We outlined a variety of provisions, including more mechanisms for child participation, better recruitment of social service workers in schools, risk management and identification strategies, and better support for students with child protection concerns.

The highlight of that experience was talking to an assembly of parents and school faculty to present our findings and recommendations. The title of the presentation was “The Power of Words”. I opened with the story I wrote about in the op-ed. I wanted to emphasize that children are individuals; those trapped in the welfare system are not a monolith. They each have unique experiences, needs, and desires they want to fulfill in life. But our tools to help them can be improved, more individualized. I spoke about improving the quality of residential care for children and the need to promote their long-term development into further education and employment. Finally, I presented a list of tools we created to help support a more financially sustainable and effective child welfare system. The talk was received with applause and a tenuous commitment from a few influential members of the crowd. It was a start.

Although I lost contact with Connor, I think about him almost every day. I can only hope that the programs we worked on to improve were helping him, wherever he was. I want to continue to work on the ground level of child welfare amelioration, but I realize I will need an education in law to become a more effective advocate for this cause. There are still many problems in the child welfare system that will need to be addressed: limited privacy/anonymity for children, service frameworks that don’t address racism adequately, limited transportation in remote communities, and many more. I’ve gained valuable experience working with the community and learning about what the welfare system lacks and does well. I’m ready to take the next step for myself, my community, and those beyond it.

Assuredly, but this length varies from school to school. As with all important details of your law school application, thoroughly research your specific schools’ requirements and guidelines before both writing and editing your personal statement to ensure it fits their specifics. The average length is about 2 pages, but don’t bother drafting your statement until you have specific numbers from your schools of choice. It’s also a good idea to avoid hitting the maximum length unless absolutely necessary. Be concise, keep economy of language in mind, and remain direct, without rambling or exhaustive over-explanation of your ideas or experiences.

You should keep any words that aren’t your own to a minimum. Admissions committees don’t want to read a citation-heavy academic paper, nor do they respond well to overused famous quotes as themes in personal statements. If you absolutely must include a quote from elsewhere, be sure to clearly indicate your quote’s source. But in general, it’s best to keep the personal statement restricted to your own words and thoughts. They’re evaluating you, not Plato! It’s a personal statement. Give them an engaging narrative in your own voice.

Admissions committees will already have a strong sense of your academic performance through your transcripts and test scores, so discussing these in your personal statement is generally best avoided. You can contextualize these things, though—if you have an illuminating or meaningful story about how you came to receive an award, or how you enjoyed or learned from the work that won you the award, then consider discussing it. Overall though, it’s best to let admissions committees evaluate your academic qualifications and accomplishments from your transcripts and official documents, and give them something new in the personal statement.

When you first sit down to begin, cast a wide net. Consider all the many influences and experiences that have led you to where you are. You’ll eventually (through editing and rewriting) explain how these shape your relationship to a career in law, but one of the best things you can give yourself during the initial drafting phase is a vast collection of observations and potential points for development. As the New England School of Law points out in their, “just write!” Let the initial draft be as messy as it needs to be, and refine it from there. It’s a lot easier to condense and sharpen a big draft than it is to try to tensely craft a perfect personal statement from nothing.

Incredibly important, as should be clear by now! Unlike other specialties, law schools don’t usually conduct interviews with applicants, so your personal statement is in effect your one opportunity to speak with the admissions committee directly. Don’t let that gravity overwhelm you when you write, but keep it in mind as you edit and dedicate time to improving your initial drafts. Be mindful of your audience as you speak with them, and treat writing your personal statement as a kind of initial address in what, hopefully, will eventually turn into an ongoing dialogue.

There are a variety of factors that can make or break a law school personal statement. You should aim to achieve at least a few of the following: a strong opening hook; a compelling personal narrative; your skills and competencies related to law; meaningful experiences; why you’re the right fit for the school and program.

Often, they do. It’s best for you to go to the schools you’re interesting in applying to so you can find out if they have any specific formatting or content requirements. For example, if you wanted to look at NYU law or Osgoode Hall Law School , you would find their admissions requirements pages and look for information on the personal statement.

There are lots of reasons why a personal statement might not work. Usually, applicants who don’t get accepted didn’t come up with a good strategy for this essay. Remember, you need to target the specific school and program. Other reasons are that the applicant doesn’t plan or proofread their essay. Both are essential for submitting materials that convince the admissions committee that you’re a strong candidate. You can always use law school admissions consulting application review to help you develop your strategy and make your essay stand out.

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How long should a Personal Statement be? Is there any rule on that?

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hello V! Thanks for your question. Some schools will gave very specific word limits, while some will not. If you do not have a limit indicated, try to stick to no more than a page, 600-800 words.

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7 Law School Essay Tips to Help You Stand Out in 2023

If you're planning to apply to law school in 2023, you'll want to read these 7 essay tips that will help you stand out from the competition.

Posted May 12, 2023

Are you planning to apply for law school in 2023? One of the most crucial aspects of your application process is writing a law school essay. This piece of writing will be your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and personality to the admissions committee, and convince them that you are the perfect fit for their institution. In this article, we will provide you with 7 expert tips to help you write an outstanding law school essay and stand out from the competition.

Why Writing a Great Law School Essay is Essential for Your Success

Your law school essay is your first opportunity to make an impression on the admissions committee. It is a way for you to demonstrate your writing abilities, legal knowledge, and passion for the law. A well-crafted essay can make all the difference in the admissions process, as it can showcase your unique qualities and set you apart from other candidates. Therefore, it is essential that you devote sufficient time and effort to writing a great law school essay.

One important aspect of writing a great law school essay is to ensure that it is well-structured and organized. This means that you should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, with each section flowing logically into the next. Additionally, you should use appropriate headings and subheadings to help guide the reader through your essay.

Another key factor in writing a successful law school essay is to demonstrate your understanding of the legal profession and your motivation for pursuing a career in law. This can be achieved by discussing relevant experiences, such as internships or volunteer work, and highlighting how they have shaped your interest in the field. By doing so, you can show the admissions committee that you have a genuine passion for the law and are committed to pursuing a career in this area.

Understanding the Purpose of Your Law School Essay

The purpose of your law school essay is to give the admissions committee an idea of who you are, what motivates you to study law, and what you can bring to the table as a law student. Your essay should demonstrate your ability to express yourself clearly and persuasively, and show that you have the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to succeed in law school.

Additionally, your law school essay should also showcase your passion for the law and your commitment to pursuing a legal career. This can be achieved by highlighting any relevant experiences, such as internships or volunteer work, that have solidified your interest in the field.

Furthermore, it is important to remember that your law school essay is not just a reflection of your academic achievements, but also your personal values and character. Admissions committees are looking for well-rounded individuals who will contribute positively to the law school community and the legal profession as a whole.

Choosing the Right Topic: How to Select a Winning Essay Prompt

Choosing the right topic is key to writing a successful law school essay. You want to choose a prompt that allows you to showcase your strengths and interests, while also demonstrating your understanding of the law and legal issues. Be sure to read each prompt carefully and consider your personal experiences, academic background, and career aspirations when making your choice.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a topic is the current legal landscape. It's important to choose a prompt that is relevant and timely, as this will demonstrate your knowledge of current legal issues and your ability to analyze and apply the law to real-world situations. Keep up with legal news and developments to stay informed and identify potential essay topics.

Finally, don't be afraid to think outside the box when selecting a prompt. While it's important to choose a topic that is relevant to the law and legal issues, you can also showcase your creativity and unique perspective by choosing a less traditional prompt. Just be sure to tie your essay back to legal concepts and demonstrate your understanding of the law.

Conducting Research and Gathering Information for Your Essay

Before you start writing your essay, it is essential to conduct thorough research and gather information on the chosen topic. This will help you to develop well-informed arguments and present a more convincing case. Use credible sources such as academic journals, law reviews, and reputable websites to gather your information and always cite your sources correctly.

Additionally, it is important to consider the perspective of your audience when conducting research. Think about who will be reading your essay and what their background knowledge on the topic may be. This will help you to tailor your research and arguments to better suit your audience and make your essay more effective.

Crafting a Compelling Introduction that Hooks Your Readers

Your introduction should be attention-grabbing and engaging, as it sets the tone for the rest of your essay. It should provide the reader with a clear idea of what your essay is about and why it is important. Consider using a hook or anecdote to draw the reader in and make them want to read more.

Another important aspect to consider when crafting your introduction is to make sure it is relevant to your topic. Avoid using generic statements or information that does not directly relate to your essay. Instead, focus on providing specific details and background information that will help the reader understand the context of your essay. This will not only make your introduction more compelling, but it will also help your reader stay engaged throughout the rest of your essay.

Developing Strong Arguments and Supporting Evidence to Make Your Case

One of the most critical elements of your law school essay is your ability to develop strong arguments and support them with evidence. Use logical reasoning and critical thinking to make your case and cite credible sources to back up your claims. Be sure to consider opposing viewpoints and anticipate counterarguments, as this will help strengthen your arguments.

Additionally, it is important to organize your arguments in a clear and concise manner. Use headings and subheadings to break up your essay into sections and make it easier for the reader to follow your thought process. Avoid using overly complex language or convoluted sentence structures, as this can detract from the clarity of your arguments. Remember, the goal is to make a compelling case that is easy for the reader to understand and support.

Structuring Your Essay for Maximum Impact and Clarity

Structure your essay in a way that maximizes its impact and clarity. Use clear and concise language, and break your essay into logical sections with headings and subheadings. This will make it easier for the reader to follow your argument and understand your ideas. Be sure to also use transitions to connect your ideas and create a cohesive flow of information.

Another important aspect of structuring your essay is to ensure that each paragraph has a clear and focused topic sentence. This will help you stay on track and avoid going off on tangents. Additionally, make sure to provide evidence and examples to support your arguments and claims. This will add credibility to your essay and make it more persuasive.

