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How to Write a Personal Statement for Law School?
Tips for writing a personal statement.
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Doc’s Answer
Gifty you have a unique background, interests and personality. This is your chance to tell your story (or at least part of it). The best way to tell your story is to write a personal, thoughtful statement about something that has meaning for you. Be honest and genuine, and your unique qualities will shine through. Admissions officers have to read an unbelievable number of college essays, most of which are forgettable. Many students try to sound smart rather than sounding like themselves. Others write about a subject that they don't care about, but that they think will impress admissions officers.
Beyond getting to know you, admissions committees are also evaluating your writing skills. Are you able to write clearly and succinctly? Can you tell an engaging story? Writing effectively is an important skill in both college and life, so be sure to also fine-tune your actual writing (grammar and syntax), not just the content of your essay.
Create a Narrative. Your Personal Statement should have a timeline with past, present, and future. What was the moment in your life that made you want to apply to this program? What are you doing now to prepare for that program? When you get into that program, what specifically are you interested in doing within it? And once you complete that program, how will that experience help you with your ultimate future goals?
Recent & Relevant. The experiences you include in your Personal Statement should be recent and relevant. The most common error I have seen when helping people with their Personal Statements is that they often write extensively about stories from childhood. It is far more effective to include experiences from a recent internship, job, or even class that you took in school or college.
Get to the point, quickly. Most programs limit the length of applicant's Personal Statements to one page. That is not a lot of time to showcase your strengths, experiences, and future plans. Do not waste space talking about how great the program itself is, or that it will be helpful to you - they already know! Instead tell the admissions committee about something they don't know: you, and what you can bring to the table.
Doc recommends the following next steps:
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Miriam’s Answer
Start by identifying a unique topic or focus for your personal statement. This could be influenced by the prompt given by the law school, but consider your own experiences and background. What makes you different from the other applicants? Why would you be a fantastic asset to a law school and what drives your desire to pursue law? Once you've got a clear idea, begin by creating an outline or a rough draft. This will serve as the foundation for your personal statement. If you feel at ease, ask friends, family, or a guidance counselor to review your work. They could provide valuable feedback and suggestions. Remember, you're capable of doing great things. Best of luck!
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Luke’s Answer
A strong personal statement is a crucial element of your law school application. It's your chance to tell your unique story and convince admissions committees why you'd be a valuable addition to their program. Here are some key elements to consider while crafting your personal statement:
Content:
Focus on You: While your accomplishments are important, this essay is about you, not your resume. What drives you to pursue law? What are your values and how do they relate to the legal field?
Tell a Story: Weave a narrative that showcases your personality, experiences, and motivations. Did a specific event spark your interest in law? How have your challenges or triumphs shaped your perspective?
Highlight Qualities for Law School: Admissions committees are looking for well-rounded individuals with strong analytical and writing skills, critical thinking, and a passion for justice. Use anecdotes and examples to demonstrate these qualities.
Show, Don't Tell: Instead of simply stating you're a hard worker, describe a situation where you overcame obstacles or demonstrated perseverance.
Connect to a Specific Law School (if applicable): If you have a particular law school in mind, research their programs and values. Briefly mention how your goals align with their offerings.
Writing Style:
Be Clear and Concise: Avoid overly complicated sentence structures or legalese. Admissions officers read countless statements, so clarity and conciseness are key.
Be Genuine: Your voice and personality should shine through. Authenticity is important, so don't try to imitate someone else's writing style.
Proofread Carefully: Typos and grammatical errors can create a negative impression. Proofread meticulously and consider having someone else review your essay for errors.
Additional Tips:
Start Early: Give yourself ample time to brainstorm, write, revise, and edit your personal statement.
Seek Guidance: Talk to professors, advisors, or career counselors for feedback on your drafts.
Word Count: Most law schools have a specific word count limit. Adhere to it strictly.
Be Yourself: The most important thing is to present an authentic version of yourself and your passion for law.
By following these tips and focusing on crafting a compelling narrative, you can write a personal statement that effectively showcases your potential as a future law student.
Content:
Focus on You: While your accomplishments are important, this essay is about you, not your resume. What drives you to pursue law? What are your values and how do they relate to the legal field?
