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• Sample Essays

You are a thoughtful, intelligent, and unique individual. You already know that—now you just need to convince top law school adcoms that you're a cut above the rest. To do so you need to write a powerful personal statement for law school. Let's first discuss what that personal statement should be and then examine examples and what made them powerful.

A law school personal statement tells the part of your story that reveals your motivation for attending law school and the reasons you will make a great lawyer (or whatever career you want to pursue after law school). 

By reading the sample law school essays provided below, you should get a clear idea of how to translate your qualifications, passions, and individual experiences into words. You will see that the samples here employ a creative voice, use detailed examples, and draw the reader in with a clear writing style. Most importantly, these personal statements are compelling—each one does a fine job of convincing you that the author of the essay is a human being worth getting to know, or better yet, worth having in your next top law school class.

These sample law school personal statement essays are here to stimulate your writing juices, not to shut them down or persuade you to think that these essays represent templates that you must follow. The writers of these essays, who were all once law school applicants just like you, sat down, thought about their stories, and crafted these essays. However, their first step, significant self-reflection and thought, you can’t see. They didn’t use a template or try to shoehorn their story into someone else’s story. You shouldn’t either. But you should take the same first step that they took: Think about your life, the influences upon it, and why you want to obtain a legal education. 

Your story will be different from these author’s stories, but as you review all four of the sample essays you will see commonalities among them, which are highlighted below. You will also see that they are very different essays written by individuals reflecting their different life experiences and dreams. The authors of each of these essays were all accepted to law school, in some cases to elite U.S. law schools. 

Now let’s explore what you can learn from each of these outstanding sample law school essays.

Lessons from Law School Sample Essay #1: The Archaeologist Enthusiast  

• Attention-grabbing opening - The author of the essay immediately grabs the readers’ attention by placing them in the midst of the scene and vividly conveying what the author felt and saw as well as the excitement she felt. 
• Vivid, visual opening and consistent use of opening imagery - You can practically feel the dripping sweat and the heat at the opening of this essay because the applicant used vivid, sensory language that we can all relate to. She also quickly develops a metaphor comparing archaeological excavation with research in general and legal research specifically. She uses the imagery of archaeology (“finding the shard of glass,” “reconstructing the pot”) consistently throughout the personal statement to convey not only the unusual experiences she’s had in the past, but to show her love of research and analysis. 
• A clear theme that ties the essay together-  Her essay has a clear theme, which she states at the end of the first paragraph and in her conclusion. (You may not need to state it twice; that depends on your essay.) The applicant also relates every experience in the essay to her theme of research, analysis, and discovery. 
• Solid structure - Because her theme is so strong, the essay is easy to follow even though she has diverse experiences that aren’t obviously related to each other – archaeology in Spain, research on Colombian environmental policy, working for an online real estate company considering entry into the art market, and her travels.
• Good use of transitions - Transitions help your reader move from one topic to the next as you connect the topic in the preceding paragraph to the topic in the next. They can consist of a few words or a phrase or simply repetition of the topic by name as opposed to using a pronoun. The first paragraph in this sample essay ends with “research and analysis” and the next paragraph begins with “The challenge of researching and analyzing an unknown subject” as she turns from her introduction to her enjoyment of academic life and the research she had done in college. 

While one could argue that perhaps she has too many subtopics in this essay, because of the strong theme and excellent use of transitions, the essay holds together and highlights her diversity of experience, curiosity, and sense of adventure. 

Most importantly this law school personal statement earned its author a seat at an elite T10 law school.

Click here to read the essay >>  

Lessons from Law School Sample Essay #2: Returning to School 

This sample law school personal statement is about half the length of Essay 1 and concentrates on the author’s post-college work experience. In its brevity and focus it’s the mirror image of Law School Essay 1. The contrast between the two highlights the diversity that can work in law school essays.

This applicant writes about the impact of his work experience on his law school goals – with no discussion of extracurricular activities, hobbies, or travels. He had a tight word limit on his personal statement and simply had to be concise. Regardless of the narrower focus and shorter length, this essay also shares certain elements with Essay 1 and in both cases it leads to an engaging personal statement and acceptance. Let’s review them:

• Engaging, vivid opening that grabs attention - The applicant plops the reader right into his story and challenge: how to persuade the tired, grouchy doctors that the product he’s selling is better than the one they have been prescribing.
• A detailed story of his developing interest in law and relevant experience - Using just enough details, he tells his story starting with research that led to evidence-based persuasion. He also highlights his success, which led him to be named Rookie of the Year. He then goes on to explain that he now seeks new, more-lasting intellectual challenge than he currently has as a pharmaceutical sales rep because the industry, or at least his segment of it, changes slowly.
• Direction within law - Based on his background in science and his work in Big Pharma, he has direction in law. He clearly states that he wants to go into medical law. Given his background and work experience, that goal builds logically on his past, and is distinctive. 
• Ties the essay back to the opening - At the end of his essay, he references “his grumpy physicians” and “staring at his professor…” Sometimes applicants will start an essay with a catchy opening that grabs attention, but has little or nothing to do with the rest of the essay. When reading that kind of essay, the opening feels like a tease or a gimmick. In this essay, the applicant paints a picture of what he faces on a typical workday at the beginning, refers back to the opening scene in his conclusion, and contrasts that experience with what he hopes to face when in law school. It’s not a gimmick. It unifies the story.

This applicant was accepted at several T14 law schools.

Click here to read the essay >>

Law School Sample Essay #3: The Twilight Zone

There is a story behind this law school personal statement. This applicant, a very early Accepted client, during her first meeting said that she wanted to write about a trip to Country X. When asked about the trip, she said, “Oh, I’ve never been to Country X, but I know many people who have visited, and I haven’t done anything interesting.” 

Surprised at this unexpected approach, her consultant asked if she had any creative writing experience. The client said she didn’t. The consultant said that she too lacked creative writing experience and suggested they discuss what the client had done as opposed to what she hadn’t. This essay is the result of that (and other) conversations. It is an oldie but goodie.

Let’s take a look at the lessons in this sample law school essay:

• Don’t ever feel you don’t have a story to tell. Every single one of us has a story, and you don’t have to make one up or borrow someone else’s. Tell yours proudly and authentically.
• Launch with a vivid, engaging opening.  While her opening is a more frightening than the other openings, it definitely grips the reader’s attention and starts her story.
• Always have a clear theme.  Everything in this essay relates to the impact of the earthquake on her and specifically her decision to become a public interest lawyer. 
• Tell a story.  This personal statement tells the story of the earthquake’s impact on the applicant. In telling her story, she highlights her community service, her internship, and the evolution of her goals. 
• Use effective transitions.  As she moves from topic to topic, the author effectively carries the reader along. Look at the end of one paragraph and the beginning of the next one throughout the essay. You’ll see that in every case, there is either a word, phrase, or concept that ties one to the other. 
• Write a conclusion that really brings the essay to a close and contributes to the sense of unity while still looking forward. The applicant repeats her thesis that her career direction was shaped by the earthquake and its aftermath. She touches on key experiences (and achievements) that she wants the reader to remember, looks briefly forward, and ties back to the Twilight Zone opening.

This client was accepted to her top choice law school.

Lessons from Law School Sample Essay #4: Change 

This essay takes a different approach than the other three essays. The theme opens the essay followed by images and sounds that make the change she is experienced something the reader can also experience or at least imagine because the applicant uses sensory language. The writer also takes a chronological approach to tell her story of change and how it shaped her. 

The author in this essay chooses not to directly address her reasons for wanting to attend law school. However, the essay still works. The essay highlights her communications skills, research, international exposure, bilingual language skills, and initiative.

However here, too, there are lessons to be learned and some may sound familiar.

• Clear theme - Yes, this takeaway is in this essay as well as the preceding three. In fact, for any effective essay, you need a clear theme.
• Effective use of specifics and anecdote - Whether referencing the “bleak Wisconsin winter,” the fact her mother added “barbecued brisket” to her menu in Texas, or the cultural challenges she faced in Bolivia, she effectively illustrates her ability to deal with change and adapt throughout her life. 
• A conclusion that shows her evolution and growth - She subtly, but clearly reveals an evolution in her adaptability from complete adoption of the mores of her surroundings in New Jersey to more nuanced adaptability where she chooses what she wants to adopt and reject as she deals with change as an adult. Finally, while change is something she has to deal with throughout most of the essay by the conclusion she views it as an opportunity for growth.

Takeaways from These Law School Statement Samples

• There are an infinite number of ways to write a law school personal statement that will help you get accepted. 
• Begin your essay with an opening that grabs your reader’s attention. In today’s age of short attention spans and very busy people, there should be no long, slow warm ups. Put your reader in the scene as soon as they start reading.
• Use sensory language to engage your reader and help them imagine experiencing what you were going through. Reference scenes, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes as appropriate.
• Have a clear theme. Unless you are James Joyce, a stream of consciousness will not work. Know the core idea you want your essay to convey and ruthlessly ensure that every subtopic supports that idea. If it doesn’t, either make the connection clear or delete.
• Use transitions to take your reader with you through your story.
• Use specifics and anecdotes to support your theme in a distinctive way while highlighting your achievements.
• Write a conclusion that contributes to the unity of your essay. Highlight key points in your conclusion. While you can take your theme into the future in your conclusion, it still must relate to your core idea and build on what preceded it. If you can tie your ending back to your opening, your essay will have a stronger sense of coherence. 

How would I like to see these essays improved? I would like to see them, with the exception of Essay 2, address why they are applying to a given school. Essay 2 didn’t have room for that. 

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18 Law School Personal Statement Examples That Got Accepted!

This blog contains law school personal statement examples written by applicants who were successfully accepted to multiple law schools after working with our admissions experts as part of our  l aw school admissions consulting services . Your  law school personal statement  is one of the most important parts of your application and is your best opportunity to show admissions officers who you are behind your numbers and third-party assessments. Because of its importance, many students find the personal statement to be daunting and demanding of the full scope of their skills as writers. Today we're going to review these excellent law school personal statement examples from past successful applicants and provide some proven strategies from a former admissions officer that can help you prepare your own stellar essay. 

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Article Contents 44 min read

Law school personal statement example #1.

When I was a child, my neighbors, who had arrived in America from Nepal, often seemed stressed. They argued a lot, struggled for money, and seemed to work all hours of the day. One day, I woke early in the morning to a commotion outside my apartment. Police officers were accompanying my neighbors out of the building. They were being deported. In my teens, I was shocked to see that our kind, friendly neighbors had exhausted their last chance to stay in America as they lost a court appeal. 

Since that time, I have worked closely with the many immigrant families in my neighborhood, and now university town. I began by volunteering at a local community center. Together with social workers, I served food and gave out clothes to new arrivals. My diligent work ethic led to more responsibility, and I received training in basic counseling techniques, first aid skills and community services. Soon, I was tasked with welcoming new community members and assessing their health and social needs. I heard the many difficult stories of those who had traveled thousands of miles, often through several countries, risking everything to reach a safe, welcoming country. I was proud to contribute in some small way to making America welcoming for these individuals.