Finally, don't forget to include a strong introduction and conclusion. Your introduction should grab the reader's attention and provide a clear thesis statement, while your conclusion should summarize your main points and leave a lasting impression on the reader. By following these guidelines, you can create an essay that is both impactful and easy to understand.

Editing and Polishing: Tips for Perfecting Your Law School Essay

Your essay should be well-polished and error-free before you submit it. Take the time to edit and proofread your work, and ask someone else to review it as well. Look for spelling and grammar errors, as well as typos and formatting issues. Consider using editing tools such as Grammarly or Hemingway to help you refine your work.

Another important aspect of editing your law school essay is to ensure that it is well-organized and flows smoothly. Make sure that your ideas are presented in a logical order and that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence. Use transitions to connect your ideas and create a cohesive essay.

Additionally, it is important to make sure that your essay is tailored to the specific law school you are applying to. Research the school and its values, and make sure that your essay reflects why you are a good fit for that particular program. This can include mentioning specific courses or professors that interest you, or discussing how your experiences align with the school's mission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Law School Essay

When writing your law school essay, there are several common mistakes to avoid. These include failing to answer the prompt, using overly complex language, and neglecting to proofread your work. Be sure to read the prompt carefully and stick to it, use clear and concise language, and take the time to review your work thoroughly before submitting it.

Tips from Admissions Experts: What They Look for in a Law School Essay

According to admissions experts, there are several key qualities that they look for in a law school essay. These include a clear and direct writing style, a well-supported argument, and a genuine passion for the law. They also value originality and creativity, as well as the ability to demonstrate self-awareness and reflection.

Standing Out from the Crowd: How to Make Your Law School Essay Memorable

If you want to stand out from the competition, you need to make your law school essay memorable. Consider using a unique and personal story to illustrate your points, or taking a fresh perspective on a familiar topic. Be sure to be authentic and convey your personality and values throughout your essay.

Using Personal Experiences to Create a Unique and Authentic Law School Essay

Your personal experiences can be a powerful tool in creating a unique and authentic law school essay. These experiences can demonstrate your passion for the law and show that you have faced challenges and overcome obstacles. Be sure to use specific examples and anecdotes to bring your experiences to life.

The Importance of Proofreading and Final Checks Before Submitting Your Law School Essay

Before submitting your law school essay, it is essential to conduct final proofreading and checks. This includes reading your essay out loud to catch any errors or awkward phrasing, checking for formatting and citation mistakes, and ensuring that your work conforms to the given guidelines and prompt. Take the time to ensure that your essay is polished and ready for submission.

By following these 7 expert tips, you can write an outstanding law school essay and increase your chances of success in the admissions process. Remember to start early, conduct thorough research, and showcase your unique strengths and experiences. With these strategies, you can stand out from the competition and secure a spot in the law school of your dreams. Best of luck!

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Home — Application Essay — Law School

Law School Admission Essays

Law school admission essays, also known as personal statements or application essays, are written documents that applicants submit as part of their application to law schools. These essays are a crucial component of the law school application process and play a significant role in the admission decision.

Writing Admission Essays ... Read More Law school admission essays, also known as personal statements or application essays, are written documents that applicants submit as part of their application to law schools. These essays are a crucial component of the law school application process and play a significant role in the admission decision. Writing Admission Essays for Law School Admission

When it comes to applying to law school, your admission essay, also known as a personal statement, is a critical component of your application. It's your opportunity to convey who you are, why you want to pursue a legal education, and why you're a strong candidate. Here are some tips and guidelines for crafting an effective law school admission essay:

Tell Your Story: Your essay should authentically convey your unique experiences, values, and motivations. Be genuine in sharing your personal and academic journey. Highlight moments or experiences that have shaped your desire to study law.
Focus on Your Why: Explain why you want to pursue a legal education and a career in law. Clearly articulate your motivations and long-term goals, demonstrating how a law degree aligns with your aspirations.
Be Specific: Use concrete examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Avoid vague or overly general statements. Share specific instances where you demonstrated your qualities or skills.

Unique Law School Admission Essay Examples

Crafting a compelling law school admission essays is a crucial step towards achieving your dream of becoming a legal professional. In addition to showcasing your passion and qualifications, your law school admission essay should also persuade the admissions committee of your suitability to excel in the field of law. Delve into 15 unique admission essay topics that will help you create impactful essays that stand out, and enable you to make a compelling case for your candidacy, addressing critical legal issues and demonstrating your unwavering commitment to positive change.

Your Path to Law
Passion for Justice
Advocacy for Change
Global Legal Challenges
Mentorship and Influence
Overcoming Legal Hurdles
Impact of Legal Research
Collaboration in Law
Ethical Dilemmas
Community Engagement
Innovative Legal Solutions
Diversity in Law
Legal Technology
Legal Writing and Advocacy
Life Beyond Law

Examples of Law School Admission Essays

The process of selecting the right topic for your law school admission essay marks the initial and crucial step toward crafting an impactful narrative. It is vital to consider various factors when making your choice, including relevance, personal interest, feasibility, significance, and the availability of information. Whether you opt for a topic from our curated list or find inspiration to craft your own, you are well on your way to creating a thought-provoking essay that exhibits your readiness to confront real-world legal challenges with wisdom and resilience.

Access to Legal Representation
Criminal Justice Reform
Environmental Law Advocacy
Social Justice and Human Rights
Equality in the Legal Profession
Legal Education Accessibility
Consumer Protection
Technology and Law
Legal Ethics and Accountability
Law and Public Policy

Choosing Admission Essays for Law School Admission

Selecting the right topic for your law school admission essay is the first crucial step towards crafting an impactful narrative that will resonate with admissions committees. Consider factors like relevance, personal interest, feasibility, significance, and the availability of information when making your choice. Whether you choose a topic from our list or draw inspiration to create your own, you're well on your way to creating a thought-provoking essay that demonstrates your readiness to tackle real-world legal challenges.

Why UVA Law: Shaping Minds, Empowering Change

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Thriving at the University of Delaware: Academic Aspirations

Introduction As I stand at the threshold of embarking upon my college journey, I am filled with excitement and a strong desire to pursue higher education at the esteemed University of Delaware. With its rich academic history, vibrant campus community, and exceptional faculty, I firmly…

Why Berkeley Law: Social Justice, and Global Impact

I have spent countless hours pondering the path that my future will take. I have questioned what it means to pursue a career that aligns with my passions, allows me to make a meaningful impact on society, and challenges me to continuously grow and learn….

Why X Law School: Impactful Education

The pursuit of justice has always driven my intellectual curiosity and passion for social change. It is this unwavering commitment to make a positive impact on society that has led me to consider X Law School as the ideal institution to continue my legal education….

Why NYU Law: A Passion for Justice and Global Impact

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Why Duke Law: A Passion for Justice and Excellence

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Sample Essays

You are a thoughtful, intelligent, and unique individual. You already know that—now you just need to convince top law school adcoms that you're a cut above the rest. To do so you need to write a powerful personal statement for law school. Let's first discuss what that personal statement should be and then examine examples and what made them powerful.

A law school personal statement tells the part of your story that reveals your motivation for attending law school and the reasons you will make a great lawyer (or whatever career you want to pursue after law school).

By reading the sample law school essays provided below, you should get a clear idea of how to translate your qualifications, passions, and individual experiences into words. You will see that the samples here employ a creative voice, use detailed examples, and draw the reader in with a clear writing style. Most importantly, these personal statements are compelling—each one does a fine job of convincing you that the author of the essay is a human being worth getting to know, or better yet, worth having in your next top law school class.

These sample law school personal statement essays are here to stimulate your writing juices, not to shut them down or persuade you to think that these essays represent templates that you must follow. The writers of these essays, who were all once law school applicants just like you, sat down, thought about their stories, and crafted these essays. However, their first step, significant self-reflection and thought, you can’t see. They didn’t use a template or try to shoehorn their story into someone else’s story. You shouldn’t either. But you should take the same first step that they took: Think about your life, the influences upon it, and why you want to obtain a legal education.

Your story will be different from these author’s stories, but as you review all four of the sample essays you will see commonalities among them, which are highlighted below. You will also see that they are very different essays written by individuals reflecting their different life experiences and dreams. The authors of each of these essays were all accepted to law school, in some cases to elite U.S. law schools.

Now let’s explore what you can learn from each of these outstanding sample law school essays.

Lessons from Law School Sample Essay #1: The Archaeologist Enthusiast

Attention-grabbing opening - The author of the essay immediately grabs the readers’ attention by placing them in the midst of the scene and vividly conveying what the author felt and saw as well as the excitement she felt.
Vivid, visual opening and consistent use of opening imagery - You can practically feel the dripping sweat and the heat at the opening of this essay because the applicant used vivid, sensory language that we can all relate to. She also quickly develops a metaphor comparing archaeological excavation with research in general and legal research specifically. She uses the imagery of archaeology (“finding the shard of glass,” “reconstructing the pot”) consistently throughout the personal statement to convey not only the unusual experiences she’s had in the past, but to show her love of research and analysis.
A clear theme that ties the essay together- Her essay has a clear theme, which she states at the end of the first paragraph and in her conclusion. (You may not need to state it twice; that depends on your essay.) The applicant also relates every experience in the essay to her theme of research, analysis, and discovery.
Solid structure - Because her theme is so strong, the essay is easy to follow even though she has diverse experiences that aren’t obviously related to each other – archaeology in Spain, research on Colombian environmental policy, working for an online real estate company considering entry into the art market, and her travels.
Good use of transitions - Transitions help your reader move from one topic to the next as you connect the topic in the preceding paragraph to the topic in the next. They can consist of a few words or a phrase or simply repetition of the topic by name as opposed to using a pronoun. The first paragraph in this sample essay ends with “research and analysis” and the next paragraph begins with “The challenge of researching and analyzing an unknown subject” as she turns from her introduction to her enjoyment of academic life and the research she had done in college.

