Reference letters are a vital component of law school applications as they introduce outsiders’ voices and opinions about you to admissions committees regarding your accomplishments and character. Since applicants select their own referees, there is an expectation that such letters of reference will place the subject in a positive light.

Cultivating and selecting referees strategically is crucial, as a weak reference can be detrimental to an application. We have found that many candidates overlook this aspect of the application at their peril, since it can significantly enhance your profile and serve to strengthen your prospects of admission when properly utilized, and do the opposite when disregarded.

Quick Tips

Ask in advance

It can take several weeks from the time you approach a referee to the actual submission of the referral. With many teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities, professors often need polite reminders and sufficient time to complete your request. Ask early, as far in advance as a couple of months as an act of precaution. If no productive results come within a couple of weeks of the deadline, gently remind your referee of the timeframe for submission. If they do not respond to your messages, immediately attempt to reach them in person to discuss whether the letter can be completed on time.

Plan backup references

Unfortunately, unforeseen events are part of life. Expect the unexpected by planning contingency references in case your original choices are unable to complete the task. Prepare for this to happen at the eleventh hour and for you to have to proactively find the problem out yourself rather than being made aware of it. Your application will thus not be compromised by factors outside of your control.

Get our advice, including:

• Who to Ask for a Reference
• How to Ask for a Reference
• More Tips on Letters of Reference