The community center is where I had my first formal contact with legal aid lawyers, who were a constant source of knowledge and support for those who needed assistance. I was struck by the lawyers’ ability to explain complex legal processes to nervous and exhausted incomers: law, I realized, was about more than procedure. I decided that I, too, would strive to balance a wealth of technical knowledge with my caring, compassionate personality.

As soon as I enrolled in university, I knew I had the chance to do so. In my very first week, I signed up to volunteer at the university’s legal aid center, where I worked closely with law professors and students on a range of cases. Academically, I have focused on courses, such as a fourth-year Ethics seminar, that would help me develop rigorous critical reasoning skills. More importantly, I knew that, given my experience, I could be a leader on campus. I decided to found a refugee campaign group, Students4Refugees. Together with a group of volunteers, we campaigned to make our campus a refugee-friendly space. I organized a series of events: international student mixers, an art installation in our student commons, and concerts that raised over $5,000 for the charity Refugee Aid. I am proud to say that my contributions were recognized with a university medal for campus leadership.

I have seen time and again how immigrants to the United States struggle with bureaucracy, with complex legal procedures, and with the demands of living in a foreign and sometimes hostile climate. As I plan to enter law school, I look back to my neighbors’ experiences: they needed someone who knew the law, who could negotiate with the authorities on their behalf, who could inform them of their rights—but they also needed someone who would provide a caring and compassionate outlet for their stresses. I know that Townsville University’s combination of academic rigor, legal aid services, and history of graduates entering labor and non-profit sectors will allow me to develop these skills and continue making contributions to my community by advocating for those in need.

• Thematic consistency: It focuses on just one theme: justice for immigrants. Each paragraph is designed to show off how enthusiastic the student is about this area of law. Personal statements—including those for law school—often begin with a personal anecdote. This one is short, memorable, and relevant. It establishes the overall theme quickly. By constraining their essay’s focus to a single general theme, the writer can go into great depth and weave in emotional and psychological weight through careful and vivid description. The personal statement isn’t a standard 3-paragraph college essay with a spotlight thesis statement, but it conveys similar impact through presenting a central focus organically, without resorting to simply blurting out “the point” of the piece.   
• Shows, rather than tells: Connected to this, this statement focuses on showing rather than telling. Rather than simply telling the reader about their commitment to law, the applicant describes specific situations they were involved in that demonstrate their commitment to law. “Show don’t tell” means you want to paint a vivid picture of actions or experiences that demonstrate a given quality or skill, and not simply say "I can do X." Make it an experience for your reader, don't just give them a fact. 
• Confident, but not arrogant: Additionally, this personal statement is confident without being boastful—leadership qualities, grades, and an award are all mentioned in context, rather than appearing as a simple list of successes. 
• Specific to the school: It ends with a conclusion that alludes to why the applicant is suitable for the specific school to which they’re applying and points to their future career plans. Thoroughly researching the law school to which you’re applying is incredibly important so that you can tailor your remarks to the specific qualities and values they’re looking for. A law essay writing service is really something that can help you integrate this aspect effectively. 

What Should a Law School Personal Statement Do?

1.      be unique to the school you’re applying to.

Students are always asking how to write a personal statement for law school, particularly one that stands out from all the rest. After all, advice from most universities can often be quite vague. Take this zinger from the  University of Chicago : “Write about something personal, relevant, and completely individual to you… Just be yourself.” Every school will have different requirements or content they want to see in a personal statement. This is why it’s a good idea to review specific guidelines for the school to which you’re applying. For example, you can read Yale Law School personal statement examples , Stanford Law personal statement examples , and an NYU personal statement to get an idea of what these schools look for.

2.      Demonstrate your skills and capabilities

For motivated students with the world at their fingertips, it’s a tough ask to narrow your character down into a few hundred words! But this is exactly the point of such generic guidelines—to challenge aspiring law students to produce something unique and convincing with minimal direction by the university. Law is, after all, a profession that demands your language to be persuasive, and the personal statement is merely one of many exercises where you can demonstrate your language skills. 

3.      Meet basic requirements

While the law school personal statement is about far more than just following essay directions, you still need to keep basic formatting and length restrictions in mind. Most law schools ask for a 2-page personal statement, but lengths can range from 2-4 pages. Georgetown Law School , for instance, recommends a 2-page personal statement but explicitly states that there is no official minimum or maximum. In general, length does not make a personal statement better. Rambling, meandering sentences and tiresome descriptions will only hurt the impact of your ideas, especially considering how many thousands of pages admissions committees have to churn through each year.  

In short, keep to 2 double-spaced pages, and only go below or above this is if you absolutely have to, and if the school to which you're applying allows it. You want to keep things as widely applicable as possible while drafting your personal statement, meaning that you don't want to draft a 4 page letter for the one school that allows it, and then have to significantly rewrite this for your other schools. Stick to 2 pages. 

4.      Embody what the school is looking for

Lastly, many law schools won’t offer hyper-specific prompts, but will give you general law school admissions essay topics to follow. For instance, the University of Washington’s law school provides a number of topics to follow, including “Describe a personal challenge you faced” or “Describe your passions and involvement in a project or pursuit and the ways in which it has contributed to your personal growth and goals.” These topics may feel specific at first, but as you begin drafting, you’ll likely realize you have dozens of memories to choose from, and numerous ways of describing their impact. While drafting, try to explore as many of these options as possible, and select the best or most impactful to use in your final draft.  

Law School Personal Statement Example #2

In my home community, the belief is that the law is against us. The law oppresses and victimizes. I must admit that as a child and young person I had this opinion based on my environment and the conversations around me. I did not understand that the law could be a vehicle for social change, and I certainly did not imagine I had the ability and talents to be a voice for this change. I regularly attended my high school classes because I enjoyed the discussions and reading for English and history, and writing came easily to me, but I wasn’t committed to getting good grades because I felt I had no purpose. My mindset changed as I spent time with Mark Russell, a law student who agreed to mentor and tutor me as part of a “high school to law school” mentorship program. Every week, for three years, Mark and I would meet. At first, Mark tutored me, but I quickly became an “A” student, not only because of the tutoring, but because my ambitions were uncorked by what Mark shared with me about university, the law, and his life. I learned grades were the currency I needed to succeed. I attended mock trials, court hearings, and law lectures with Mark and developed a fresh understanding of the law that piqued an interest in law school. My outlook has changed because my mentor, my teachers, and my self-advocacy facilitated my growth. Still, injustices do occur. The difference is that I now believe the law can be an instrument for social change, but voices like mine must give direction to policy and resources in order to fight those injustices.

Early in my mentorship, I realized it was necessary to be “in the world” differently if I were to truly consider a law career. With Mark’s help and the support of my high school teachers, I learned to advocate for myself and explore opportunities that would expand my worldview as well as my academic skills. I joined a Model UN club at a neighboring high school, because my own school did not have enough student interest to have a club. By discussing global issues and writing decisions, I began to feel powerful and confident with my ability to gather evidence and make meaningful decisions about real global issues. As I built my leadership, writing, and public speaking skills, I noticed a rift developing with some of my friends. I wanted them to begin to think about larger systemic issues outside of our immediate experience, as I was learning to, and to build confidence in new ways. I petitioned my school to start a Model UN and recruited enough students to populate the club. My friends did not join the club as I’d hoped, but before I graduated, we had 2 successful years with the students who did join. I began to understand that I cannot force change based on my own mandate, but I must listen attentively to the needs and desires of others in order to support them as they require.

While I learned to advocate for myself throughout high school, I also learned to advocate for others. My neighbors, knowing my desire to be a lawyer, would often ask me to advocate on their behalf with small grievances. I would make phone calls, stand in line with them at government offices, and deal with difficult landlords. A woman, Elsa, asked me to review her rental agreement to help her understand why her landlord had rented it to someone else, rather than renewing her lease. I scoured the rental agreement, highlighted questionable sections, read the Residential Tenancies Act, and developed a strategy for approaching the landlord. Elsa and I sat down with the landlord and, upon seeing my binder complete with indices, he quickly conceded before I could even speak. That day, I understood evidence is the way to justice. My interest in justice grew, and while in university, I sought experiences to solidify my decision to pursue law.

Last summer, I had the good fortune to work as a summer intern in the Crown Attorney’s Office responsible for criminal trial prosecutions. As the only pre-law intern, I was given tasks such as reviewing court tapes, verifying documents, and creating a binder with indices. I often went to court with the prosecutors where I learned a great deal about legal proceedings, and was at times horrified by human behavior. This made the atmosphere in the Crown Attorney’s office even more surprising. I worked with happy and passionate lawyers whose motivations were pubic service, the safety and well-being of communities, and justice. The moment I realized justice was their true objective, not the number of convictions, was the moment I decided to become a lawyer.

I broke from the belief systems I was born into. I did this through education, mentorship, and self-advocacy. There is sadness because in this transition I left people behind, especially as I entered university. However, I am devoted to my home community. I understand the barriers that stand between youth and their success. As a law student, I will mentor as I was mentored, and as a lawyer, I will be a voice for change.

What’s Great about this Second Law School Personal Statement?

• It tells a complete and compelling story: Although the applicant expressed initial reservations about the law generally, the statement tells a compelling story of how the applicant's opinions began to shift and their interest in law began. They use real examples and show how that initial interest, once seeded, grew into dedication and passion. This introduction implies an answer to the " why do you want to study law? ” interview question.
• It shows adaptability: Receptiveness to new information and the ability to change both thought and behavior based on this new information. The writer describes realizing that they needed to be "in the world" differently! It's hard to convey such a grandiose idea without sounding cliché, but through their captivating and chronological narrative, the writer successfully convinces the reader that this is the case with copious examples, including law school extracurriculars . It’s a fantastic case of showing rather than telling, describing specific causes they were involved with which demonstrate that the applicant is genuinely committed to a career in the law. 
• Includes challenges the subject faced and overcame: This law school personal statement also discusses weighty, relatable challenges that they faced, such as the applicant's original feeling toward law, and the fact that they lost some friends along the way. However, the applicant shows determination to move past these hurdles without self-pity or other forms of navel-gazing.  Additionally, this personal statement ends with a conclusion that alludes to why the applicant is suitable for the specific school to which they’re applying and points to their future career plans. The writer manages to craft an extremely immersive and believable story about their path to the present, while also managing to curate the details of this narrative to fit the specific values and mission of the school to which they’re applying.

What’s Great About This Third Law School Personal Statement? 

• Description is concise and effective: This writer opens with rich, vivid description and seamlessly guides the reader into a compelling first-person narrative. Using punchy, attention-grabbing descriptions like these make events immersive, placing readers in the writer's shoes and creating a sense of immediacy. 
• Achievements are the focus: They also do a fantastic job of talking about their achievements, such as interview team lead, program design, etc., without simply bragging. Instead, they deliver this information within a cohesive narrative that includes details, anecdotes, and information that shows their perspective in a natural way. Lastly, they invoke their passion for law with humility, discussing their momentary setbacks and frustrations as ultimately positive experiences leading to further growth. 