While one could argue that perhaps she has too many subtopics in this essay, because of the strong theme and excellent use of transitions, the essay holds together and highlights her diversity of experience, curiosity, and sense of adventure.

Most importantly this law school personal statement earned its author a seat at an elite T10 law school.

Click here to read the essay >>

Start your journey to law school acceptance

Lessons from Law School Sample Essay #2: Returning to School

This sample law school personal statement is about half the length of Essay 1 and concentrates on the author’s post-college work experience. In its brevity and focus it’s the mirror image of Law School Essay 1. The contrast between the two highlights the diversity that can work in law school essays.

This applicant writes about the impact of his work experience on his law school goals – with no discussion of extracurricular activities, hobbies, or travels. He had a tight word limit on his personal statement and simply had to be concise. Regardless of the narrower focus and shorter length, this essay also shares certain elements with Essay 1 and in both cases it leads to an engaging personal statement and acceptance. Let’s review them:

Engaging, vivid opening that grabs attention - The applicant plops the reader right into his story and challenge: how to persuade the tired, grouchy doctors that the product he’s selling is better than the one they have been prescribing.
A detailed story of his developing interest in law and relevant experience - Using just enough details, he tells his story starting with research that led to evidence-based persuasion. He also highlights his success, which led him to be named Rookie of the Year. He then goes on to explain that he now seeks new, more-lasting intellectual challenge than he currently has as a pharmaceutical sales rep because the industry, or at least his segment of it, changes slowly.
Direction within law - Based on his background in science and his work in Big Pharma, he has direction in law. He clearly states that he wants to go into medical law. Given his background and work experience, that goal builds logically on his past, and is distinctive.
Ties the essay back to the opening - At the end of his essay, he references “his grumpy physicians” and “staring at his professor…” Sometimes applicants will start an essay with a catchy opening that grabs attention, but has little or nothing to do with the rest of the essay. When reading that kind of essay, the opening feels like a tease or a gimmick. In this essay, the applicant paints a picture of what he faces on a typical workday at the beginning, refers back to the opening scene in his conclusion, and contrasts that experience with what he hopes to face when in law school. It’s not a gimmick. It unifies the story.

This applicant was accepted at several T14 law schools.

Click here to read the essay >>

Law School Sample Essay #3: The Twilight Zone

There is a story behind this law school personal statement. This applicant, a very early Accepted client, during her first meeting said that she wanted to write about a trip to Country X. When asked about the trip, she said, “Oh, I’ve never been to Country X, but I know many people who have visited, and I haven’t done anything interesting.”

Surprised at this unexpected approach, her consultant asked if she had any creative writing experience. The client said she didn’t. The consultant said that she too lacked creative writing experience and suggested they discuss what the client had done as opposed to what she hadn’t. This essay is the result of that (and other) conversations. It is an oldie but goodie.

Let’s take a look at the lessons in this sample law school essay:

Don’t ever feel you don’t have a story to tell. Every single one of us has a story, and you don’t have to make one up or borrow someone else’s. Tell yours proudly and authentically.
Launch with a vivid, engaging opening. While her opening is a more frightening than the other openings, it definitely grips the reader’s attention and starts her story.
Always have a clear theme. Everything in this essay relates to the impact of the earthquake on her and specifically her decision to become a public interest lawyer.
Tell a story. This personal statement tells the story of the earthquake’s impact on the applicant. In telling her story, she highlights her community service, her internship, and the evolution of her goals.
Use effective transitions. As she moves from topic to topic, the author effectively carries the reader along. Look at the end of one paragraph and the beginning of the next one throughout the essay. You’ll see that in every case, there is either a word, phrase, or concept that ties one to the other.
Write a conclusion that really brings the essay to a close and contributes to the sense of unity while still looking forward. The applicant repeats her thesis that her career direction was shaped by the earthquake and its aftermath. She touches on key experiences (and achievements) that she wants the reader to remember, looks briefly forward, and ties back to the Twilight Zone opening.

This client was accepted to her top choice law school.

Lessons from Law School Sample Essay #4: Change

This essay takes a different approach than the other three essays. The theme opens the essay followed by images and sounds that make the change she is experienced something the reader can also experience or at least imagine because the applicant uses sensory language. The writer also takes a chronological approach to tell her story of change and how it shaped her.

The author in this essay chooses not to directly address her reasons for wanting to attend law school. However, the essay still works. The essay highlights her communications skills, research, international exposure, bilingual language skills, and initiative.

However here, too, there are lessons to be learned and some may sound familiar.

Clear theme - Yes, this takeaway is in this essay as well as the preceding three. In fact, for any effective essay, you need a clear theme.
Effective use of specifics and anecdote - Whether referencing the “bleak Wisconsin winter,” the fact her mother added “barbecued brisket” to her menu in Texas, or the cultural challenges she faced in Bolivia, she effectively illustrates her ability to deal with change and adapt throughout her life.
A conclusion that shows her evolution and growth - She subtly, but clearly reveals an evolution in her adaptability from complete adoption of the mores of her surroundings in New Jersey to more nuanced adaptability where she chooses what she wants to adopt and reject as she deals with change as an adult. Finally, while change is something she has to deal with throughout most of the essay by the conclusion she views it as an opportunity for growth.

Takeaways from These Law School Statement Samples

There are an infinite number of ways to write a law school personal statement that will help you get accepted.
Begin your essay with an opening that grabs your reader’s attention. In today’s age of short attention spans and very busy people, there should be no long, slow warm ups. Put your reader in the scene as soon as they start reading.
Use sensory language to engage your reader and help them imagine experiencing what you were going through. Reference scenes, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes as appropriate.
Have a clear theme. Unless you are James Joyce, a stream of consciousness will not work. Know the core idea you want your essay to convey and ruthlessly ensure that every subtopic supports that idea. If it doesn’t, either make the connection clear or delete.
Use transitions to take your reader with you through your story.
Use specifics and anecdotes to support your theme in a distinctive way while highlighting your achievements.
Write a conclusion that contributes to the unity of your essay. Highlight key points in your conclusion. While you can take your theme into the future in your conclusion, it still must relate to your core idea and build on what preceded it. If you can tie your ending back to your opening, your essay will have a stronger sense of coherence.

How would I like to see these essays improved? I would like to see them, with the exception of Essay 2, address why they are applying to a given school. Essay 2 didn’t have room for that.

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Excellent Law School Personal Statement Examples By David Busis Published May 5, 2019 Updated Feb 10, 2021

We’ve rounded up five spectacular personal statements that helped students with borderline numbers get into T-14 schools. You’ll find these examples to be as various as a typical JD class. Some essays are about a challenge, some about the evolution of the author’s intellectual or professional journey, and some about the author’s identity. The only common thread is sincerity. The authors did not write toward an imagined idea of what an admissions officer might be looking for: they reckoned honestly with formative experiences.

Personal Statement about a Career Journey

The writer of this personal statement matriculated at Georgetown. Her GPA was below the school’s 25th percentile and her LSAT score was above the 75th percentile. She was not a URM.

* Note that we’ve used female pronouns throughout, though some of the authors are male.

I don’t remember anything being out of the ordinary before I fainted—just the familiar, heady feeling and then nothing. When I came to, they were wheeling me away to the ER. That was the last time I went to the hospital for my neurology observership. Not long after, I crossed “doctor” off my list of post-graduate career options. It would be best, I figured, if I did something for which the day-to-day responsibilities didn’t make me pass out.

Back at the drawing board, I reflected on my choices. The first time around, my primary concern was how I could stay in school for the longest amount of time possible. Key factors were left out of my decision: I had no interest in medicine, no aptitude for the natural sciences, and, as it quickly became apparent, no stomach for sick patients. The second time around, I was honest with myself: I had no idea what I wanted to do.

My college graduation speaker told us that the word “job” comes from the French word “gober,” meaning “to devour.” When I fell into digital advertising, I was expecting a slow and toothless nibbling, a consumption whose impact I could ignore while I figured out what I actually wanted to do. I’d barely started before I realized that my interviewers had been serious when they told me the position was sink or swim. At six months, I was one toothbrush short of living at our office. It was an unapologetic aquatic boot camp—and I liked it. I wanted to swim. The job was bringing out the best in me and pushing me to do things I didn’t think I could do.

I remember my first client emergency. I had a day to re-do a presentation that I’d been researching and putting together for weeks. I was panicked and sure that I’d be next on the chopping block. My only cogent thought was, “Oh my god. What am I going to do?” The answer was a three-part solution I know well now: a long night, lots of coffee, and laser-like focus on exactly and only what was needed.

Five years and numerous emergencies later, I’ve learned how to work: work under pressure, work when I’m tired, and work when I no longer want to. I have enough confidence to set my aims high and know I can execute on them. I’ve learned something about myself that I didn’t know when I graduated: I am capable.

The word “career” comes from the French word “carrière,” denoting a circular racecourse. Perhaps it shouldn’t surprise me then, that I’ve come full circle with regards to law school. For two college summers, I interned as a legal associate and wondered, “Is this for me?” I didn’t know if I was truly interested, and I was worried that even if I was, I wouldn’t be able to see it through. Today, I don’t have those fears.

In the course of my advertising career, I have worked with many lawyers to navigate the murky waters of digital media and user privacy. Whereas most of my co-workers went to great lengths to avoid our legal team, I sought them out. The legal conversations about our daily work intrigued me. How far could we go in negotiating our contracts to reflect changing definitions of an impression? What would happen if the US followed the EU and implemented wide-reaching data-protection laws?

