Depending on the law school, your personal statement will range in length from 300 to 1000 words. Most law schools require personal statements that are
two to two-and-a-half pages
, double-spaced, with one-inch margins and 12 point font.
How much does your personal statement matter for law school?
Here’s the good news.
It doesn’t matter much
. Those two things–your LSAT and GPA- will matter much much more than writing the world’s best essay. As I mentioned before, your law school essay is worth very little in the grander scheme of your application.
Do law schools care about your personal statement?
This is why you, as a potential law student should consider your personal statement as a critical part of your law school application: It’s your chance to address the
law school admissions committee directly
and show them your character, what’s important to you, and why you’re a great fit for the school.
What should you not do in a law school personal statement?
- Do not play a role, especially that of a lawyer or judge. …
- Do not tell your life story in chronological order or merely re-state your resume. …
- Do not become a cliché. …
- Do not use a personal statement to explain discrepancies in your application. …
- Do not offend your reader.
Can a personal statement be 3 pages?
Unless otherwise specified on the school’s admission website,
most personal statements are between 2-3 pages in length
. Personal Statements are typically 1.5 or double spaced and adhere to regular one inch margin space. Use a font that is common and easy to read (Calibri, Times New Roman, etc.).
How do you write a good personal statement for law?
- Be straightforward. Do not make it more complex than it is. …
- Proofread, proofread, proofread. …
- Be concise and organize your thoughts. …
- Make sure your personal statement is about you. …
- Be yourself. …
- Write in your own voice. …
- Make it personal.
What should you not put in a personal statement?
- NEGATIVITY. …
- NOT MENTIONING YOUR SKILLS & ACHEIVEMENTS. …
- EXAGGERATION & OUTRIGHT LIES. …
- POOR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR. …
- NOT GETTING FEEDBACK. …
- STATING THE OBVIOUS. …
- TALKING ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD. …
- THE WORD PASSION.
What should a legal personal statement include?
The personal statement is your
chance to REFLECT upon your life and show the law school admissions committee who you are as an INDIVIDUAL
. Tell the Admissions staff something about yourself, your experiences and your life. Use vivid, descriptive prose with the intent to draw readers in and keep them interested.
What qualities makes a good lawyer?
- Passion for the Job. …
- Compassion for Clients. …
- Great Communication Skills. …
- Willingness to Listen. …
- Knowledge of the Law. …
- Strong Writing Ability. …
- Creativity. …
- Good Judgment.
Do you put your name on a personal statement?
In the absence of any guidelines provided by the graduate school, your heading should include the
name
of the document you are submitting (e.g., “Personal Statement”), the school and department for whom you are writing it (e.g., “Ohio University College of Education”), and your name.
How long is too long for a personal statement?
Normally, the length of a personal statement will be dictated by the application—
500 words or 800 words
are typical limits, as are one-page or two-page limits.
How do I make my personal statement stand out?
- Create two lists. …
- Thoroughly research your subject choice. …
- Promote the knowledge you already have and why you would fit in. …
- Show how capable you are. …
- Be original. …
- Don’t use unsupported clichés. …
- Ask for feedback.
How do you structure a personal statement?
- Reasons for choosing this subject(s)
- Current studies and how these relate to your chosen subject(s)
- Experiences and how these relate to your chosen subject(s)
- Interests and responsibilities and how these relate to your chosen subject(s)
- Your future after university.
Is the University of law respected?
Yes, it’s pricier than its rivals, yes it’s a profit-making enterprise rather than a traditional university, and yes, there are some administrative wrinkles, but the University of Law
is impressively well resourced
and has good contacts and name recognition in the profession. For more about each location, see below.
How do you answer why do you want to work in law?
Why do you want to work in a law firm? Working in a
firm will expose me to many practice areas and different partners and associates
. I’ll grow and learn the most in a firm environment. I want to learn different areas of law because I feel I’m too young to commit myself to one specialty.