Want more law school personal statement examples from top law schools?

• Harvard law school personal statement examples
• Columbia law school personal statement examples
• Cornell law school personal statement examples
• Yale law school personal statement examples
• UPenn law school personal statement examples
• Cambridge law school personal statement examples

Law School Personal Statement #4

What’s great about this fourth law school personal statement.

• Engaging description: Like the third example above, this fourth law school personal statement opens with engaging description and first-person narrative. However, the writer of this personal statement chooses to engage a traumatic aspect of their childhood and discuss how this adversity led them to develop their desire to pursue a career in law.  
• Strong theme of overcoming adversity: Overcoming adversity is a frequent theme in personal statements for all specialties, but with law school personal statements students are often able to utilize uniquely dramatic, difficult, and pivotal experiences that involved interacting with the law. It may be hard to discuss such emotionally weighty experiences in a short letter but, as this personal statement shows, with care and focus it's possible to sincerely demonstrate how your early struggles paved the way for you to become the person you are now. It's important to avoid sensationalism, but you shouldn't shy away from opening up to your readers about adverse experiences that have ultimately pointed you in a positive direction. 

Law School Personal Statement Example #5

What’s great about this fifth law school personal statement  .

• Highlights achievements effectively: This writer does a fantastic job of incorporating their accomplishments and impact they had on their community without any sense of bragging or conceit. Rather, these accomplishments are related in terms of deep personal investment and a general drive to have a positive impact on those around them—without resorting to the cliches of simply stating "I want to help people." They show themselves helping others, and how these early experiences of doing so are a fundamental part of their drive to succeed with a career in law.   
• Shows originality: Additionally, they do a great job of explaining the uniqueness of their identity. The writer doesn't simply list their personal/cultural characteristics, but contextualizes them to show how they've shaped their path to law school. Being the child of a Buddhist mother and a Hindu father doesn’t imply anything about a person’s ability to study/practice law on its own, but explaining how this unique aspect of their childhood encouraged a passion for “discussion, active debate, and compromise” is profoundly meaningful to an admissions panel. Being able to express how fundamental aspects of law practice are an integral part of yourself is a hugely helpful tactic in a law school personal statement. 

If you\u2019re heading North of the border, check out list of  law schools in Canada  that includes requirements and stats on acceptance. ","label":"Tip","title":"Tip"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

Law School Personal Statement Example #6

What’s great about this sixth law school personal statement .

• Weaves in cultural background: Similar to the writer of personal statement #5, this student utilizes the cultural uniqueness of their childhood to show how their path to law school was both deeply personal and rooted in ideas pervasive in their early years. Unlike the writer of statement #5, this student doesn't shy away from explaining how this distinctiveness was often a source of alienation and difficulty. Yet this adversity is, as they note, ultimately what helped them be an adaptable and driven student, with a clear desire to make a positive impact on the kinds of situations that they witnessed affect their parents.  
• Describes setbacks while remaining positive: This writer also doesn't shy away from describing their temporary setbacks as both learning experiences and, crucially, springboards for positively informing their plans for the future. 

What’s Great About This Seventh Law School Personal Statement? 

• The writer takes accountability: One of the hardest things to accomplish in a personal statement is describing not just early setbacks that are out of your control but early mistakes for which you must take responsibility. The writer of this personal statement opens with descriptions of characteristics that most law schools would find problematic at best. But at the end of this introduction, they successfully utilize an epiphany, a game-changing moment in which they saw something beyond their early pathological aimlessness, to clearly mark the point at which they became focused on law.  
• The narrative structure is clear: They clearly describe the path forward from this moment on, showing how they remained focused on earning a law degree, and how they were able to work through successive experiences of confusion to persist in finishing their undergraduate education at a prestigious university. Of course, you shouldn't brag about such things for their own sake, but this writer makes the point of opening up about the unique feelings of inadequacy that come along with being the first person in their family to attend such a school, and how these feelings were—like their initial aimlessness—mobilized in service of their goal and the well-being of others. Their statement balances discussion of achievement with humility, which is a difficult but impactful tactic when done well. 

Law School Personal Statement Example #8

What’s great about this eighth law school personal statement .

• Shows commitment to the community: Commitment to one’s community is a prized value in both law students and law professionals. This writer successfully describes not only how they navigated the challenges in their group environments, such as their internship, the debate team, etc., but how these challenges strengthened their commitment to being a positive part of their communities. They don’t simply describe the skills and lessons they learned from these challenging environments, but also how these challenges ultimately made them even more committed to and appreciative of these kinds of dynamic, evolutionary settings.  
• Avoids negative description: They also avoid placing blame or negatively describing the people in these situations, instead choosing to characterize inherent difficulties in terms neutral to the people around them. In this way, you can describe extremely challenging environments without coming off as resentful, and identify difficulties without being accusatory or, worse yet, accidentally or indirectly seeming like part of the problem. This writer manages to convey the difficulty and complexity of these experiences while continually returning to their positive long-term impact, and though you shouldn’t seek to “bright-side” the troubles in your life you should absolutely point out how these experiences have made you a more capable and mature student. 

Law School Personal Statement Example #9

What’s great about this ninth law school personal statement  .

• The writer effectively describes how their background shaped their decision to pursue law: Expressing privilege as adversity is something that very few students should even attempt, and fewer still can actually pull it off. But the writer of this personal statement does just that in their second paragraph, describing how the ease and comfort of their upbringing could have been a source of laziness or detachment, and often is for particularly well-off students, but instead served as a basis for their ongoing commitment to addressing the inequalities and difficulties of those less comfortable. Describing how you’ve developed into an empathic and engaged person, worked selflessly in any volunteer experiences, and generally aimed your academic life at a career in law for the aid of others—all this is incredibly moving for an admissions board, and can help you discuss your determination and understanding of exactly why you desire a career in law.  
• The student shows adaptability, flexibility, and commitment: Additionally, this writer is able to show adaptability while describing their more prestigious appointments in a way that’s neither self-aggrandizing nor unappreciative. One of the big takeaways from this statement is the student’s commitment and flexibility, and these are both vitally important qualities to convey in your law school personal statement.  

Law School Personal Statement Example #10

What’s great about this tenth law school personal statement .

Shows passion: If you’re one of the rare students for whom service to others has always been a core belief, by all means find a novel and engaging way of making this the guiding principle of your personal statement. Don’t overdo it—don’t veer into poetry or lofty philosophizing—but by all means let your passion guide your pen (well…keyboard). Every step of the way, this student relates their highs and lows, their challenges and successes, to an extremely earnest and sincere set of altruistic values invoked at the very beginning of their statement. Law school admissions boards don’t exactly prize monomania, but they do value intense and sustained commitment.  

Shows maturity: This student also successfully elaborates this passion in relation to mature understanding. That is, they make repeated points about their developing understanding of law that sustains their hopefulness and emotional intensity while also incorporating knowledge of the sometimes troubling day-to-day challenges of the profession. Law schools aren’t looking for starry-eyed naivete, but they do value optimism and the ability to stay positive in a profession often defined by its difficulties and unpredictability. 

Every pre-law student blames their lack of success on the large number of applicants, the heartless admissions committee members, or the high GPA and LSAT score cut offs. Check out our blog on  law school acceptance rates  to find out more about the law school admission statistics for law schools in the US . Having taught more than a thousand students every year, I can tell you the REAL truth about why most students get rejected: 

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8 Additional Law School Personal Statement Examples

Now that you have a better idea of what your law school personal statement should include, and how you can make it stand out, here are five additional law school personal statements for you to review and get some inspiration:

Law school personal statement example #11

According to the business wire, 51 percent of students are not confident in their career path when they enroll in college. I was one of those students for a long time. My parents had always stressed the importance of education and going to college, so I knew that I wanted to get a tertiary education, I just didn’t know in what field. So, like many other students, I matriculated undecided and started taking introductory courses in the subjects that interest me. I took classes from the department of literature, philosophy, science, statistics, business, and so many others but nothing really called out to me.

I figured that maybe if I got some practical experience, I might get more excited about different fields. I remembered that my high school counselor had told me that medicine would be a good fit for me, and I liked the idea of a career that involved constant learning. So, I applied for an observership at my local hospital. I had to cross “doctor” off my list of post-graduate career options when I fainted in the middle of a consultation in the ER.

I had to go back to the drawing board and reflect on my choices. I decided to stop trying to make an emotional decision and focus on the data. So, I looked at my transcript thus far, and it quickly became clear to me that I had both an interest and an aptitude for business and technology. I had taken more courses in those two fields than in any others, and I was doing very well in them. My decision was reaffirmed when I spent the summer interning at a digital marketing firm during my senior year in college and absolutely loved my experience. 

Since graduating, I have been working at that same firm and I am glad that I decided to major in business. I first started as a digital advertising assistant, and I quickly learned that the world of digital marketing is an incredibly fast-paced sink-or-swim environment. I didn’t mind it at all. I wanted to swim with the best of them and succeed. So far, my career in advertising has been challenging and rewarding in ways that I never could have imagined. 

I remember the first potential client that I handled on my own. Everything had been going great until they changed their mind about an important detail a day before we were supposed to present our pitch. . I had a day to research and re-do a presentation that I’d been preparing for weeks. I was sure that I’d be next on the chopping block, but once again all I had to was take a step back and look at the information that I had. Focusing on the big picture helped me come up with a new pitch, and after a long night, lots of coffee, and laser-like focus, I delivered a presentation that I was not only proud of, but that landed us the client. 

Three years and numerous client emergencies later, I have learned how to work under pressure, how to push myself, and how to think critically. I also have a much better understanding of who I am and what skills I possess. One of the many things that I have learned about myself over the course of my career is that I am a fan of the law. Over the past three years, I have worked with many lawyers to navigate the muddy waters of user privacy and digital media. I often find myself looking forward to working with our legal team, whereas my coworkers actively avoid them. I have even become friends with my colleagues on the legal team who also enjoy comparing things like data protection laws in the US and the EU and speculating about the future of digital technology regulation. 

These experiences and conversations have led me to a point where I am interested in various aspects of the law. I now know that I have the skills required to pursue a legal education and that this time around, I am very sure about what I wish to study. Digital technology has evolved rapidly over the last decade, and it is just now starting to become regulated. I believe that this shift is going to open up a more prominent role for those who understand both digital technology and its laws, especially in the corporate world. My goal is to build a career at the intersection of these worlds.

Law school personal statement example #12

The first weekend I spent on my undergrad college campus was simultaneously one of the best and worst of my life. I was so excited to be away from home, on my own, making new friends and trying new things. One of those things was a party at a sorority house with my friend and roommate, where I thought we both had a great time. Both of us came from small towns, and we had decided to look out for one another. So, when it was time to go home, and I couldn't find her, I started to worry. I spent nearly an hour looking for her before I got her message saying she was already back in our dorm. 

It took her three months to tell me that she had been raped that night. Her rapist didn't hold a knife to her throat, jump out of a dark alleyway, or slip her a roofie. Her rapist was her long-term boyfriend, with whom she'd been in a long-distance relationship for just over a year. He assaulted her in a stranger's bedroom while her peers, myself included, danced the night away just a few feet away. 