Working on the ad tech side of the industry, I had the data to target even the most niche audiences: politically-active Mormon Democrats for a political client; young, low-income pregnant women for a state government; millennials with mental health concerns in a campaign for suicide prevention. The extent to which digital technology has evolved is astonishing. So is the fact that it has gone largely unregulated. That’s finally changing, and I believe the shift is going to open up a more prominent role for those who understand both digital technology and its laws. I hope to begin my next career at the intersection of those two worlds.

Personal Statement about Legal Internships

The writer of this essay was admitted to every T14 law school from Columbia on down and matriculated at a top JD program with a large merit scholarship. Her LSAT score was below the median and her GPA was above the median of each school that accepted her. She was not a URM.

About six weeks into my first legal internship, my office-mate gestured at the window—we were seventy stories high in the Chrysler Building—and said, with a sad smile, doesn’t this office just make you want to jump? The firm appeared to be falling apart. The managing partners were suing each other, morale was low, and my boss, in an effort to maintain his client base, had instructed me neither to give any information to nor take any orders from other attorneys. On my first day of work, coworkers warned me that the firm could be “competitive,” which seemed to me like a good thing. I considered myself a competitive person and enjoyed the feeling of victory. This, though, was the kind of competition in which everyone lost.

Although I felt discouraged about the legal field after this experience, I chose not to give up on the profession, and after reading a book that featured the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York, I sent in an internship application. Shortly after, I received an offer to work at the office. For my first assignment, I attended a hearing in the federal courthouse. As I entered the magnificent twenty-third-floor courtroom, I felt the gravitas of the issue at hand: the sentencing of a terrorist.

That sense of gravitas never left me, and visiting the courtroom became my favorite part of the job. Sitting in hearings amidst the polished brass fixtures and mahogany walls, watching attorneys in refined suits prosecute terror, cybercrime, and corruption, I felt part of a grand endeavor. The spectacle enthralled me: a trial was like a combination of a theatrical performance and an athletic event. If I’d seen the dark side of competition at my first job, now I was seeing the bright side. I sat on the edge of my seat and watched to see if good—my side—triumphed over evil—the defense. Every conviction seemed like an unambiguous achievement. I told my friends that one day I wanted to help “lock up the bad guys.”

It wasn’t until I interned at the public defender’s office that I realized how much I’d oversimplified the world. In my very first week, I took the statement of a former high school classmate who had been charged with heroin possession. I did not know him well in high school, but we both recognized one another and made small talk before starting the formal interview. He had fallen into drug abuse and had been convicted of petty theft several months earlier. After finishing the interview, I wished him well.

The following week, in a courtroom that felt more like a macabre DMV than the hallowed halls I’d seen with the USAO, I watched my classmate submit his guilty plea, which would allow him to do community service in lieu of jail time. The judge accepted his plea and my classmate mumbled a quiet “thank you.” I felt none of the achievement I’d come to associate with guilty pleas. In that court, where hundreds of people trudged through endless paperwork and long lines before they could even see a judge, there were no good guys and bad guys—just people trying to put their lives back together.

A year after my internship at the public defender’s office, I read a profile of Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, and my former boss. In the profile, he says, “You don’t want a justice system in which prosecutors are cowboys.” The more I saw at the public defender’s office, the more I rethought my experience at the USAO. When I had excitedly called my parents after an insider trading conviction, I had not thought of the defendant’s family. When I had cheered the conviction of a terrorist, I hadn’t thought about the fact that a conviction could not undo his actions. As I now plan on entering the legal profession—either as a prosecutor or public defender—I realize that my enthusiasm momentarily overwrote my empathy. I’d been playing cowboy. A lawyer’s job isn’t to lock up bad guys or help good guys in order to quench a competitive thirst—it’s to subsume his or her ego in the work and, by presenting one side of a case, create a necessary condition for justice.

Personal Statement about Cultural Identity

The writer of this essay was offered significant merit aid packages from Cornell, Michigan, and Northwestern, and matriculated at NYU Law. Her LSAT score was below the 25th percentile LSAT score and her GPA matched the median GPA of NYU.

By the age of five, I’d attended seven kindergartens and collected more frequent flier miles than most adults. I resided in two worlds – one with fast motorcycles, heavy pollution, and the smell of street food lingering in the air; the other with trimmed grass, faint traces of perfume mingling with coffee in the mall, and my mom pressing her hand against my window as she left for work. She was the only constant between these two worlds – flying me between Taiwan and America as she struggled to obtain a U.S. citizenship.

My family reunited for good around my sixth birthday, when we flew back to Taiwan to join my dad. I forgot about the West, acquired a taste for Tangyuan, and became fast friends with the kids in my neighborhood. In the evenings, I’d sit with my grandmother as she watched soap operas in Taiwanese, the dialect of the older generation, which I picked up in unharmonious bits and pieces. Other nights, she would turn off the TV, and speak to me about tradition and history – recounting my ancestors, life during the Japanese regime, raising my dad under martial law. “You are the last of the Li’s,” she would say, patting my back, and I’d feel a quick rush of pride, as though a lineage as deep as that of the English monarchy rested on my shoulders.

When I turned seven, my parents enrolled me in an American school, explaining that it was time for me, a Tai Wan Ren (Taiwanese), to learn English – “a language that could open doors to better opportunities.” Although I learned slowly, with a handful of the most remedial in ESL (English as a Second Language), books like The Secret Garden and The Wind in the Willows opened up new worlds of captivating images and beautiful stories that I longed to take part in.

Along with the new language, I adopted a different way to dress, new mannerisms, and new tastes, including American pop culture. I stopped seeing the neighborhood kids, and sought a set of friends who shared my affinity for HBO movies and Claire’s Jewelry . Whenever taxi drivers or waitresses asked where I was from, noting that I spoke Chinese with too much of an accent to be native, I told them I was American.

At home, I asked my mom to stop packing Taiwanese food for my lunch. The cheap food stalls I once enjoyed now embarrassed me. Instead, I wanted instant mashed potatoes and Kraft mac and cheese.

When it came time for college, I enrolled in a liberal arts school on the East Coast to pursue my love of literature, and was surprised to find that my return to America did not feel like the full homecoming I’d expected. America was as familiar as it was foreign, and while I had mastered being “American” in Taiwan, being an American in America baffled me. The open atmosphere of my university, where ideas and feelings were exchanged freely, felt familiar and welcoming, but cultural references often escaped me. Unlike my friends who’d grown up in the States, I had never heard of Wonder Bread, or experienced the joy of Chipotle’s burrito bowls. Unlike them, I missed the sound of motorcycles whizzing by my window on quiet nights.

It was during this time of uncertainty that I found my place through literature, discovering Taiye Selasi, Edward Said, and Primo Levi, whose works about origin and personhood reshaped my conception of my own identity. Their usage of the language of otherness provided me with the vocabulary I had long sought, and revealed that I had too simplistic an understanding of who I was. In trying to discover my role in each cultural context, I’d confined myself within an easy dichotomy, where the East represented exotic foods and experiences, and the West, development and consumerism. By idealizing the latter and rejecting the former, I had reduced the richness of my worlds to caricatures. Where I am from, and who I am, is an amalgamation of my experiences and heritage: I am simultaneously a Mei Guo Ren and Taiwanese.

Just as I once reconciled my Eastern and Western identities, I now seek to reconcile my love of literature with my desire to effect tangible change. I first became interested in law on my study abroad program, when I visited the English courts as a tourist. As I watched the barristers deliver their statements, it occurred to me that law and literature have some similarities: both are a form of criticism that depends on close reading, the synthesis of disparate intellectual frameworks, and careful argumentation. Through my subsequent internships and my current job, I discovered that legal work possessed a tangibility I found lacking in literature. The lawyers I collaborate with work tirelessly to address the same problems and ideas I’ve explored only theoretically in my classes – those related to human rights, social contracts, and moral order. Though I understand that lawyers often work long hours, and that the work can be, at times, tedious, I’m drawn to the kind of research, analysis, and careful reading that the profession requires. I hope to harness my critical abilities to reach beyond the pages of the books I love and make meaningful change in the real world.

Personal Statement about Weightlifting

The writer of this essay was admitted to her top choice—a T14 school—with a handwritten note from the dean that praised her personal statement. Her LSAT score was below the school’s median and her GPA was above the school’s median.

As I knelt to tie balloons around the base of the white, wooden cross, I thought about the morning of my best friend’s accident: the initial numbness that overwhelmed my entire body; the hideous sound of my own small laugh when I called the other member of our trio and repeated the words “Mark died”; the panic attack I’d had driving home, resulting in enough tears that I had to pull off to the side of the road. Above all, I remembered the feeling of reality crashing into my previously sheltered life, the feeling that nothing was as safe or certain as I’d believed.

I had been with Mark the day before he passed, exactly one week before we were both set to move down to Tennessee to start our freshman year of college. It would have been difficult to feel so alone with my grief in any circumstance, but Mark’s crash seemed to ignite a chain reaction of loss. I had to leave Nashville abruptly in order to attend the funeral of my grandmother, who helped raise me, and at the end of the school year, a close friend who had helped me adjust to college was killed by an oncoming car on the day that he’d graduated. Just weeks before visiting Mark’s grave on his birthday, a childhood friend shot and killed himself in an abandoned parking lot on Christmas Eve. I spent Christmas Day trying to act as normally as possible, hiding the news in order not to ruin the holiday for the rest of my family.

This pattern of loss compounding loss affected me more than I ever thought it would. First, I just avoided social media out of fear that I’d see condolences for yet another friend who had passed too early. Eventually, I shut down emotionally and lost interest in the world—stopped attending social gatherings, stopped talking to anyone, and stopped going to many of my classes, as every day was a struggle to get out of bed. I hated the act that I had to put on in public, where I was always getting asked the same question —“I haven’t seen you in forever, where have you been?”—and always responding with the same lie: “I’ve just been really busy.”

