Application Requirements

Every school is slightly different, but these items are typically required for Law School application.

Dean’s Certification

This form states whether or not a student had academic or conduct violations during his or her college years.  Some, but not all, law schools require students to obtain such certification as confirmation of their good standing.  Requests for Dean’s Certification Letters should be submitted to Dean Debbie Nolan. 

It is critical that students who intend to matriculate at law school – and who ultimately intend to become licensed and practicing attorneys by taking a bar exam – completely and fully disclose any and all disciplinary issues on their law school applications.  Law schools expect complete information.         

Letters of Recommendation

Most law schools require two and accept up to four letters of recommendation.  Pre-Law students are encouraged to ask professors who know their work best and for whom they have done the best work.  When asking for a letter of recommendation, students should come prepared with a transcript, resume, draft of a personal statement, and an answer to the question “why do you want to go to law school?”                            

Personal Statement

The law school personal statement is a student’s chance to personalize his or her law school application.  Most law schools do not require a certain topic or length for the personal essay.  Students are encouraged to write about a topic that is important to them, that reflects their individual voice or personal journey.  Additional advice includes: outline in advance of writing; do not write in “legalese;” write about yourself, and not the law; proofread!           

Resume

The resume submitted with a law school application should be in a neat, easy-to-read format.  Information contained in a student’s resume should focus on academic achievements from college forward (i.e. do not include high school accomplishments).  A resume should not be more than one page long.  Consider including the following sections:

  • Education        
  • Employment
  • Honors            
  • Skills
  • Activities        
  • Interests

Resumes should be proofread carefully prior to submission.  Students are strongly encouraged to seek resume guidance and feedback from the Career and Professional Development office.  

Law School Interview

Most law schools do not require or request a formal interview as part of the admissions process.  Some law schools offer interviews to “discretionary candidates,” or students whose test scores and grades put them closely in line with their peers.  The interview is a tool to judge the candidate’s personality and ability to succeed in law school.