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Letter of Recommendation Info

A description of the rigor of the course(s) taken with the professor, including the kind of work that is required (essay exams, research papers, group projects, etc.).
How the applicant stood out, contributed to classroom discussion, sought out office hours, or other examples that show that the applicant is a serious student who is engaged in coursework, rather than one who simply shows up and does the minimum required to get a certain grade.
A comparison between the applicant and other students the professor has taught who went on to law school (or even a certain level of law school).

What is the goal of a Letter of Recommendation?

One of the aims of the law school admissions process is to identify those individuals who have the intellectual and personal characteristics necessary to succeed in the law school classroom. To determine capacity to succeed, law schools rely on a variety of proxies including undergraduate GPA, LSAT score, and letters of recommendation.
In short, law schools want to know how the applicant will perform in the law school classroom, and letters of recommendation from academic sources can inform law schools how a student performed in the classroom.
Because law schools believe that performance in the college classroom is a potential indicator of your ability to handle the rigors of law school coursework, they prefer letters from academic sources, including professors and TAs.
The academic title of the person writing the letter matters less than the substance of what they have to say about you. If the TA in a course can better speak to your abilities in the classroom, then you should request a letter from the TA rather than the professor.
When determining whom to approach for a letter of recommendation, you should identify individuals who have observed and can enthusiastically speak to characteristics that indicate your capacity to succeed in law school, including for example:
Intellectual Capacity: Analytical thinking, critical thinking, critical reading, reasoning skills, problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity, capacity for abstract thought, etc.
Ability to Communicate: Strong writing and/or verbal skills, persuasiveness, articulateness, participation in class discussions, etc.
Other Characteristics: Motivation, diligence, maturity, organization, responsibility, attention to detail, professionalism, self-discipline, character integrity, leadership, etc.

Essential Elements of a Strong Recommendation Letter

A strong recommendation letter is specific, detailed, and personal. It should provide a well-rounded view of your capabilities, achievements, and character.

Specificity and Examples

A strong recommendation letter should be specific and include detailed examples of your achievements and character.
Generic statements are less effective than concrete anecdotes that illustrate your strengths.

Personal Anecdotes

Personal stories and anecdotes can make a recommendation letter more engaging and memorable.
They help paint a vivid picture of who you are and what you have accomplished.

Professional Achievements and Skills

Highlighting your professional achievements and skills is crucial.
Your recommender should discuss specific instances where you demonstrated key qualities such as leadership, analytical thinking, and dedication.
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