I had been interested in bodybuilding since high school, but during this time, the lowest period of my life, it changed from a simple hobby to a necessity and, quite possibly, a lifesaver. The gym was the one place I could escape my own mind, where I could replace feelings of emptiness with the feeling of my heart pounding, lungs exploding, and blood flooding my muscles, where—with sweat pouring off my forehead and calloused palms clenched around cold steel—I could see clearly again.

Not only did my workouts provide me with an outlet for all of my suppressed emotion, but they also became the one aspect of my life where I felt I was still in control. I knew that if it was Monday, no matter what else was going on, I was going to be working out my legs, and I knew exactly what exercises I was going to do, and how many repetitions I was going to perform, and how much weight I was going to use for each repetition. I knew exactly when I would be eating and exactly how many grams of each food source I would ingest. I knew how many calories I would get from each of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. My routine was one thing I could count on.

As I loaded more plates onto the barbell, I grew stronger mentally as well. The gym became a place, paradoxically, of both exertion and tranquility, a sanctuary where I felt capable of thinking about the people I’d lost. It was the healing I did there that let me tie the balloons to the cross on Mark’s third birthday after the crash, and that let me spend the rest of the afternoon sharing stories about Mark with friends on the side of the rural road. It was the healing I did there that left me ready to move on.

One of the fundamental principles of weightlifting involves progressively overloading the muscles by taking them to complete failure, coming back, and performing past the point where you last failed, consistently making small increases over time. The same principle helped me overcome my grief, and in the past few years, I’ve applied it to everything from learning Spanish to studying for the LSAT. As I prepare for the next stage of my life, I know I’ll encounter more challenges for which I’m unprepared, but I feel strong enough now to acknowledge my weaknesses, and—by making incremental gains—to overcome them.

Personal Statement about Sexual Assault

The writer of this essay was accepted to many top law schools and matriculated at Columbia. Her LSAT score matched Columbia’s median while her GPA was below Columbia’s 25th percentile.

My rapist didn’t hold a knife to my throat. My rapist didn’t jump out of a dark alleyway. My rapist didn’t slip me a roofie. My rapist was my eighth-grade boyfriend, who was already practicing with the high school football team. He assaulted me in his suburban house in New Jersey, while his mom cooked us dinner in the next room, in the back of an empty movie theatre, on the couch in my basement.

It started when I was thirteen and so excited to have my first real boyfriend. He was a football player from a different school who had a pierced ear and played the guitar. I, a shy, slightly chubby girl with a bad haircut and very few friends, felt wanted, needed, and possibly loved. The abuse—the verbal and physical harassment that eventually turned sexual—was just something that happened in grown-up relationships. This is what good girlfriends do, I thought. They say yes.

Never having had a sex-ed class in my life, it took me several months after my eighth-grade graduation and my entry into high school to realize the full extent of what he did to me. My overall experience of first “love” seemed surreal. This was something that happened in a Lifetime movie, not in a small town in New Jersey in his childhood twin bed. I didn’t tell anyone about what happened. I had a different life in a different school by then, and I wasn’t going to let my trauma define my existence.

As I grew older, I was confronted by the fact that rape is not a surreal misfortune or a Lifetime movie. It’s something that too many of my close friends have experienced. It’s when my sorority sister tells me about the upstairs of a frat house when she’s too drunk to say no. It’s when the boy in the room next door tells me about his uncle during freshman orientation. It’s a high school peer whose summer internship boss became too handsy. Rape is real. It’s happening every day, to mothers, brothers, sisters, and fathers—a silent majority that want to manage the burden on their own, afraid of judgement, afraid of repercussions, afraid of a he-said she-said court battle.

I am beyond tired of the silence. It took me three years to talk about what happened to me, to come clean to my peers and become a model of what it means to speak about something that society tells you not to speak about. Motivated by my own experience and my friends’ stories, I joined three groups that help educate my college community about sexual health and assault: New Feminists, Speak for Change, and Sexual Assault Responders. I trained to staff a peer-to-peer emergency hotline for survivors of sexual assault. I protested the university’s cover-up of a gang-rape in the basement of a fraternity house two doors from where I live now. As a member of my sorority’s executive board, I have talked extensively about safety and sexual assault, and have orchestrated a speaker on the subject to come to campus and talk to the exceptional young women I consider family. I’ve proposed a DOE policy change to make sexual violence education mandatory to my city councilman. This past summer, I traveled to a country notorious for sexual violence and helped lay the groundwork for a health center that will allow women to receive maternal care, mental health counseling, and career counseling.

Law school is going to help me take my advocacy to the next level. Survivors of sexual assault, especially young survivors, often don’t know where to turn. They don’t know their Title IX rights, they don’t know about the Clery Act, and they don’t know how to demand help when every other part of the system is shouting at them to be quiet and give up. Being a lawyer, first and foremost, is being an advocate. With a JD, I can work with groups like SurvJustice and the Rape Survivors Law Project to change the lives of people who were silenced for too long.

📌 Further reading:

Six Law School Personal Statements That Got Into Harvard
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College essays and diversity in the post-affirmative action era, sonja starr’s latest research adds data, legal analysis to discussion about race in college admissions essays.

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Editor’s Note: This story is part of an occasional series on research projects currently in the works at the Law School.

The Supreme Court’s decision in June 2023 to bar the use of affirmative action in college admissions raised many questions. One of the most significant is whether universities should consider applicants’ discussion of race in essays. The Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. Harvard did not require entirely race-blind admissions. Rather, the Court explicitly stated that admissions offices may weigh what students say about how race affected their lives. Yet the Court also warned that this practice may not be used to circumvent the bar on affirmative action.

Many university leaders made statements after SFFA suggesting that they take this passage seriously, and that it potentially points to a strategy for preserving diversity. But it’s not obvious how lower courts will distinguish between consideration of “race-related experience” and consideration of “race qua race.” Sonja Starr, Julius Kreeger Professor of Law & Criminology at the Law School, was intrigued by the implication of that question, calling the key passage of the Court’s opinion the “essay carveout.”

“Where is the line?” she wrote in a forthcoming article, the first of its kind to discuss this issue in depth in the post- SFFA era. “And what other potential legal pitfalls could universities encounter in evaluating essays about race?”

To inform her paper’s legal analysis, Starr conducted empirical analyses of how universities and students have included race in essays, both before and after the Court’s decision. She concluded that large numbers of applicants wrote about race, and that college essay prompts encouraged them to do so, even before SFFA .

Some thought the essay carveout made no sense. Justice Sonia Sotomayor called it “an attempt to put lipstick on a pig” in her dissent. Starr, however, disagrees. She argues that universities are on sound legal footing relying on the essay carveout, so long as they consider race-related experience in an individualized way. In her article, Starr points out reasons the essay carveout makes sense in the context of the Court’s other arguments. However, she points to the potential for future challenges—on both equal protection and First Amendment grounds—and discusses how colleges can survive them.

What the Empirical Research Showed

After SFFA , media outlets suggested that universities would add questions about race or identity in their admissions essays and that students would increasingly focus on that topic. Starr decided to investigate this speculation. She commissioned a professional survey group to recruit a nationally representative sample of recent college applicants. The firm queried 881 people about their essay content, about half of whom applied in 2022-23, before SFFA , and half of whom submitted in 2023-24.

The survey found that more than 60 percent of students in non-white groups wrote about race in at least some of their essays, as did about half of white applicants. But contrary to what the media suggested, there were no substantial changes between the pre-and post- SFFA application cycles.

Starr also reviewed essay prompts that 65 top schools have used over the last four years. She found that diversity and identity questions—as well as questions about overcoming adversity, which, for example, provide opportunities for students to discuss discrimination that they have faced—are common and have increased in frequency both before and after SFFA.

A Personally Inspired Interest

Although Starr has long written about equal protection issues, until about two years ago, she would have characterized educational admissions as a bit outside her wheelhouse. Her research has mostly focused on the criminal justice system, though race is often at the heart of it. In the past, for example, she has assessed the role of race in sentencing, the constitutionality of algorithmic risk assessment instruments in criminal justice, as well as policies to expand employment options for people with criminal records.

But a legal battle around admissions policies at Fairfax County’s Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology—the high school that Starr attended—caught her attention. Starr followed the case closely and predicted that “litigation may soon be an ever-present threat for race-conscious policymaking” in a 2024 Stanford Law Review article on that and other magnet school cases.

“I got really interested in that case partly because of the personal connection,” she said. “But I ended up writing about it as an academic matter, and that got me entrenched in this world of educational admissions questions and their related implications for other areas of equal protection law.”

Implications in Education and Beyond

Starr’s forthcoming paper argues that the essay carveout provides a way for colleges to maintain diversity and stay on the right side of the Court’s decision.

“I believe there’s quite a bit of space that’s open for colleges to pursue in this area without crossing that line,” she said. “I lay out the arguments that colleges can put forth.”

Nevertheless, Starr expects future litigation targeting the essay carveout.

“I think we could see cases filed as soon as this year when the admissions numbers come out,” she said, pointing out that conservative legal organizations, such as the Pacific Legal Foundation, have warned that they’re going to be keeping a close eye on admissions numbers and looking for ways that schools are circumventing SFFA .

Starr envisions her paper being used as a resource for schools that want to obey the law while also maintaining diversity. “The preservation of diversity is not a red flag that something unconstitutional is happening,” she said. “There are lots of perfectly permissible ways that we can expect diversity to be maintained in this post- affirmative action era.”

Starr’s article, “Admissions Essays after SFFA ,” is slated to be published in Indiana Law Journal in early 2025.