I remember feeling overwhelmed when she first told me. I was sad for my friend, angry on her behalf, and disgusted by her rapist's actions. I also felt incredibly guilty because I had been there when it happened. I told myself that I should have stayed with her all night and that I should have seen the abuse - verbal and physical harassment- that he was inflicting on her before it turned sexual. But eventually, I realized that thinking about what could, should, or would've happened doesn't help anyone. 

I watched my friend go through counseling, attend support groups, and still, she seemed to be hanging on by a thread. I couldn't begin to imagine what she was going through, and unfortunately, there was very little I could do to help her. So, I decided to get involved with the Sexual Assault Responders Group on campus, where I would actually be able to help another survivor. 

My experience with the Sexual Assault Responders Group on campus was eye-opening. I mostly worked on the peer-to-peer hotline, where I spoke to survivors from all walks of life. I was confronted by the fact that rape is not a surreal unfortunate thing that happens to a certain type of person. I learned that it happens daily to mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends. I also learned that most survivors try to manage this burden on their own, afraid of judgment and repercussions and fearful of a he-said-she-said court battle.

I am proud to say that I used my time in college to not only earn an education, but also to advocate for survivors of sexual assault. I protested the university's cover-up of a gang rape that took place in one of the fraternity houses on campus. I spearheaded a 'no means no' campaign to raise awareness about consent on campus. I also led several fundraising campaigns for the Sexual Assault Responders Group that allowed us to pay for legal and mental health counselors for the survivors who came to us for support. 

One of the things that this experience helped me realize is that sexual assault survivors often do not know where to turn when the system tries to tell them that it'd be best to just keep quiet and suffer in silence. My goal is to become one of those people that they can turn to for counsel and support. I believe that a law degree would give me the knowledge and tools that I need to advocate for survivors on a more significant scale. 

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Law school personal statement example #13

I grew up in two different worlds. My world at home was full of people of various skin tones and accents. It was small, loud, and often chaotic in the best ways. I remember walking home and getting to experience music from across the world before I got to my apartment building. Loud reggaeton and afrobeat were always playing somewhere in the distance. Aunties and uncles usually stopped by unannounced and slipped money in your palm when they hugged you goodbye. And the smell of fried plantains was almost always present. 

My other world was in school. It was a much quieter, more organized world with white hallways, navy blazers, and plaid skirts. It was full of people who did not look or sound like me and teachers who thought my hair was "interesting." It was also full of great books and engaging debates about everything from foreign policy to the influence of Jazz on hip hop. 

I lived in these two worlds because I was born and raised in Xtown, but I went to a private school in a much richer neighborhood. I loved both of my worlds, but I hated that I had to act differently in both of them. When in school, I had to "code switch" to sound like I belonged there. When I was at home, all the people who shared the interests I was developing in school were either working or in college, so I had no one to talk to about them. 

My words never felt more divided until I started considering a career in law. I remember telling one of my uncles that I wanted to become a lawyer and his response was, "So you want to become the man, huh?" 

I wasn't surprised by his response, or at least I shouldn't have been. One of the things that I know for sure about the first world I lived in is that many of its inhabitants do not trust the law. I had believed this for so long simply because of the conversations that I would hear around me. However, in my second world, I was learning about all of these great freedoms and rights that the law was designed to give all Americans, and I wanted to bring those to my community. 

I started working on this during the summer before my final year of high school. I got an internship with the legal aid office in my neighborhood and spent three months learning from people who, like me, had grown up in Xtown and wanted to help people. During my time in the legal aid office, I understood that the people in my community did not trust the law for two main reasons: 1. They did not understand a lot of it, and 2. It had been used against people like us many times. 

I remember one particular case that Ms. Sharma - the lawyer I was learning from then and who still mentors me today - handled that summer. It was the case of a young mother who had received a notice of eviction from her landlord two days after refusing his advances. The man claimed that she violated her contract because she made homemade shea butter that she sold on Etsy. Ms. Sharma had me look through her rental agreement. After she confirmed that I was right in determining that the young mother had not violated her contract, she contacted the landlord to advise him that what he was doing was intimidation and sexual harassment. 

My experiences in the legal aid office with Ms. Sharma opened my eyes to the disgusting behavior of human beings, but it also gave me the opportunity to see that the law was my opportunity to use what I learned in my second world to help the community that I was raised in. I returned to school with a new motivation that followed me to college. In addition to completing my bachelor's degree in sociology and African American studies, I spent most of my college years participating in legal internships and community outreach programs. 

I believe that these experiences have given me the foundation I need to be a successful law student and, eventually, a lawyer who can truly be an advocate for members of his community. 

Law school personal statement example #14

One day, my parents noticed that the other children in my age group had been speaking and communicating, but I had not. At first, they thought that my lack of speech was just me being shy, but eventually, they realized that on the rare occasions that I did speak, my words were practically incomprehensible. It wasn't long before they took me to a specialist who diagnosed me with a severe phonological disorder that hindered my ability to verbalize the basic sounds that make up words.

I started going to speech therapy when I was three years old. I saw numerous speech therapists, many of whom believed that I would never be able to communicate effectively with others. Lucky for me, my parents did not give up on me. I went to speech therapy thrice a week until the 8th grade, and I gave every single session my all. I also spent a lot of time in my room practicing my speech by myself. My efforts paid off, and even though I didn't become a chatterbox overnight, I could at least communicate effectively. 

This was a short-lived victory, though. A year later, my speech impediment was back, and my ability to articulate words was once again severely limited. This complicated matters because it was my freshman year of high school, and I was in a brand-new school where I did not know anyone. Having been bullied in middle school, I knew first-hand how vicious kids can be, and I didn't want to be the butt of any more jokes, so I didn't try to speak at school. I knew that this was preventing me from making new friends or participating in class and that it was probably not helping my impediment, but I was not ready to face the fact that I needed to go back to speech therapy. 

Eventually, I stopped resisting and went back to speech therapy. At the time, I saw it as accepting defeat, and even though my speech improved significantly, my self-confidence was lower than it had ever been. If you ask any of my high school classmates about me, they will likely tell you that I am very quiet or timid – both of which are not true, but they have no way of knowing otherwise. I barely spoke or interacted with my peers for most of high school. Instead, I focused on my studies and extracurricular activities that didn't involve much collaboration, like yearbook club and photography. 

It was only when I was getting ready for college that I realized that I was only hurting myself with my behavior. I knew I needed to become more confident about my speech to make friends and be the student I wanted to be in college. So, I used the summer after my high school graduation to get some help. I started seeing a new speech therapist who was also trained as a counselor, and she helped me understand my impediment better. For example, I now know that I tend to stutter when stressed, but I also know that taking a few deep breaths helps me get back on track. 

Using the confidence that I built in therapy that summer, I went to college with a new pep in my step. I pushed myself to meet new people, try new things, and join extracurricular organizations when I entered college. I applied to and was accepted into a competitive freshman leadership program called XYZ. Most of XYZ's other members were outgoing and highly involved in their high school communities. In other words, they were the complete opposite of me. I didn't let that intimidate me. Instead, I made a concerted effort to learn from them. If you ask any of my teammates or other classmates in college, they will tell you that I was an active participant in discussions during meetings and that I utilized my unique background to share a different perspective.

My experience with XYZ made it clear to me that my speech disorder wouldn't hold me back as long as I did not stand in my own way. Once I understood this, I kept pushing past the boundaries I had set for myself. I began taking on leadership roles in the program and looking for ways to contribute to my campus community outside of XYZ. For example, I started a community outreach initiative that connected school alumni willing to provide pro bono services to different members of the community who were in need. 

Now, when I look back at my decision to go back to speech therapy, I see it as a victory. I understand that my speech impediment has shaped me in many ways, many of which are positive. My struggles have made me more compassionate. My inability to speak has made me a better listener. Not being able to ask questions or ask for help has made me a more independent critical thinker. I believe these skills will help me succeed in law school, and they are part of what motivates me to apply in the first place. Having struggled for so long to speak up for myself, I am ready and eager for the day when I can speak up for others who are temporarily unable to. 

“ You talk too much; you should be a lawyer.” 

I heard that sentence often while growing up because Congolese people always tell children who talk a lot that they should be lawyers. Sometimes I wonder if those comments did not subconsciously trigger my interest in politics and then the law. If they did, I am grateful for it. I am thankful for all the experiences that have brought me to this point where I am seeking an education that will allow me to speak for those who don’t always know how to, and, more importantly, those who are unable to. 

For context, I am the child of Congolese immigrants, and my parents have a fascinating story that I will summarize for you: 

A 14-year-old girl watches in confusion as a swarm of parents rush through the classroom, grabbing their children, and other students start running from the class. Soon she realizes that she and one other student are the only ones left, but when they both hear the first round of gunshots, no one has to tell them that it is time to run home. On the way home, she hears more gunshots and bombs. She fears for her survival and that of her family, and she starts to wonder what this war means for her and her family. Within a few months, her mother and father are selling everything they own so that they can board a plane to the US.

On the other side of the town, a 17-year-old boy is being forced to board a plane to the US because his mother, a member of parliament and the person who taught him about the importance of integrity, has been executed by the same group of soldiers who are taking over the region. 

They met a year later, outside the principal’s office at a high school in XXY. They bonded over the many things they have in common and laughed at the fact that their paths probably never would have crossed in Bukavu. Fast forward to today, they have been married for almost two decades and have raised three children, including me. 

Growing up in a Congolese household in the US presented was very interesting. On the one hand, I am very proud of the fact that I get to share my heritage with others. I speak French, Lingala, and Swahili – the main languages of Congo – fluently. I often dress in traditional clothing; I performed a traditional Congolese dance at my high school’s heritage night and even joined the Congolese Student Union at Almamatter University. 

On the other hand, being Congolese presented its challenges growing up. At a young age, I looked, dressed, and sounded different from my classmates. Even though I was born in the US, I had picked up a lot of my parents’ accents, and kids loved to tease me about it. Ignorant comments and questions were not uncommon. “Do you speak African?” “You’re not American! How did you get here?” “You don’t look African” “My mom says I can’t play with you because your parents came here to steal our jobs”. These are some of the polite comments that I heard often, and they made me incredibly sad, especially when classmates I considered my friends made them. 

My parents did not make assimilating any easier. My mother especially always feared I would lose my Congolese identity if they did not make it a point to remind me of it. She often said, “Just because you were born in America doesn’t mean that you are not Congolese anymore.” On one occasion, I argued that she always let me experience my Congolese side, but not my American side. That was the first time she told me I should be a lawyer. 

Having few friends and getting teased in school helped me learn to be comfortable on my own. I Often found refuge and excitement in books. I even started blogging about the books I read and interacting with other readers online. As my following grew, I started to use my platform to raise awareness about issues that I am passionate about, like climate change, the war in Congo, and the homeless crisis here in XXY. I was able to start a fundraising campaign through my blog that raised just under $5000 for the United Way – a local charity that helps the homeless in my city. 

