What Do Law Schools Look For In Personal Statement?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

What should be included in a law personal statement?

  1. Motivation: Why do you want to study/practise law?
  2. Exploration: What have you done so far to explore your career choice?
  3. Suitability: Why are you a great fit for a legal career?

What should be included in a law school personal statement?

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.

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.

What do you talk about in a law school personal statement?

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.

How do you make a law personal statement stand out?

Avoid jargon: Words are all you have in law and clarity is essential, so you shouldn’t overuse legal concepts or jargon, says Ives. “Tell the reader about yourself in simple and clear language,” says McLean And make sure

you proofread your statement

so it is clear, accurate and authentic.

How long is a law school personal statement?

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 do you write a strong personal statement?

  1. Explain the reason for your choice and how it fits in with your aspirations for the future.
  2. Give examples of any related academic or work experience.
  3. Show you know what the course will involve and mention any special subjects you’re interested in.

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.

How many words should a personal statement be?

Dr Adrian Bell, Admissions Tutor, Engineering, UMIST Page 2 2 Your Personal Statement should be

between 350 and 500 words in length

and contain a number of paragraphs that link together in a logical, well-written style.

What should you avoid in a personal statement?

  • Whining. Don’t whine in your essay! …
  • Someone else is the hero. …
  • Reads like a resume. …
  • Lack of focus. …
  • Leaves out personal growth. …
  • Overcomplicated language. …
  • Incorrect grammar or spelling.

What are the do’s and don’ts of personal statement?

  • Do Tell A Story. …
  • Do Brag About Yourself. …
  • Do Respect Word Limits. …
  • Do Obey The Rules Of Grammar. …
  • Do Personalize Your Statement. …
  • Do Get Feedback. …
  • Don’t Restate Your Resume. …
  • Don’t Write About Sensitive Topics.

Do personal statements 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. … That is, a perfect, beautiful moving, law school personal statement will not get you into a school if you are not at least within a couple points of the median LSAT and GPA.

What do top law schools look for?

  • Strong Academic Record and LSAT Score. …
  • Extracurricular Involvement. …
  • Excellent Writing and Reading Abilities. …
  • Personal Growth. …
  • Strong Recommendations from People Who Actually Know You. …
  • Something Special… …
  • Demonstrated Interest in the Law School Itself.

How important is the personal statement for law school?

That’s why your personal statement is a critical part of your law school application: It’s

your chance to address the law school admissions committee directly

and show us your character, what’s important to you, and why you’re a great fit for the school.

What is a good LSAT score?

Anyone who successfully completes the LSAT receives a score

between 120 and 180

. “In general, scores in the high 160s and 170s are usually considered very competitive,” she says.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.