Most law schools require between two and four letters of recommendation, with two being the most common minimum requirement and four the maximum some schools accept
. Typically, submitting two to three high-quality letters is advisable, as this allows you to showcase different aspects of your qualifications and support from various sources
. Key points about letters of recommendation for law school:
- Number required: Usually two letters are required, but some schools accept up to four
- Preferred sources: Academic letters from college professors or instructors who know your academic work well are preferred, especially if you have been out of school for fewer than five years
- Additional letters: If you have two strong academic letters, you can consider including a letter from an employer, internship supervisor, or volunteer coordinator to provide a broader perspective
- Avoid: Letters from relatives, family members, or politicians are generally not valued unless they have directly supervised you professionally
- Submission: Letters must be submitted through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which handles forwarding letters to the schools you apply to
- Timing: Ask recommenders well in advance (6-8 weeks recommended) and provide them with supporting materials like your resume, transcript, and personal statement draft to help them write detailed letters
In summary, plan to submit at least two letters of recommendation for law school applications, ideally three, with a focus on academic references supplemented by professional ones if applicable. Always check each law school’s specific requirements on LSAC to ensure compliance.