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We`re happy to welcome everyone back to Cornell Law School for Reunion Weekend 2024, starting tomorrow, June 6th! We hope you`re all excited, as we have lots of great events planned! #CornellLawSchool #lawyersinthebestsense #todothegreatestgood #reunionweekend2024

From a very young age, Lisa Vigilante was taught the importance of giving back. When Vigilante was a sophomore at Cornell University, she took a labor law class with Professor Kate Griffith, where she realized “giving back” might actually be her calling. She became a 3+3 student, which is where an undergraduate student is given the chance to study as a 1L at Cornell Law School during what would have been their senior year, allowing them to receive their bachelor’s and Juris Doctor degrees in six years, rather than seven. Now headed into her 3L year this upcoming fall semester, Vigilante is one of fourteen students in the 3+3 program at the Law School currently, which is less than 10 percent of the Class of 2025. Entrance into this program is no small achievement, but for the students who do enter, it can be the reward of a lifetime! Click the link in our bio to learn more about the 3+3 program and Vigilante`s journey at Cornell Law!

Cornell Law School is dramatically increasing its support for graduates pursuing public service careers, setting a new standard among the nation’s top law schools. Beginning in June 2024, Cornell Law will increase the salary cap eligible for full reimbursement for federal loans from $80,000 to $120,000 for graduates in public service jobs. Further, Cornell Law will also offer partial reimbursements for those with salaries between $120,000 and $150,000. Depending on the circumstances, the plan may eliminate the entirety of law school debt for some graduates. Click the link in our bio for more information!

Raised in Oklahoma, and a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation, Carolyn Click, J.D. `24, always wanted to go the distance and shatter the stereotypes that many Indigenous people face. Graduating this year, Click feels a responsibility after law school to not only advance herself, but her community as well! She has been awarded the honor of being a J.D. Degree Marshall at Cornell University’s main graduation ceremony in late May—blowing the doors wide open for more students like herself to contribute to the ever-growing Indigenous legacy here at Cornell! With second deposits due today for the entering Class of 2027, we hope that this story will inspire you to come make your mark here at Cornell Law School, just as Carolyn has. We hope that you will join us as we strive for all of our students to become lawyers in the best sense! Click the link in our bio to read more about Carolyn`s story.

"The advanced Campus Mediation Practicum has given me the opportunity to strengthen my mediation skills in a professional context and challenged me to reconsider my perspective about the purpose and impact of conflict resolution. Through the practicum, I have mentored students across various departments, actively participated in Cornell University`s broader conflict resolution apparatus, and trained to become certified as a court-appointed mediator in the state of Montana. The teaching and learning opportunities as a mentor have inspired me to set the professional example I hope to encounter in the legal workplace and beyond." Grace Traore `24 highlights the impact that experiential learning has had on her career. Check out the link in our bio to learn more about the Campus Mediation Practicum.

It was a beautiful day to graduate from Cornell Law School! Congratulations to the CLS class of 2024, as they took one more step forward in becoming lawyers in the best sense! #cornelllawschool #lawyersinthebestsense #todothegreatestgood #lawschoolgrad #graduationday🎓

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Cornell Law clinics give students the opportunity to participate in cases that shape important legal precedent. Last week, students in Cornell Law`s Transnational Disputes Clinic traveled to Washington, D.C. to watch the US Supreme Court hear argument in United States v. Muñoz. The clinic filed an amicus brief in the case, which is contrary to the Biden administration`s arguments that affording U.S. citizens due process in visa denial cases is impractical, and would jeopardize the United States` foreign relations and national security interests. To learn more about the Transnational Law Clinic, check out the link in our bio. #CornellLaw #CornellLawClinics

The Cornell Companions were here today, snuggling with our students before exam week!🐾 Good luck to all our students on their upcoming final exams! #cornelllawschool #todothegreatestgood #lawyersinthebestsense

Congratulations to Alyssa Kastner ’24 who recently gave an oral argument in front of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on behalf of GC, a Mexican national who grew up in the United States. Alyssa argued that the Immigration Court and Board of Immigration Appeals failed to properly consider the client’s mental illness when finding his crime “particularly serious.” She also argued that when denying withholding of removal, the agency failed to take into account whether the Mexican government was actually able to protect the client from further torture. As Estelle McKee, instructor in Asylum and Convention Against Torture Appellate Clinic, notes, "The chief judge`s compliments to Alyssa after the argument were well-deserved--Alyssa devoted significant time and effort to this argument, and it paid off!” Visit the link in our bio to watch the full argument. #CornellLaw #CornellLawClinics

Dean Ohlin congratulated and toasted to the JD Class of 2024 on their journey to becoming “Lawyers in the Best Sense” in the Law Library Reading Room yesterday evening.🎉 #CornellLawSchool

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Applications for Fall 2024 will open on September 1, 2023. The application is here . The deadline for Fall 2024 enrollment has been extended to June 15, 2024. We will accept June 2024 LSAT scores.

For the 2023-2024 application cycle, the $75 application fee has been waived for all applicants. If you have questions about the admissions process, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, call the Admissions Office at (415) 565-4623, or send an email to [email protected] . If you encounter any technical difficulties with the application process, contact LSAC directly at (215) 968-1393.

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LEOP applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an additional personal statement identifying and describing in detail the challenges and obstacles they have faced and the impact these challenges have had on their academic preparation. Applicants should include specific information on what they have done to meet and/or overcome these challenges.

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JD Students attending other ABA law schools can spend one to two semesters at UC Law SF as Visiting Students on a space-available basis. Visiting applicants may apply for fall and/or spring terms during their 2L or 3L year.

Admission to the Bar

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.

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LL.M. in U.S. Legal Studies

If you are an attorney licensed outside of the U.S., or have completed a first degree in law outside of the U.S., UC Law SF invites you to apply for a one-year LL.M. degree in U.S. Legal Studies. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis from September 1 through June 30 . The priority deadline is March 1 .

UC Law SF MSL students, one woman, one man (both in professional attire) back to back, arms crossed, smiling.

Master of Studies in Law (MSL)

The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) is a one-year degree program for professionals seeking to equip themselves with a sophisticated understanding of legal reasoning and doctrine. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting October 1 . The priority deadline is April 15.

text on blue backdrop: UCSF | UC Law SF Master of Science in Health Policy & Law

Masters of Science, Health Policy & Law (HPL)

The Masters of Science, Health Policy & Law (HPL) is a fully online program leading to a jointly conferred degree from UC Law SF and the University of California San Francisco. The program provides students with the tools and knowledge to navigate legal reform and policy impact within the health care system.

The Application Process and Admissions Decision

Among many criteria, the admission decision will be primarily based on your written application and supporting documents, which include your:

undergraduate cumulative grade point average, " GPA ,"
Law School Admission Test, the " LSAT " score,
application and undergraduate transcripts (Applications for all ABA-approved law schools are submitted through the Law School Admissions Council's Credential Assembly Service )
personal statement ,
letters of recommendation ,
and in some cases a Dean's letter .

You will also need to understand rolling admissions and acceptance procedures.

The GPA considered by the law school is the cumulative grade point average of every course the applicant has taken at the college level to the date of consideration. It includes all courses taken for credit at all colleges and universities attended. Thus, the ideal time for a student to begin "working on getting a good GPA" is the first day of classes at the first college attended. While the maximum GPA of 4.0 ("straight A's") cannot be a realistic expectation for more than a few highly gifted and highly motivated students, it should be the goal of every pre-law student at the time he or she begins college work, and every effort should be made to come as close as possible to that goal. Since law school is a rigorous academic program, admissions officials want proof (i.e., a high GPA, particularly in your last two years) that you can succeed in college while taking challenging courses. A GPA below 3.0 will harm your chances of gaining admission to law school and may need to be explained. (See personal statement discussion below) back to top

The LSAT is a standardized examination designed to measure skills that are important to the study of law---reading, reasoning, analyzing, and writing. The exam is administered by the Law School Admissions Council . The test’s results, when combined with GPA, are the best predictor of performance in the first year of law school, and it is required for admission by every ABA-accredited law school in the country. You can obtain information about the LSAT and other LSAC services online. The test is now fully digital and is administered multiple times each year . You should NOT take the exam on a lark, just to see how you might perform. Even though you can retake the exam numerous times, law schools may average your test scores rather than taking the highest score. It is generally advisable to take the LSAT by October of the year in which you are applying. This provides sufficient time to re-take the test if necessary and to change your choice of schools should you test significantly higher or lower (+ or - 4 points) than expected. The LSAT is NOT a test for which an applicant can cram the night before. Developing and strengthening the skills tested by the LSAT (critical reading, analytical, logical reasoning, and writing skills) are the goals of your entire college career. In addition, you should prepare yourself to take this particular exam. Consequently, it is very important that you thoroughly familiarize yourself with the LSAT by studying the types of questions it asks, learning strategies for answering these questions efficiently, and taking past LSAT sample exams under test conditions. If you prepare for the LSAT on your own, study materials are available from various commercial companies. Additionally, the LSAC has partnered with the Khan Academy to provide free LSAT prep materials . If you believe you need more than self-imposed structure while preparing for the LSAT, consider taking one of the review courses available (e.g., Princeton Review, Kaplan, Test Masters) that require you to take practice exams under test conditions, provide analysis of your strengths and weaknesses on the various types of LSAT questions, and provide tips on how to improve your performance. These courses are quite expensive (up to $1500, though some financial aid is available). However, if you typically experience difficulty and score low on aptitude tests, such as the SAT, you should consider investing in such a course. As with a GPA below 3.0, a score on the LSAT at or below the 25th percentile for students admitted to the schools of your choice will seriously decrease your chances for admission there. The SCU Pre-Law Advising Program does not recommend any particular way of preparing for the LSAT, not does it endorse any commercial review course. When registering for the LSAT, please permit your scores to be released to Santa Clara's Director of Pre-Law Advising. This will assist us in tracking and analyzing LSAT scores of SCU students and giving better advice to future SCU students. The Director is required to keep your individual score(s) confidential. Register for the LSAT sufficiently early so that you can secure a place at the most convenient testing location. You also should determine whether each law school in which you are interested will accept scores from the February LSAT administration, which is the last test date in each administration cycle. The quickest and easiest way to register for both the LSAT and the Credential Assembly Service (CAS, a service required by most American Bar Association-approved schools) is online at www.lsac.org . For information on fee waivers, for test sites outside of the US and associated fees, and for more detailed information about the LSAT, consult the LSAC website. back to top