This experience helped me understand that I could use my skills and the few tools at my disposal to help people, both here in America and one day, maybe even in Congo. I realized that I am lucky enough to have the option of expanding that skillset through education in order to do more for the community that welcomed my grandparents, uncles, aunties, and parents when they had nowhere else to go. 

The journey was not easy because while I received immense support and love from my family for continuing my education, I had to teach myself how to prepare and apply to college. Once there I had to learn on my own what my professors expected of me, how to study, how to network, and so much more. I am grateful for those experiences too, because they taught me how to be resourceful, research thoroughly, listen carefully, and seek help when I need it. 

All of these experiences have crafted me into who I am today, and I believe that with the right training, they will help me become a great attorney.

Law School Personal Statement Example #16

During my undergraduate studies, in the first two years, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do with my career. I enjoyed doing research, but I found that I became more interested in presenting the research than the process of contributing to it. I spoke to most of my science professors to ask if I could participate in their research. I worked in biology labs, chemistry labs, and in psychology classrooms working on a variety of projects that seemed meaningful and interesting. I gained new perspectives on study habits and mental health; the influence of music on the human mind; and applications of surface tension. I noticed that I was always taking the lead when we were presenting our findings to peers and research groups. I enjoyed yielding questions and addressing the captivating the audience with engaging gestures and speech. This was what led me to consider a career in law.

I always thought that I would become a scientist, so when I discovered that there were aspects of law that could be considered “scientific”, I was all ears. Still during my second year of undergraduate studies, I wanted to join an environmental awareness group, but noticed there weren’t any active. So, I took it upon myself to create my own. I wanted to do cleanup projects across the city, so I mapped out parks and areas that we could walk or drive to. I advertised my project to other students and eventually gained approximately fifteen students eager to help out. I was struck by the pollution in the water, the negligence of park maintenance. I drafted a letter to the municipal government and petitioned for a stricter environmental compliance approach. I wanted to advertise fines to hold polluters accountable, as there were hardly any to enforce the rules. A letter was returned to me stating that the government would consider my request. I felt a sense of gratification, of purpose; I discovered that I had the ability to enact change through policy. This drew me closer to the prospect of building a future in law, so I looked at other avenues to learn more.

I still wanted to find a way to bring together my love of science and discourse/communication. As a science student, I had the privilege of learning from professors who emphasized critical thinking; and they gave me a chance to learn that on my own. I took an internship as an environmental planner. There, I helped present project ideas to various groups, updating demographic/development information, and managing planning processes. I engaged in analytical thinking by looking at maps and demographic information to develop potential plans for land use. It was also the experience I was looking for in terms of a balance between science and oral communication. Using data analysis, I spoke to other planners and review boards to bring ideas together and execute a plan.

Through science, I learned how to channel my curiosity and logical thinking; as an advocate, I learned how to be creative and resourceful. Presenting research findings and being questioned in front of a group of qualified researchers, having to be sharp and ready for anything, taught me how to be more concise in speech. Developing an advocacy group dedicated to improving my community showed me what it lacked; it opened my eyes to the impact of initiative and focused collaboration. I was eager to begin another science project, this time with the environment in mind. It was titled “determining and defining the role of sociodemographic factors in air pollution health disparities”. I compiled and summarized relevant research and sent it over to a representative of the municipal government. In a couple of weeks, my request to increase advertising of fines in public areas was agreed to.

This Juris Doctor/Master in Environmental Studies program will allow me to continue deepening my knowledge of environmental law. With my goal of developing a career in environmental affairs, overseeing policies that influence land protection/use, I know that this program will give me the tools I need to succeed. With my experience working with large groups, I also believe I will fit into the larger class sizes at your institution. I understand the value of working together and how to engage in healthy discourse. With your Global Sustainability Certification, I will equip myself the expertise I need to produce meaningful change in environmental policy.

Here's how a law school advisor can help you with your application:

Law School Personal Statement #17

Growing up in a poor neighborhood, what my friends used to call “the ghetto”, I was always looking for my way out. I tried running away, but I always ended up back home in that tiny complex, barely enough room to fit all my brothers and sisters with my parents. My dad was disabled and couldn’t work, and my mother was doing her best working full-time as a personal-support worker. There was nothing we could do to get out of our situation, or so it seemed. It wasn’t until years later when I started my undergraduate degree that ironically, after I found my way out, that I began looking for a way to come back. I wanted to be a voice for people living in those bleak conditions; hungry, without work. Helpless.

Getting my degree in social work was one of the best decisions of my life. It gave me the tools to lobby for solutions to problems in poor communities. I knew my neighborhood better than anyone because I grew up there. I had the lived experience. I started working with the local government to develop programs for my clients; the people living in those same neighborhoods. We worked to provide financial assistance, legal aid, housing, and medical treatment—all things sorely lacking. My proudest moment was securing the funds and arranging surgery for my father’s bad hip and knees. I’m currently working on a large project with one of the community legislators to lobby for a harm reduction model addressing addiction in our communities.

With five years of experience as a social worker, I knew it was time for a career change when I learned that I could have more influence on public opinion and legislative decisions as a social-security disability lawyer. I knew firsthand that people victimized from racism, poverty, and injury needed more help than they were currently allotted. I knew that, from becoming and advocate and communicating with influential members of the local government, that I could do more with a law degree helping people attain basic needs like disability benefits, which are often denied outright.

This desire to help people get the help they need from local programs and government resources brought me to Scarborough, a small town outside of Toronto. I was aware of some of the issues afflicting this community, since I’d handled a few clients from there as a children’s disability social worker. Addiction and homelessness were the two main ones. I worked with children with ADHD or other physical/mental disabilities impairing their ability to attend school and function normally. I helped many of them get an IEP with the details of the special services they require, long overdue. I made sure each child got the care they needed, including special attention in school. Also noticing that so many of these families lacked proper nutrition, I organized a report detailing this finding. In it, I argued that the community needed more funds targeting lowest income families. I spoke directly with a legislator, which eventually got the city on board with developing a program more specifically for the lowest income families with residents under 18.

My goal has always been to be a voice for the inaudible, the ignored, who’ve been victimized by inadequate oversight from the ground up. Many of these groups, as I’ve witnessed firsthand, don’t have the luxury of being their own advocates. They are too busy trying to support their families, to put food on the table for their children. I’ve realized that it isn’t quite enough to work directly with these families to connect them with resources and ensure they get the support they need. Sometimes the support simply doesn’t exist, or it isn’t good enough. This is why I’m motivated to add a law degree to my credentials so I can better serve these people and communities. As a future social-security disability lawyer, I want to work with local governments to assist clients in navigating an assistance system and improving it as much as possible. This program will give me the access to a learning environment in which I can thrive and develop as an advocate.

Law School Personal Statement #18

“You’re worthy and loved”, I said to a twelve-year-old boy, Connor, whom I was supervising and spending time with during the Big Brother program at which we met. A few tears touched my shoulder as I pulled him into me, comforting him. He was a foster child. He didn’t know his parents and never stayed in one place longer than a few months; a year if he was lucky. I joined the program not expecting much. I was doing it for extra credit, because I wanted to give back to the community somehow and I thought it would be interesting to meet people. He confided in me; he told me that his foster parents often yelled at each other, and him. He told me he needed to escape. I called Child Protective Services and after a thorough investigation, they determined that Connor’s foster parents weren’t fit for fostering. He was moved, yet again, to a different home.

I wrote an op-ed detailing my experience as a Big Brother. I kept names anonymous. I wanted people to know how hard it was for children in the welfare system. Many of them, like Connor, were trapped in a perpetual cycle of re-homing, neglect, and even abuse. He and other children deserve stability and unconditional love. That should go without saying. I sent the op-ed to a local magazine and had it published. In it, I described not only the experience of one unfortunate kid, but many others as well who saw their own stories being told through Connor. I joined a non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to quality education for young people. I started learning about disparities in access; students excluded by racial or financial barriers. I was learning, one step at a time, how powerful words can be.

With the non-profit organization, I reached out to a few public schools in the area to represent some of our main concerns with quality of education disparities. Our goal was to bring resources together and promote the rights of children in education. We emphasized that collaboration between welfare agencies and schools was critical for education stability. Together, we created a report of recommendations to facilitate this collaboration. We outlined a variety of provisions, including more mechanisms for child participation, better recruitment of social service workers in schools, risk management and identification strategies, and better support for students with child protection concerns.

The highlight of that experience was talking to an assembly of parents and school faculty to present our findings and recommendations. The title of the presentation was “The Power of Words”. I opened with the story I wrote about in the op-ed. I wanted to emphasize that children are individuals; those trapped in the welfare system are not a monolith. They each have unique experiences, needs, and desires they want to fulfill in life. But our tools to help them can be improved, more individualized. I spoke about improving the quality of residential care for children and the need to promote their long-term development into further education and employment. Finally, I presented a list of tools we created to help support a more financially sustainable and effective child welfare system. The talk was received with applause and a tenuous commitment from a few influential members of the crowd. It was a start.

Although I lost contact with Connor, I think about him almost every day. I can only hope that the programs we worked on to improve were helping him, wherever he was. I want to continue to work on the ground level of child welfare amelioration, but I realize I will need an education in law to become a more effective advocate for this cause. There are still many problems in the child welfare system that will need to be addressed: limited privacy/anonymity for children, service frameworks that don’t address racism adequately, limited transportation in remote communities, and many more. I’ve gained valuable experience working with the community and learning about what the welfare system lacks and does well. I’m ready to take the next step for myself, my community, and those beyond it.

Assuredly, but this length varies from school to school. As with all important details of your law school application, thoroughly research your specific schools’ requirements and guidelines before both writing and editing your personal statement to ensure it fits their specifics. The average length is about 2 pages, but don’t bother drafting your statement until you have specific numbers from your schools of choice. It’s also a good idea to avoid hitting the maximum length unless absolutely necessary. Be concise, keep economy of language in mind, and remain direct, without rambling or exhaustive over-explanation of your ideas or experiences.

You should keep any words that aren’t your own to a minimum. Admissions committees don’t want to read a citation-heavy academic paper, nor do they respond well to overused famous quotes as themes in personal statements. If you absolutely must include a quote from elsewhere, be sure to clearly indicate your quote’s source. But in general, it’s best to keep the personal statement restricted to your own words and thoughts. They’re evaluating you, not Plato! It’s a personal statement. Give them an engaging narrative in your own voice. 

Admissions committees will already have a strong sense of your academic performance through your transcripts and test scores, so discussing these in your personal statement is generally best avoided. You can contextualize these things, though—if you have an illuminating or meaningful story about how you came to receive an award, or how you enjoyed or learned from the work that won you the award, then consider discussing it. Overall though, it’s best to let admissions committees evaluate your academic qualifications and accomplishments from your transcripts and official documents, and give them something new in the personal statement. 

