Letter of Recommendation for Law School — Free Template
Law school admissions committees use recommendations to judge an applicant's reasoning, writing and integrity — the skills legal study demands every day. Professors who've graded the applicant's written work are usually the strongest writers. This version helps you build the letter around concrete academic or work examples.
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[Your email and phone number]
October 15, 2026
Re: Letter of recommendation for [Name of the person you're recommending]
Dear Law School Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend [Name of the person you're recommending] for law school. [How you know them, and for how long]
[Their key strengths]
One example shows the kind of person [Name of the person you're recommending] is. [A specific example or story]
Based on everything I have seen, I recommend [Name of the person you're recommending] [How strongly you recommend them]. I am confident [Name of the person you're recommending] will bring the same ability, care and commitment to this next step.
Please feel free to contact me at [Your email and phone number] if you would like any more information.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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Focus on reasoning and writing
Law schools want evidence of analytical thinking, clear writing, careful reading, intellectual honesty and the ability to engage with opposing arguments. Describe specific papers, exams, research or class discussions that show those skills.
Integrity and maturity matter too. If the applicant has handled responsibility, confidential information or a demanding job well, say so.
How law school letters are submitted
Most U.S. law schools receive recommendation letters through a central credential service run by the Law School Admission Council rather than directly. The applicant will usually send you instructions and a form to include with your letter. Follow those instructions carefully so the letter is matched to the right applicant.
Write on letterhead, sign the letter and keep a copy in case the applicant applies again.
Mistakes to avoid
Avoid praising the applicant's interest in the law without showing the skills that will help them succeed in it. Don't simply repeat grades or class rank that appear elsewhere in the file. If you only know the applicant from a single large lecture, it's better to say so and focus on a specific paper or exam, or to suggest a professor who knows their writing better.
What to do, step by step
Agree to write it only if you can be positive
A lukewarm recommendation can hurt more than no letter at all. If you don't know the person well enough to be specific and enthusiastic, say so and suggest someone who does.
Ask for the details you need
Get the deadline, where the letter goes, who it should be addressed to and what the opportunity is. A résumé, job posting or program description helps you choose the right strengths to highlight.
Fill in your letter
Answer the questions above. Lead with how you know the person, pick two or three strengths that fit the opportunity, and back them up with one concrete example.
Keep it to one page and proofread it
Most readers skim. Three or four short paragraphs, the person's name spelled correctly and no generic filler will do more than a long letter.
Send it the way the recipient asks
Upload it to the application portal, email it as a PDF or hand a signed copy to the candidate. Keep a copy in case you're asked to write another one later.
What if you don't know the person well enough to write a strong letter?
It's fine to say no. A short, honest reply such as "I don't think I know your work well enough to write the strong letter you deserve" is kinder than a vague recommendation that admissions officers or hiring managers will read as a warning sign.
If you're willing but unsure what to say, ask the person for a quick list of things you worked on together, the qualities they'd like you to speak to and any accomplishments you may not know about. Many strong letters start from a conversation like this.
If you can only speak to part of their experience, write about that part honestly and specifically. A narrow letter with a real example is usually more useful than a broad one full of general praise.
Example letter of recommendation for law school
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Dr. Catherine Bowles
Professor of Political Science, Easton University
cbowles@easton.edu, (555) 681-2093
October 5, 2026
Re: Letter of recommendation for Michael Torres
Dear Law School Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend Michael Torres for law school. Michael took three of my courses, including my senior seminar on constitutional interpretation, and I supervised his senior thesis.
Michael is a rigorous, independent thinker and an exceptional writer. He builds arguments carefully, takes opposing views seriously and supports every claim with evidence. In seminar, he raises the question that forces everyone, including me, to rethink our assumptions.
One example shows the kind of person Michael Torres is. His senior thesis examined how state courts interpret free speech protections in public schools. Michael read dozens of court opinions, interviewed two former judges and produced a seventy-page thesis that was the strongest our department received that year. When I pointed out a gap in his analysis, he rewrote an entire chapter within two weeks.
Based on everything I have seen, I recommend Michael Torres without reservation. I am confident Michael Torres will bring the same ability, care and commitment to this next step.
Please feel free to contact me at cbowles@easton.edu, (555) 681-2093 if you would like any more information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Catherine Bowles
Professor of Political Science, Easton University
Frequently asked questions
Who should write a law school recommendation?
Professors who have graded the applicant's written work are generally the strongest choice. Applicants who have been working for several years can also use a supervisor who has seen their analytical and writing skills on the job.
How many law school recommendation letters are needed?
Many law schools ask for two letters, and some accept up to three or four. Requirements vary, so the applicant should check each school's instructions.
Should the letter compare the applicant to other students?
Yes, if you can do it honestly. Saying where the applicant ranks among students you've taught gives committees useful context, especially when paired with specific examples.
Can an employer write a law school recommendation?
Yes. For applicants with work experience, a supervisor who can speak to research, writing, judgment and professionalism can be very effective, ideally alongside at least one academic letter.
What should a letter of recommendation include?
Explain who you are and how you know the candidate, including how long. Then describe two or three specific strengths relevant to the opportunity, support them with a concrete example, and close with a clear statement of your recommendation and your contact details so the reader can follow up.
How long should a letter of recommendation be?
Usually one page, or roughly 300 to 500 words. Admissions committees and hiring managers read many letters, so a focused letter with one strong example is more effective than a long one. Some graduate programs expect a little more detail, so check any instructions you've been given.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.