Tell a Story: Weave a narrative that showcases your personality, experiences, and motivations. Did a specific event spark your interest in law? How have your challenges or triumphs shaped your perspective?
Highlight Qualities for Law School: Admissions committees are looking for well-rounded individuals with strong analytical and writing skills, critical thinking, and a passion for justice. Use anecdotes and examples to demonstrate these qualities.
Show, Don't Tell: Instead of simply stating you're a hard worker, describe a situation where you overcame obstacles or demonstrated perseverance.
Connect to a Specific Law School (if applicable): If you have a particular law school in mind, research their programs and values. Briefly mention how your goals align with their offerings.
Writing Style:
Be Clear and Concise: Avoid overly complicated sentence structures or legalese. Admissions officers read countless statements, so clarity and conciseness are key.
Be Genuine: Your voice and personality should shine through. Authenticity is important, so don't try to imitate someone else's writing style.
Proofread Carefully: Typos and grammatical errors can create a negative impression. Proofread meticulously and consider having someone else review your essay for errors.
Additional Tips:
Start Early: Give yourself ample time to brainstorm, write, revise, and edit your personal statement.
Seek Guidance: Talk to professors, advisors, or career counselors for feedback on your drafts.
Word Count: Most law schools have a specific word count limit. Adhere to it strictly.
Be Yourself: The most important thing is to present an authentic version of yourself and your passion for law.
By following these tips and focusing on crafting a compelling narrative, you can write a personal statement that effectively showcases your potential as a future law student.
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Andrea’s Answer
Hi Luke!
I would start by reading a ton of other's personal statements to inspire you. You could probably find these on google. Then, I would whiteboard words and phrases that describe you. Literally just stand in front of a big board and sketch it out. Anything that comes to mind. Then, think about your future self. Who do you want to be? What would you be proud of? Combine all these into an essay with the help of a writing tutor, a parent, or a caring teacher. Good luck!
I would start by reading a ton of other's personal statements to inspire you. You could probably find these on google. Then, I would whiteboard words and phrases that describe you. Literally just stand in front of a big board and sketch it out. Anything that comes to mind. Then, think about your future self. Who do you want to be? What would you be proud of? Combine all these into an essay with the help of a writing tutor, a parent, or a caring teacher. Good luck!
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Anne’s Answer
Hello Gifty! Begin by contemplating what sets you apart and fuels your enthusiasm for a particular school. To distinguish yourself from the hundreds of essays read by admissions officers, you need to let your personal voice shine through and share your unique story.
Simultaneously, strive to keep your essay concise and well-written. Law schools and legal jobs anticipate applicants to demonstrate excellent writing skills and analytical thinking. Make sure to thoroughly proofread your essay multiple times. Don't hesitate to seek the help of trusted advisors for proofreading and suggestions. Best of luck!
Simultaneously, strive to keep your essay concise and well-written. Law schools and legal jobs anticipate applicants to demonstrate excellent writing skills and analytical thinking. Make sure to thoroughly proofread your essay multiple times. Don't hesitate to seek the help of trusted advisors for proofreading and suggestions. Best of luck!
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Hi Gifty,
Law school acceptance is very competitive. Best advice is to craft an essay that makes you stand out, either in terms of what you include, or how you say it. When writing a brief, a lawyer will include a preliminary statement: it is the first thing the court reads and sets the tone for the rest of the brief. A lawyer's opening statement in a jury trial follows the same approach: get your audience's attention early. Approach your essay the same way -- consider using a quote or a memorable phrase, highlighting a unique experience, etc. From my personal experience, I used a quote which happened to resonate with one of my future professors, who sought me out on my first day of school to compliment me on my essay.
Good luck!
Law school acceptance is very competitive. Best advice is to craft an essay that makes you stand out, either in terms of what you include, or how you say it. When writing a brief, a lawyer will include a preliminary statement: it is the first thing the court reads and sets the tone for the rest of the brief. A lawyer's opening statement in a jury trial follows the same approach: get your audience's attention early. Approach your essay the same way -- consider using a quote or a memorable phrase, highlighting a unique experience, etc. From my personal experience, I used a quote which happened to resonate with one of my future professors, who sought me out on my first day of school to compliment me on my essay.
Good luck!