The Application Process

You should apply electronically (for all ABA accredited law schools) directly through the LSAC's Credential Assembly Service . Consult LSAC website for the checklist for the law school admission process. The instructions that accompany the application should be followed exactly, and all responses should be accurate and entered without error. back to top

The Personal Statement

Virtually every law school now requires a personal statement from the applicant. Be sure to adhere carefully to the requirements or recommendations contained in the application instructions regarding length, prompt, format, etc. unless otherwise specified, the typical statement should be about two typewritten pages, double-spaced. It should reflect the very best grammatical and communicative effort of the applicant because it will be judged both as to form and substance (remember you are applying to professional school). Being simple, direct, and clear will impress admissions officials. Using unusual words and legal terms will not (e.g., avoid "said person told me..."). Consider the personal statement as your personal interview (on paper) with the admissions committee. This is no time to hide who you are, what truly matters to you, or to be shy or modest. You may write about an accomplishment, experience, cause, or belief that is important to you as an individual. Present yourself in a good light, but also be honest and candid. back to top

Letters of Recommendation

Applications will indicate how many letters of recommendation are required. Follow them precisely. Although the LSAT and GPA form the foundation of the admission evaluation process, your personal statement and letters of recommendation can provide the admission committee with a different perspective from which to view them. Letters should comment on the applicant's academic abilities and be specific in their comments about the individual. Therefore, they should come from professors who have had significant personal contact with the student applying. You should seek out professors from your major field and those in whose classes you have done your best academic work. General character references, even from prominent judges, attorneys, or politicians, will NOT help your chances and may in fact hurt them because the admissions committee has learned too little about you. Take care in selecting your recommenders, try to be certain that they will write strong letters that discuss you as an individual. You should feel free to supply them with additional information which you may be uncomfortable supplying in your personal statement. For example, a letter-writer could include a notation that, although your overall GPA is a 3.2, your GPA in your major is 3.5 and, excluding freshman year when you were struggling, is 3.6, or could note that your LSAT score does not reflect your overall analytic ability as manifested in the classes you took from the person recommending you. back to top

Dean's Letter

Some schools, mostly on the East Coast, require a recommendation from the Dean of your school. Typically, this information includes class rank and academic standing. If you have been subjected to any disciplinary actions even in your first quarter at SCU, this will appear on the Dean's Letter and may harm your chances for law school admission. Contact the Office of Student Life to obtain the Dean's Letter. back to top

Admission and Acceptance

Most law schools operate on a "rolling admissions" basis, in which applicants are evaluated and accepted continuously over several months, beginning in fall (often October 1) and extending to midsummer for waiting-list admissions (admission off a waiting list is typically an iffy prospect). It is clearly advisable for you to apply at the earliest possible date, generally by about the middle of November. The earlier you apply, the more places will be available. Although schools will try to make comparable decisions throughout the admission season, it is disadvantageous to be one of the last applicants to complete a file–and your application will not be reviewed at all until it is complete according to the school's criteria. Additionally, the more decisions you receive from law schools early in the process, the better able you will be to make your own decisions, such as whether to apply to more law schools or to accept a school's offer. Applicants whose qualifications exceed the school's admission standards are usually accepted during the first round of decisions. With some exceptions, candidates whose credentials fall below the school's standards are usually rejected. Most applications are not decided upon immediately upon review. If you have strong qualifications, but they do not quite equal those currently being admitted at a particular law school, you may be placed on a waiting list for possible admission at a later date. The law school will notify you of its decision as early as April or as late as August. If you are on a waiting list and can honestly say that you will enroll if accepted, inform the admissions office of this (but don't make a pest of yourself by calling frequently to inquire about your chances). Many law schools use seat deposits to help keep track of their new classes. For example, a school may require a deposit fee of $200 to $500 (some require two fees, one by April 1 and the second by June 1), credited to your first-term tuition if you actually register at the school; if you choose not to attend, the deposit may be forfeited or returned only partially. However, submitting multiple deposits can be risky. Law schools participating in LSAC's commitment overlap reporting service submit to LSAC information on applicants who have made verbal, written, and/or monetary agreements to attend their schools. Therefore, ask each law school about its policy on multiple deposits; some will not penalize applicants for placing multiple deposits, and others threaten to revoke offers of admission for doing so. back to top

Santa Clara University School of Law

The information on this page was provided by the law school.

Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs

Introduction.

Santa Clara Law, centered in the heart of Silicon Valley just 40 miles south of San Francisco, is located on the lush, historic, 105-acre campus of Santa Clara University, California’s oldest operating institution of higher learning. The University was founded by the Jesuits in 1851 on the site of the Mission Santa Clara de Asís, one of California’s original 21 missions. Established in 1911, Santa Clara Law has fostered an exceptional academic program based on the Jesuit tradition for more than 100 years. Approved by the ABA, Santa Clara Law is a member of the Order of the Coif and the Association of American Law Schools.

Santa Clara Law is dedicated to educating lawyers who lead with a commitment to excellence, ethics, and social justice. The school offers students an academically rigorous program including certificates in high tech law, privacy law, international law, and public interest and social justice law, as well as numerous graduate and joint-degree options. Santa Clara Law is nationally distinguished for its faculty engagement, preparation for practice, and top-ranked programs in intellectual property.

Centered around a historic California Mission with beautiful gardens, Santa Clara Law is located in the heart of the Silicon Valley, one of the most vibrant and exciting economies in the world. South of the world-class city of San Francisco, Silicon Valley is a hotbed of innovation and home to leading law firms as well as numerous leading companies such as Google, Apple, eBay, Yahoo!, and Facebook. Unlike any place else on earth, the region is the epicenter of innovation, attracting extraordinary talent and resources. It is a proving ground for new scientific and technological industries and trailblazing ventures. Santa Clara Law is a major contributor to the economic and social strength of the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond through its students, faculty, signature programs, and the outstanding legal practitioners it provides to business, industry, and government. Santa Clara Law provides a substantial percentage of the law school graduates in the area, and there are exceptional opportunities for externships and careers in intellectual property, venture capital, biotechnology, antitrust, and privacy.

Santa Clara Law’s ideal location enhances the curriculum, including the nationally acclaimed high tech and intellectual property programs, which feature experienced Silicon Valley executives and attorneys who share their experience in courses, workshops, and lectures. Students also benefit from the school’s location through internship and job opportunities, lectures, and networking events.

In addition, the San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most beautiful regions in the United States, and the Mediterranean climate boasts sun more than 300 days a year. North of Santa Clara are the world-class cities of Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco; southwest are the coastal towns of Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur.

Santa Clara Law is one of the most diverse law schools in the nation , and the school offers an array of programs that encourage and support diversity . Santa Clara Law students learn with students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, and they are taught by a diverse and talented group of faculty members who are committed to an inclusive learning experience.

Thirty-eight percent of applicants for fall 2016 were from outside California, and the 2016 entering class included 49 percent minorities and 57 percent women.

Library and Physical Facilities

Santa Clara Law is on the campus of Santa Clara University, which has often been voted one of the most beautiful colleges in the nation. Towering palm trees, spacious lawns, and vibrant flower gardens create a peaceful and beautiful place to learn.

In 2018, Santa Clara Law celebrated an historic move to an all-new home—the Howard S. and Alida S. Charney Hall of Law , a state-of-the-art center for innovation and collaboration that will expand our impact in Silicon Valley and beyond. This inspiring, eco-friendly building—a modern interpretation of the Santa Clara University’s signature mission-style architecture—has flexible learning spaces, sophisticated classroom technology, and a library that is a nexus for digital information facilitated by a staff that specializes in supporting student and faculty research. Given the inherent connections among law, technology, business, ethics, and the social sciences, Charney Hall’s new campus location is ideal—right next door to the world-class Leavey School of Business and near both the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics and the Political Science Department. Charney Hall is part of a vibrant professional district that encourages interdisciplinary curricular and programmatic collaboration and innovation, as well as opportunities for greater engagement with the local legal and business communities.

As members of the larger Santa Clara University community, law students have access to the full array of the larger campus facilities, including computer labs, the Cowell Student Health Center, the Benson Memorial Center, and the Pat Malley Fitness Center, which includes a well-equipped weight room, fitness classes, an outdoor pool, locker rooms with steam rooms and saunas, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis.

Santa Clara Law offers a robust and flexible program, with day and evening classes, full- and part-time scheduling options , diversity outreach programs, and an academic and bar success program. More than 200 courses are available, and 86 semester units are required to graduate. The degrees offered are JD, JD/MBA, JD/MSIS, LLM in Intellectual Property Law, LLM in International and Comparative Law, and LLM in United States Law for non-US attorneys (with optional specializations in intellectual property, international and comparative law, and human rights law). An academic orientation introduces first-year students to the study of law. The first-year curriculum is prescribed.

The JD/MBA and the JD/MSIS combined-degree programs are a powerful union of Santa Clara’s nationally recognized School of Law and the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University. Students earn both degrees in a full-time program lasting three and one-half to four years.

International Law Certificate

Santa Clara Law’s International Law program sponsors summer law study and externship programs in more locations than any other American law school. Students can choose from programs in Munich, Germany; Geneva, Switzerland; Oxford, England; Singapore; Shanghai, China; The Hague, Netherlands; San Jose, Costa Rica; Tokyo, Japan; Vienna, Austria; and Sydney, Australia. Classes may be combined with externships at international law firms, UN organizations, governmental or nongovernmental organizations, and corporations. The thoughtfully structured externships and classes abroad prepare students for practice in a global economy. Completing a summer abroad helps students earn a Certificate in International Law.