When you first sit down to begin, cast a wide net. Consider all the many influences and experiences that have led you to where you are. You’ll eventually (through editing and rewriting) explain how these shape your relationship to a career in law, but one of the best things you can give yourself during the initial drafting phase is a vast collection of observations and potential points for development. As the New England School of Law points out in their, “just write!” Let the initial draft be as messy as it needs to be, and refine it from there. It’s a lot easier to condense and sharpen a big draft than it is to try to tensely craft a perfect personal statement from nothing.  

Incredibly important, as should be clear by now! Unlike other specialties, law schools don’t usually conduct interviews with applicants, so your personal statement is in effect your one opportunity to speak with the admissions committee directly. Don’t let that gravity overwhelm you when you write, but keep it in mind as you edit and dedicate time to improving your initial drafts. Be mindful of your audience as you speak with them, and treat writing your personal statement as a kind of initial address in what, hopefully, will eventually turn into an ongoing dialogue.  

There are a variety of factors that can make or break a law school personal statement. You should aim to achieve at least a few of the following: a strong opening hook; a compelling personal narrative; your skills and competencies related to law; meaningful experiences; why you’re the right fit for the school and program.

Often, they do. It’s best for you to go to the schools you’re interesting in applying to so you can find out if they have any specific formatting or content requirements. For example, if you wanted to look at NYU law or Osgoode Hall Law School , you would find their admissions requirements pages and look for information on the personal statement.

There are lots of reasons why a personal statement might not work. Usually, applicants who don’t get accepted didn’t come up with a good strategy for this essay. Remember, you need to target the specific school and program. Other reasons are that the applicant doesn’t plan or proofread their essay. Both are essential for submitting materials that convince the admissions committee that you’re a strong candidate. You can always use law school admissions consulting application review to help you develop your strategy and make your essay stand out.

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Hello V! Thanks for your question. Some schools will gave very specific word limits, while some will not. If you do not have a limit indicated, try to stick to no more than a page, 600-800 words. 

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How to make your law school application stand out, (and avoid the top 5 mistakes that get most rejected).

Tips For Law School Personal Statements: Examples, Resources And More

Expert Reviewed

Updated: Mar 22, 2024, 4:48pm

Tens of thousands of undergraduates pursue law school every year, and the competition for admission is fierce.

When it comes to admissions, your law school personal statement is not as impactful as your LSAT scores or undergraduate GPA. Still, a personal statement can be the deciding factor when competing with other applicants.

In this article, we discuss how to write a law school personal statement that demonstrates why you belong in a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program.

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What Is a Law School Personal Statement?

A law school personal statement is a multi-paragraph essay or narrative highlighting the reason you are pursuing a J.D. degree . This essay is an opportunity to share your identity with an admissions committee—beyond just transcripts and test scores.

Personal statements are typically two to four pages long. Most law schools do not provide specific prompts for applicants’ statements, but some do. Either way, the content of your statement should leave a strong impression.

Why Do Law Schools Ask for Personal Statements?

Law schools receive a high volume of applications and typically do not contact applicants for interviews until after reviewing their applications. As a result, personal statements largely act as a substitute for the applicant interview process.

Your personal statement serves as a writing sample that shows your ability to communicate ideas effectively. In addition to demonstrating your ability to write well, a personal statement can give an admissions committee a clear picture of your motivations for attending law school and indicate how well you might fit into their program.

If you’re wondering how to become a lawyer , law school is the first step—and your personal statement is important to the law school application process.

How To Write a Law School Personal Statement

Writing a law school personal statement can be a challenging part of the application process, involving hours of planning and drafting. However, with solid brainstorming and prewriting strategies, you can craft an effective personal statement that illustrates how you are a strong candidate for law school.

Picking What to Write About

If your prospective school does not provide a prompt, choosing what to write about can be frustrating and time-consuming.

Start with a serious brainstorming session to get your ideas on paper. Give yourself the license to explore every experience or idea before deciding on your final topic.

Consider spending time jotting down every idea that falls into the following categories:

• Life events or experiences that motivated you or changed your perspective
• A meaningful personal achievement and what you learned from it
• How you became interested in the law
• Your passions and how they contributed to your individual goals

Structuring Your Law School Personal Statement

The structure and method you use to craft your statement is important. It might be tempting to follow a rigid formula and write a personal statement that methodically unpacks your reason for attending law school, your qualifications and the relevance of your extracurricular engagements. However, some of the most effective personal statements are crafted through a narrative approach.

Well-written narratives are engaging and illustrate why law school would benefit your career path. Your essay should exhibit your dedication and passion for the law and highlight the relationship between your values and your target law school. By creating a narrative with a common theme woven throughout, you can captivate your reader while informing them of your qualifications and goals.

Rather than overtly telling the reader why you should be accepted into law school, a narrative allows its audience to make connections and engage at a personal level. Your anecdotes and specific examples should reveal the traits you want the admissions committee to see and appreciate.

What Makes a ‘Good’ Law School Personal Statement?

Law school admissions teams read hundreds, even thousands of personal statements, so it’s important to write one that stands out. Ultimately, a good law school personal statement engages the reader, provides a unique perspective and demonstrates why you would make a good candidate for law school.

Choose a Unique Topic

A personal statement is exactly that: personal. Crafting a memorable narrative is paramount and dependent on your story and unique life experiences, especially since reviewers read so many personal statements with similar stories and themes.

Unfortunately, certain topics can come across as cliche. This is not to say that your lived experience of overcoming adversity or your time spent volunteering to help those in need is undervalued. However, those narratives have motivated thousands of aspiring attorneys to pursue law—meaning they have appeared in thousands of law school personal statements.

Give Specific Examples

Once you’ve selected a topic, take time to unpack the examples you plan to share and how they tie into the “why” behind your pursuit of law school. General statements are not only boring to read but lack the depth of meaning required to make an impact. Specific examples are critical to creating interest and highlighting the uniqueness of your personal experience.

According to law school admissions consultant and founder of PreLawPro, Ben Cooper, “It is always great to have a story that speaks for you. A story that demonstrates certain qualities or a key lesson learned is always more compelling than simply saying, ‘I am dedicated, responsible etc.’ ”

Be Personal and Reflective

Law schools want to see critical thinking skills and deep reflection in applicants’ personal essays. Before you write, consider a few questions. Is your story unique to you? What was the primary conflict in your story? How did you develop over time? How does this story reflect who you are now and how law school suits you? Take time to ponder what challenges you’ve overcome and what events and experiences have shaped your worldview.

Common Pitfalls for a Law School Personal Statement

Before you invest hours writing an essay just for it to fall flat, make sure you’re aware of the most common pitfalls for law school personal statements.

Failing To Follow Instructions

Law schools set specific formatting and length guidelines. Reading comprehension and attention to detail are key skills for law school success, so failing to meet these expectations could count against your application or even result in an automatic rejection.

Length and formatting requirements vary among law schools. For example, if a school expects no more than two pages, 11-point font, 1-inch margins and double spacing, make sure to format your personal statement precisely according to those specifications. We advise tailoring your personal statement to each individual school to avoid violating any formatting requirements.

If a law school asks you to answer a specific prompt or write multiple essays, make sure to follow those instructions as well.

Not Revising And Proofreading

Nothing screams a lack of effort, interest and commitment like an unpolished personal statement. Admissions teams will quickly notice if you skip proofreads and revisions, even if the content of your essay is exceptional.

This step entails much more than running a spelling and grammar check. You must ensure that the order of information is purposeful and logical. Each word you use should be intentional and add value to the story you are trying to tell.

Revising an essay is not a one-person job. Have others provide feedback, too. Your peers and mentors are a great place to start, as long as they give objective feedback.

Also ask people you do not know to provide feedback. You might start with your university’s writing center . Writing centers employ trained writing tutors who are skilled in providing feedback across disciplines. A writing center tutor will not proofread your essay, but they assist in making it reach its full potential.

Using Flowery Or Overly Academic Language

The voice and tone of your personal statement should flow naturally and reflect who you are. This doesn’t require flowery or overly academic language, which can make your essay sound more obtuse and less personal.

As we stated earlier, your personal statement should use specific examples and stories to generate interest and reveal why you want to attend law school and become a lawyer.

Likewise, you should avoid using excessive legal language or famous quotes in your statement. Admissions reviewers are academics, so if you use a term improperly, they will catch it. Use language that you feel comfortable with, without being too informal, and allow your narrative to convey your intended themes and ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Law School Personal Statements

What is a good personal statement for law school.

A good personal statement for law school is original, engaging, truthful and well-structured. When composing your personal statement, take time to reflect on your life experiences and how they led you to pursue a legal career. Follow each school’s required format, make sure to proofread carefully and use natural-sounding language.

How much does a law school personal statement matter?

Law school admissions committees typically place more emphasis on your LSAT performance and undergraduate academic record—including your GPA and the rigor of your course of study—but a personal statement can still have a powerful impact on the success of your application. A strong essay can help you stand out from the crowd, and conversely, a clichéd, poorly written or incorrectly formatted essay can hurt your chances.

Do law schools fact-check personal statements?

Assume that law school admissions officers may fact-check any verifiable information in your personal statement. They may not know if you are presenting your motivations for applying or your career plans honestly, but they can—and will—check whether, for example, you participated in a particular student organization or attended a specific conference.

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Brandon Galarita is a freelance writer and K-12 educator in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is passionate about technology in education, college and career readiness and school improvement through data-driven practices.

Brenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accolades in California and North Carolina. Since 2018, she has worked in the higher-education web content space, where she aims to help current and prospective students of all backgrounds find effective, accessible pathways to rewarding careers.

Ben Cooper the founder and CEO of PreLawPro, a law school admissions and career consulting firm. He is a former international lawyer who spent much of his legal career as a litigator in London’ financial district. After leaving private practice he oversaw the Pre-Law program at Baylor University, where he taught college classes on the legal profession, law school admissions, careers, and academic success. He has also helped students explore careers in diplomacy, intelligence and national security. After almost a decade of working with college students and young professionals, Ben has helped hundreds of law school applicants gain admission to law schools all over the country. Ben also coaches and mentors college students and young professionals (across a broad range of industries) as they navigate their education and careers.

SMU Dedman School of Law

The information on this page was provided by the law school.

Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs

Introduction.

Founded in 1925, SMU Dedman School of Law is located on a magnificent tree-lined campus in a beautiful residential neighborhood just five miles north of downtown Dallas. SMU offers an intimate learning community within a vibrant urban center.

With a relatively small entering class size, an outstanding teaching faculty, and distinguished guest lecturers, SMU offers a scholarly community with fantastic opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. SMU also has a well-rounded, diverse student body from approximately 200 colleges and universities, 35 states, and over 20 countries.

Law School Campus

SMU offers a beautiful setting in which to pursue legal studies. The Law School Quadrangle, a six-acre, self-contained corner of the campus, offers students convenient access to all law school facilities. The larger SMU campus offers students a variety of housing options, a childcare facility, a health center, and a fitness/wellness center.

The law school has its own dining hall and a four-story parking garage with 500 spaces.

SMU offers seven degree programs: JD, JD/MBA (traditional four-year and fast-track three-year), JD/MA in Economics, LLM (General), LLM (Taxation), LLM (for foreign attorneys), and SJD.

Students find a sophisticated curriculum that complements SMU’s wide breadth of class offerings with extensive depth of focus. The JD curriculum is designed to achieve the goal of producing lawyers who are capable and responsible professionals through its emphasis on providing substantive knowledge, ethical and moral training, and practical skills to serve clients in local, national, and global communities.

Each JD student must complete 87 credit hours. Thirty-one of these hours comprise the mandatory first-year curriculum. After the first year, students must complete a course in professional responsibility, two upper-level writing courses (including an edited writing seminar in which an extensive scholarly, expository writing project is reviewed and critiqued by the professor), Constitutional Law II, and a practical skills course.

SMU offers many small classes in which students will get to know their classmates and professors. Each entering class is divided into three sections. Each semester, first-year students are assigned to a legal research, writing, and advocacy class of fewer than 25 students. Most of SMU’s upper-division courses have fewer than 25 students, and almost 90 percent have fewer than 50 students.

SMU’s rich upper-division curricular offerings, with 150 upper-division courses per year, provide students with a wide range of courses and the freedom to tailor a program of study that furthers their professional and personal goals. With traditional strengths in business, litigation, tax, and international law, the curriculum extends to many areas, including intellectual property, health care, environmental, and family law.

SMU’s LLM programs are intended to enhance careers in the private practice of law, teaching, and public service by providing the opportunity for students who already have their basic law degree to increase their understanding of legal theory and policies. The LLM program for foreign attorneys is the largest graduate program, enrolling approximately 60 students from about 20 countries each year. SMU has over 2,000 international alumni from over 80 countries, including many who hold significant positions in major international corporations, in the highest courts of their nations, and in other key government and private entities.

Student Activities and Law Reviews

Students are able to enhance their legal education by participating in numerous programs and conferences sponsored by various faculty and student groups and centers. Selected law students serve on five major journals for which they receive academic credit. Law students are able to expand their legal education experience by participating in any of over 20 moot court, trial advocacy, client counseling, and negotiation competitions held at the local, regional, national, and international levels. In addition, they may become active in any of the over 40 student organizations on campus.

Externships and Clinics

SMU Dedman Law offers a wide array of corporate, judicial, government, regulatory, and public interest externships for course credit. Popular externships include those with the US Attorney’s Office, the SEC, and the EPA. Additionally, SMU’s Corporate Counsel Externship program allows students to learn hands-on in corporate legal departments for one semester and attend a weekly class to learn about substantive and ethical issues facing in-house counsel.

Clinics offer students an opportunity to engage in the practice of law for up to six hours of course credit. Currently, SMU has 10 clinical opportunities: civil litigation, criminal defense, federal taxation, small business, trademark, consumer law, child advocacy, violence against women, family law, and patent law.

Public Service

All students are required to perform 30 hours of public service before graduating. This model public service program not only allows the student to learn in a hands-on setting, but also provides an early exposure to pro bono practice, which is integral to the US legal system. SMU professors voluntarily hold themselves to this same requirement.

Overseas Study

SMU offers students an opportunity to study law for six weeks at University College at Oxford University in England.

Career Services and Bar Passage

SMU Dedman School of Law is committed to helping students achieve their career goals through an individualized career development program. This commitment is reflected in consistently strong employment. For the class of 2016, 88.5 percent of all graduates were placed nine months after graduation in full-time, long-term bar passage required, JD advantage, and professional positions. And while most of our graduates choose to practice in Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, our graduates hold prominent positions and leadership roles throughout the international, national, and Texas communities. For detailed information about employment, please see  our website .

The experienced staff in the Office of Career Services assists students in securing legal and legal-related employment with law firms, the judiciary, government, business, and public interest entities. The office hosts seminars and speakers about relevant legal topics, educates students about job search techniques and interview skills, and sponsors on- and off-campus interview programs and job fairs, all of which provide numerous opportunities for students to meet with practitioners. The Office of Career Services also works closely with employers to make the legal hiring process as easy as possible and assists in filling positions at all levels—from summer clerks to lateral hires. Numerous employers interact with our students during the school year through programs and events. Each year, several hundred private law firms, corporations, government agencies, and public interest organizations come to SMU Dedman Law to recruit students for summer clerkships or internships and permanent employment.

SMU graduates’ pass rate on the July 2017 Texas bar exam was 85.44 percent for first-time takers.

SMU looks for excellent, well-rounded students with strong academic backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives that will enrich its educational community. Each application is considered in its entirety: LSAT score, undergraduate performance, graduate studies, work experience, activities, personal statement, and letters of recommendation are all read and evaluated. Applications may be accessed via an  LSAC.org account .

Scholarships

SMU provides approximately 85 percent of its entering class with scholarship assistance. SMU law scholarships, including several full-tuition Hutchison scholarships, are awarded on the basis of the admission application, including the applicant’s answer to an optional question. In addition, two private foundations, the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation and the Dallas Bar Foundation, fund and select five to nine additional full-tuition scholarships per entering class. Both foundations require a separate scholarship application, available from the SMU Admissions Office’s website. The Sarah T. Hughes Scholarships, sponsored by the Dallas Bar Foundation, are awarded to outstanding minority applicants. The Sumners Scholars are selected from a competitive pool of applicants with strong academics and extracurricular activities. To be considered for the Hatton W. Sumners and Sarah T. Hughes Scholarships, you must be accepted for admission by February 15. (To be admitted by February 15, you must have a complete application for admission on file no later than January 15.) The Hutchison and Hatton W. Sumners Scholarships require grades in the top third of the scholar’s class for maintenance.

Admitted Applicant Profile

25-75% ugpa range at smu dedman:.

3.67 to 3.91

25-75% LSAT Score Range at SMU Dedman:

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How to write a law school personal statement + examples.

Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 3/18/24

Law school personal statements help show admissions committees why you’re an excellent candidate. Read on to learn how to write a personal statement for law school!

Writing a law school personal statement requires time, effort, and a lot of revision. Law school statement prompts and purposes can vary slightly depending on the school. 

Their purpose could be to show your personality, describe your motivation for attending law school, explain why you want to go to a particular law school, or a mix of all three and more. This guide will help you perfect your writing with tips and examples.

The Best Law School Personal Statement Format

Unfortunately, there’s no universal format for a law school personal statement. Every law school has a preference (or lack thereof) on how your personal statement should be structured. We recommend always checking for personal statement directions for every school you want to apply to. 

However, many law schools ask for similar elements when it comes to personal statement formats. These are some standard formatting elements to keep in mind if your school doesn’t provide specific instructions: 

• Typically two pages or less in length 
• Double-spaced 
• Use a basic, readable font style and size (11-point is the smallest you should do, although some schools may request 12-point) 
• Margins shouldn’t be less than 1 inch unless otherwise specified 
• Left-aligned 
• Indent new paragraphs 
• Don’t return twice to begin a new paragraph 
• Law schools typically ask for a header, typically including your full name, page number, LSAC number, and the words “Personal Statement” (although there can be variations to this) 

How you format your header may be up to you; sometimes, law schools won't specify whether the header should be one line across the top or three lines. 

This is how your header may look if you decide to keep it as one line. If you want a three-line header, it should look like this on the top-right of the page: 

 Remember, the best law school personal statement format is the one in the application instructions. Ensure you follow all formatting requirements!

For the best personal statement advice, get comprehensive law school application consulting from one of our expert counselors.

How to Title a Personal Statement (Law) 

You may be tempted to give your law school statement a punchy title, just like you would for an academic essay. However, the general rule is that you shouldn’t give your law school personal statement a title. 

The University of Washington states, “DON’T use quotes or give a title to your statement.” Many other schools echo this advice. The bottom line is that although you're writing your story, your law school statement doesn't require a title. Don't add one unless the school requests it.

How to Start a Personal Statement for Law School 

Acing the beginning of your personal statement is essential for your narrative’s success. The introduction is your chance to captivate the admissions committee and immerse them in your story. As such, you want your writing to be interesting enough to grab their attention without purposefully going for shock value.

So, how do you write a personal statement introduction that will garner the attention it deserves? The simplest way to get the reader involved in your story is to start with a relevant anecdote that ties in with your narrative. 

Consider the opening paragraph from Harvard Law graduate Cameron Clark’s law school personal statement : 

“At the intersection of 21st and Speedway, I lay on the open road. My leg grazed the shoulder of a young woman lying on the ground next to me. Next to her, a man on his stomach slowed his breathing to appear as still as possible. A wide circle of onlookers formed around the dozens of us on the street. We were silent and motionless, but the black-and-white signs affirmed our existence through their decree: BLACK LIVES MATTER.”

The beginning lines of this personal statement immediately draw the reader in. Why was the writer lying on the road? Why were other people there with him, and why was a man trying to slow his breathing? We're automatically inspired to keep reading to find out more information. 

That desire to keep reading is the hallmark of a masterful personal statement introduction. However, you don’t want to leave your reader hanging for too long. By the end of this introduction, we’re left with a partial understanding of what’s happening. 

There are other ways to start a personal statement that doesn't drop the reader in the middle of the action. Some writers may begin their law personal statement in other ways: 

• Referencing a distant memory, thought, feeling, or perspective
• Setting the scene for the opening anecdote before jumping in 
• Providing more context on the time, place, or background 

Many openings can blend some of these with detailed, vivid imagery. Here's a law school personal statement opening that worked at the UChicago Law : 

“I fell in love for the first time when I was four. That was the year my mother signed me up for piano lessons. I can still remember touching those bright, ivory keys with reverence, feeling happy and excited that soon I would be playing those tinkling, familiar melodies (which my mother played every day on our boombox) myself.”

This opening references a distant memory and feeling, mixed with vivid imagery that paints a picture in the reader's head. Keep in mind that different openers can work better than others, depending on the law school prompt. 

To recap, consider these elements as you write your law school personal statement’s introduction: 

• Aim for an attention-grabbing hook 
• Don’t purposefully aim for shock value: it can sometimes seem unauthentic 
• Use adjectives and imagery to paint a scene for your reader 
• Identify which opening method works best for the law school prompt and your story
• Don’t leave the reader hanging for too long to find out what your narrative is about
• Be concise 

Writing a law school personal statement introduction can be difficult, but these examples and tips can help you get the attention your writing deserves.

How to Write a Law School Personal Statement

Now that you’re equipped with great advice and tips to start your law school statement, it’s time to tackle the body of your essay. These tips will show you how to write a personal statement for law school to captivate the admissions committee. 

Understand the Prompt

While many law schools have similar personal statement prompts, you should carefully examine what's being asked of you before diving in. Consider these top law school personal statement prompts to see what we mean: 

• Yale Law School : “The personal statement should help us learn about the personal, professional, and/or academic qualities an applicant would bring to the Law School community. Applicants often submit the personal statement they have prepared for other law school applications.”
• University of Chicago Law : “Our application does not provide a specific topic or question for the personal statement because you are the best judge of what you should write. Write about something personal, relevant, and completely individual to you.”
• NYU Law : “Because people and their interests vary, we leave the content and length of your statement to your discretion. You may wish to complete or clarify your responses to items on the application form, bring to our attention additional information you feel should be considered, describe important or unusual aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application, or tell us what led you to apply to NYU School of Law.”