High Tech Law or Privacy Law Certificate

With its central Silicon Valley location, Santa Clara Law is one of the top places in the country to study intellectual property, privacy, and high tech law , and our program is world renowned. Students learn from full-time faculty members with expertise in every aspect of intellectual property (IP) and high tech law, as well as adjunct faculty members who work at leading Silicon Valley firms and companies. Students have unparalleled internship opportunities with well-known companies and law firms working on the highest profile cutting-edge technologies. The IP and high tech curriculum is one of the largest in the country, and students can create a highly personalized course of study. Students can obtain a certificate in High Tech Law or Privacy Law, and can earn a combined JD/LLM in Intellectual Property Law on an accelerated basis.

Public Interest and Social Justice Law Certificate

The Santa Clara Law community has a true commitment to social justice , and many students choose to serve the poor and the marginalized while in law school through the school’s many clinics (see Clinical Programs below). Students also serve while they learn through programs offered by the Center for Social Justice and Public Service, which emphasizes the use of law and the legal system to improve the lives of marginalized, subordinated, or underrepresented clients and causes. Faculty members, many of whom do extensive pro bono work themselves, teach cutting-edge, social justice-oriented classes that provide theoretical, practical, and skills training. Students can earn a Public Interest and Social Justice Law Certificate and may select a special emphasis in one of seven areas: consumer law, criminal justice, critical race jurisprudence, environmental law, international environmental law, health law, or immigration and refugee law.

Clinical Programs and Externships

Santa Clara Law students can participate in a wide variety of clinical and field experiences that help develop their practical skills while in law school. The Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center offers clinics in immigration, workers’ rights, and consumer law. Other clinics include the International Human Rights Clinic, the Entrepreneurs’ Law Clinic, and the Northern California Innocence Project at Santa Clara Law, where students help exonerate the wrongfully convicted through work with prisoners, crime and evidence labs, law enforcement, defense attorneys, and prosecutors. In these clinics, students work on real cases under the guidance of attorney mentors. Working with faculty, students can also tailor externship experiences to their interest, enabling them to work in a variety of settings including law firms, in-house corporate counsels, government agencies, courts (including the California Supreme Court or the US District Court), or public interest organizations.

Student Activities

Santa Clara Law has many student groups, including an extensive array of identity group organizations and national and international moot court teams. The school’s quarterly, Santa Clara Law Review , is published by a student editorial board. The Santa Clara High Technology Law Journal provides a practical resource for the high tech industry and legal community. The Santa Clara Journal of International Law is a respected, peer-reviewed scholarly journal. Through the Student Bar Association (SBA) and student-faculty committees, students participate in the decision processes of the school. The SBA’s community service committee organizes numerous volunteer events throughout the year. Law students also participate in intramural sports through the Malley Fitness Center at Santa Clara University.

Career Management

The Office of Career Management empowers students to achieve their professional goals by connecting them to resources to successfully embark on the application process, and connecting them to the employer and alumni communities. The Office offers many programs and services to help students launch a career: on-campus interviewing, job fairs, mock interviews, diversity receptions, speed networking, and more. A premier group of alumni advises the Office of Career Management, including general counsels of technology companies, managing partners from major law firms, and federal and state judges. The office responds quickly to the evolving legal market, attracts a robust body of employers to its on-campus interview programs, and connects students to the active alumni network of more than 11,000, many of whom act as mentors and coaches for students.

Santa Clara Law seeks to enroll a diverse student body to help diversify the legal profession and enhance its educational environment. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in the fall. The Admissions Committee, which includes faculty members, considers many factors including LSAT score, academic record, personal statement, letters of recommendation, résumé, and any other information provided. When the LSAT is repeated, the highest score received is used. The committee may also consider an applicant’s special interests, life experiences, accomplishments, goals, and motivation for studying law.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the campus. The Admissions Office can arrange for applicants to tour the campus, attend a class, and meet with an admission counselor. A series of admission events for prospective students is held each fall.

Admitted Applicant Profile

25-75% ugpa range at santa clara:.

3.35 to 3.72

25-75% LSAT Score Range at Santa Clara:

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JD/MBA Program

James Kim ’13 Undergraduate – UC Berkeley Major – Legal Studies Hometown – Cerritos, CA

Brittni Neu ’14 Undergraduate – UCLA Major – Economics and American Literature & Culture Hometown – San Jose, CA

JD/MBA Admissions Process

Candidates for the combined program must make separate application to both the School of Law and the M.B.A. Program. It is unnecessary to apply to both programs simultaneously. Because the first year of the program is entirely in the law school, candidates typically apply to the M.B.A. Program after they have completed the first semester of law school.

J.D. Program

The School of Law seeks applicants with strong academic backgrounds who have earned a baccalaureate degree in any discipline. Factors considered in the admission decision include the following: academic history, including trends in undergraduate grades, selection of academic courses, graduate study, results of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), work experience, life experience, and community and school service. Letters of recommendation are not required but are usually helpful. Approximately 285 students enroll each year after being selected from more than 2,800 applicants. The School of Law uses a rolling admission process with the first decisions being made in early January preceding the August of desired enrollment. Applications should be filed before February.

Applicants to the School of Law must complete the following steps:

Return the application for admissions to the Admissions Office with the required application fee.
Take the Law School Admission Test. The test is offered four times a year and must be taken by February in the desired year of enrollment. Tests scores are generally considered current for four years. If the test is taken more than once, the highest score will be considered.
Register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and have official transcripts sent to Law Services from every North American college or university attended.
Upon acceptance, make the tuition deposits required to hold a seat in the entering class.

M.B.A. Program

The M.B.A. Program, accredited by AACSB (American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business), seeks students who show aptitude, interest, and ability for leadership.

Students are admitted in any of three quarters fall, winter, and spring. Application requirements are:

Completed application with the required application fee.
Essay question responses (two required, one optional).
Two confidential letters of recommendation (letters used for Law School Admission are not admissible).
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Waivers are available for qualified candidates, please contact the MBA Admissions Office at [email protected] .
Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (if not on file at the law school).

Applications will not be considered until all materials are received. Admission will only be granted to students who are in good standing in the law school and are full-time students.

Course of Study

Students enrolled in the combined degree program plan a specific course of study with the program advisors. No undergraduate business course work is required. Students who have taken business courses may have some courses waived.

Students will be permitted to count certain courses for credit toward both degrees. A maximum of 12 quarter units taken in the School of Business and eight semester units taken in the School of Law may be counted toward both degrees. In addition, a concentration may be completed through the scheduling of electives. Please refer to the MBA viewbook for more detailed information.

Employment Outlook

Recent graduates report that their joint degrees are beneficial in a wide variety of career areas including private business, law practice, business management, entrepreneurship, and government administration. The School of Law Career Services Office assists students with their career planning through individual counseling, workshops on topics such as resume writing, interviewing and job search strategies. Many law firms, government agencies, and corporations participate in the on-campus interviewing program in the fall, and hundreds of other employers from around the country request law students’ resumes.

J.D./M.B.A. degree holders who seek employment outside the legal profession also benefit from the resources and facilities of the University Career Services.

For More Information Contact:

Law School Admissions Office Santa Clara University School of Law Santa Clara, CA 95053 408-554-5048 [email protected]

M.B.A. Program Leavey School of Business Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA 95053 408-554-4539 [email protected]

Your feedback has been received.

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There are usually some subtle differences in what each school asks for in a personal statement. 2. Good writing is writing that is easily understood. Good law students—and good lawyers—use clear, direct prose. Remove extraneous words and make sure that your points are clear. Don't make admissions officers struggle to figure out what you are ...
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Personal Statement about Legal Internships. The writer of this essay was admitted to every T14 law school from Columbia on down and matriculated at a top JD program with a large merit scholarship. Her LSAT score was below the median and her GPA was above the median of each school that accepted her. She was not a URM.
College Essays and Diversity in the Post-Affirmative Action Era
Editor's Note: This story is part of an occasional series on research projects currently in the works at the Law School. The Supreme Court's decision in June 2023 to bar the use of affirmative action in college admissions raised many questions. One of the most significant is whether universities should consider applicants' discussion of race in essays. The Court's decision in Students ...
June 2024
SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 3, 2024—To meet the growing demand for legal services in the nearly $100 billion national sports industry, Santa Clara University School of Law will begin offering a certificate in sports law starting this fall. The new certificate program is the only of its kind offered by Bay Area law schools, and among only a few available at California law schools.
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 ...
The Right Choice!
Experiential learning at Cornell Law School is a central part of our educational model. A robust set of clinical courses helps students move beyond the classroom into the world of practice; the Lawyering Program focuses on teaching the real-life skills employed by practicing attorneys, and externships around the country and across the globe put classroom learning into practice.
Applications
We will accept June 2024 LSAT scores. For the 2023-2024 application cycle, the $75 application fee has been waived for all applicants. If you have questions about the admissions process, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, call the Admissions Office at (415) 565-4623, or send an email to [email protected].
The Application Process and Admissions Decision
Among many criteria, the admission decision will be primarily based on your written application and supporting documents, which include your: undergraduate cumulative grade point average, "GPA,"Law School Admission Test, the "LSAT" score,application and undergraduate transcripts (Applications for all ABA-approved law schools are submitted through the Law School Admissions Council's Credential ...
Santa Clara University School of Law
Established in 1911, Santa Clara Law has fostered an exceptional academic program based on the Jesuit tradition for more than 100 years. Approved by the ABA, Santa Clara Law is a member of the Order of the Coif and the Association of American Law Schools. Santa Clara Law is dedicated to educating lawyers who lead with a commitment to excellence ...
JD/MBA Program
Law School Admissions Office Santa Clara University School of Law Santa Clara, CA 95053 408-554-5048 [email protected]. M.B.A. Program Leavey School of Business Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA 95053 408-554-4539 [email protected]. Top