Like all law personal statements, these three prompts are pretty open-ended. However, your Yale personal statement should focus on how you’d contribute to a law school community through professional and academic experience and qualities. 

For UChicago Law, you don’t even need to write about a law-related topic if you don’t want to. However, when it comes to a school like NYU Law , you probably want to mix your qualities, experiences, and what led you to apply. 

Differing prompts are the reason you’ll need to create multiple copies of your personal statement! 

Follow Formatting Directions 

Pay extra attention to each school's formatting directions. While we've discussed basic guidelines for law school personal statement formats, it's essential to check if there is anything different you need to do. 

While working on your rough drafts, copy and paste the prompt and directions at the top of the page so you don't forget. 

Brainstorm Narratives/Anecdotes Based on the Prompt

You may have more wiggle room with some prompts than others regarding content. However, asking yourself these questions can generally help you direct your personal statement for any law school:

• What major personal challenges or recent hardships have you faced? 
• What was one transformative event that impacted your life’s course or perspective? 
• What are your hobbies or special interests? 
• What achievements are you most proud of that aren’t stated in your application? 
• What experience or event changed your values or way of thinking? 
• What’s something you’re passionate about that you got involved in? What was the result of your passion? 
• How did your distinct upbringing, background, or culture put you on the path to law school? 
• What personal or professional experiences show who you are? 

Keep in mind that this isn't an exhaustive list. Consider your personal and professional experiences that have brought you to this point, and determine which answers would make the most compelling story. 

Pettit College of Law recommends you "go through your transcripts, application, and resume. Are there any gaps or missing details that your personal statement could cover?” If you've listed something on your resume that isn't further discussed, it could make a potential personal statement topic. 

Do More Than Recount: Reflect

Recounting an event in a summarized way is only one piece of your law school personal statement. Even if you’re telling an outlandish or objectively interesting story, stopping there doesn’t show admissions committees what they need to know to judge your candidacy. 

The University of Washington suggests that “describing the event should only be about 1/3 of your essay. The rest should be a reflection on how it changed you and how it shaped the person you are today.” Don’t get stuck in the tangible details of your anecdote; show what the experience meant to you. 

Beth O'Neil , Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at UC Berkeley School of Law , said, "Applicants also tend to state and not evaluate. They give a recitation of their experience but no evaluation of what effect that particular experience had on them, no assessment of what certain experiences or honors meant." 

Consider What Qualities You Want to Show

No matter what direction you want to take your law school personal statement, you should consider which qualities your narrative puts on display. Weaving your good character into your essay can be difficult. Outwardly claiming, "I'm a great leader!" doesn't add much value. 

However, telling a story about a time you rose to the occasion to lead a group successfully toward a common goal shows strong leadership. "Show, don't tell" may be an overused statement, but it's a popular sentiment for a reason. 

Of course, leadership ability isn't the only quality admissions committees seek. Consider the qualities you possess and those you'd expect to find in a great lawyer and check to see the overlap. Some qualities you could show include: 

• Intelligence 
• Persuasiveness 
• Compassion 
• Professionalism 

Evaluate the anecdotes you chose after your brainstorming session and see if any of these qualities or others align with your narrative. 

Keep Your Writing Concise

Learning how to write a personal statement for law school means understanding how to write for concision. Most prompts won't have a word limit but ask you to cap your story at two pages, double-spaced. Unfortunately, that's not a lot of space to work with. 

Although your writing should be compelling and vibrant, do your best to avoid flowery language and long, complicated sentences where they’re not needed. Writing for concision means eliminating unnecessary words, cutting down sentences, and getting the point quickly.  

Georgetown University’s take on law school personal statements is to “Keep it simple and brief. Big words do not denote big minds, just big egos.” A straightforward narrative means your reader is much less likely to be confused or get lost in your story (in the wrong way). 

Decide the Depth and Scope of Your Statement 

Since you only have two (or even three) pages to get your point across, you must consider the depth and scope of your narrative. While you don’t want to provide too little information, remember that you don’t have the room to summarize your entire life story (and you don’t have to do that anyway). 

UChicago Law’s advice is to “Use your discretion - we know you have to make a choice and have limited space. Attempting to cover too much material can result in an unfocused and scattered personal statement.” Keep the depth and scope of your narrative manageable. 

Ensure It’s Personal Enough 

UChicago Law states, "If someone else could write your personal statement, it probably is not personal enough." This doesn't mean that you must pick the most grandiose, shocking narrative to make an impact or that you can't write about something many others have probably experienced. 

Getting personal means only you can write that statement; other people may be able to relate to an experience, but your reflection, thoughts, feelings, and reactions are your own. UChicago Law sees applicants fall into this pitfall by writing about a social issue or area of law, so tread these topics carefully.

Mix the Past and Present, Present and Future, Or All Three 

Harvard Law School’s Associate Director Nefyn Meissner said your personal statement should “tell us something about who you are, where you’ve been, and where you want to go.” 

Echoing this, Jon Perdue , Yale Law School's Director of Recruiting and Diversity Initiatives, states that the three most common approaches to the Yale Law School personal statement are focusing on: 

• The past: discussing your identity and background 
• The present: focusing on your current work, activities, and interests 
• The future: the type of law you want to pursue and your ideal career path 

Perdue said that truly stellar personal statements have a sense of “movement” and touch on all or two of these topics. What does this mean for you? While writing your law school personal statement, don’t be afraid to touch on your past, present, and future. However, remember not to take on too much content! 

Keep the Focus On You 

This is a common pitfall that students fall into while writing a law school personal statement . UChicago Law cites that this is a common mistake applicants make when they write at length about: 

• A family member who inspired them or their family history 
• Stories about others 
• Social or legal issues 

Even if someone like your grandmother had a profound impact on your decision to pursue law, remember that you’re the star of the show. Meissner said , “Should you talk about your grandmother? Only if doing so helps make the case for us to admit you. Otherwise, we might end up wanting to admit your grandmother.” Don’t let historical figures, your family, or anyone else steal your spotlight. 

Decide If You Need to Answer: Why Law? 

Writing about why you want to attend law school in general or a school in particular depends on the prompt. Some schools welcome the insight, while others (like Harvard Law) don't. Meissner said, “Should you mention you want to come to HLS? We already assume that if you’re applying.”

However, Perdue said your law school personal statement for Yale should answer three questions: 

• Why law school?

Some schools may invite you to discuss your motivation to apply to law school or what particular elements of the school inspired you to apply. 

Don’t List Qualifications or Rehash Your Resume 

Your personal statement should flow like a story, with an identifiable beginning, middle, and end. Simply firing off your honors and awards, or summarizing the experiences on your resume, doesn’t tell the admissions committee anything new about you. 

Your personal statement is your opportunity to show how your unique experiences shaped you, your qualities, and the person you are behind your LSAT scores and GPA. Think about how you can show who you are at your core. 

Avoid Legalese, Jargon, And Sophisticated Terms 

The best law school personal statements are written in straightforward English and don't use overly academic, technical, or literary words. UChicago Law recommends avoiding legalese or 

Latin terms since the "risk you are incorrectly using them is just too high." 

Weaving together intricate sentence structures with words you pulled out of a thesaurus won’t make your personal statement a one-way ticket to acceptance. Be clear, straightforward, and to the point. 

Don’t Put Famous Quotes In Your Writing 

Beginning your law school personal statement with a quote is not only cliche but takes the focus off of you. It also eats up precious space you could fill with your voice. 

Revise, Revise, Revise 

Even the most talented writers never submit a perfect first draft. You'll need to do a lot of revisions before your personal statement is ready for submission. This is especially true because you'll write different versions for different law schools; these iterations must be edited to perfection. 

Ensure you have enough time to make all the edits and improvements you need before you plan to submit your application. Although most law schools have rolling admissions, submitting a perfected application as soon as possible is always in your best interest. 

Have an Admission Consultant Review Your Hard Work 

Reviewing so many personal statements by yourself is a lot of work, and most writing can always benefit from a fresh perspective. Get help from law school admissions consultants to edit your personal statements to perfection and maximize your chances of acceptance at your dream school!

How to End Your Personal Statement for Law School 

Law school personal statement conclusions are just as open-ended as your introductions. There are a few options for ending a personal statement depending on the prompt you’re writing for:

Some of these methods can overlap with each other. However, there are two more things you should always consider when you're ready to wrap up your story: the tone you're leaving on and how you can make your writing fit with your narrative's common thread. 

You should never want to leave your reader on a low note, even if you wrote about something that isn’t necessarily happy. You should strive to end your personal statement with a tone that’s hopeful, happy, confident, or some other positive feeling. 

Your last sentences should also give the impression of finality; your reader should understand that you’re wrapping up and not be left wondering where the rest of your statement is. 

So, what's the common thread? This just means that your narrative sticks to the overarching theme or event you portrayed at the beginning of your writing. Bringing your writing full circle makes a more satisfying conclusion.

Personal Statement for Law School Conclusion Examples

Evaluating law school personal statement conclusions can help you see what direction authors decided to take with their writing. Let’s circle back to the sample personal statement openings for law school and examine their respective conclusions. The first example explains the applicant’s motivation to attend Harvard Law. 

Sample Personal Statement for Law School Conclusion #1

“…Attorneys and legal scholars have paved the way for some of the greatest civil rights victories for women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and (people living with disabilities). At Harvard Law School, I will prepare to join their ranks by studying with the nation's leading legal scholars. 

For the past months, I have followed Harvard Law School student responses to the events in Ferguson and New York City. I am eager to join a law school community that shares my passion for using the law to achieve real progress for victims of discrimination. With an extensive history of advocacy for society's most marginalized groups, I believe Harvard Law School will thoroughly train me to support and empower communities in need. 

Our act of civil disobedience that December day ended when the Tower’s bells rang out in two bars, hearkening half-past noon. As we stood up and gathered our belongings, we broke our silence to remind everyone of a most basic truth: Black lives matter.” 

What Makes This Conclusion Effective 

Although Harvard Law School states there's no need to explain why you want to apply, this law school statement is from an HLS graduate, and we can assume this was written before the advice changed. 

In his conclusion, he relates and aligns his values with Harvard Law School and how joining the community will help him fulfill his mission to empower communities in need. The last paragraph circles back to the anecdote described in his introduction, neatly wrapping up the event and signaling a natural end to his story. 

This author used these strategies: the motivation to attend a specific law school, stating his mission, and subtly reiterating what his acceptance would bring to the school. The next example conclusion worked at UChicago Law: 

Sample Personal Statement for Law School Conclusion #2

“Songs can be rewritten and reinterpreted as situation permits, but missteps are obvious because the fundamental laws of music and harmony do not change.

Although my formal music education ended when I entered college, the lessons I have learned over the years have remained close and relevant to my life. I have acquired a lifestyle of discipline and internalized the drive for self-improvement. I have gained an appreciation for the complexities and the subtleties of interpretation. 

I understand the importance of having both a sound foundation and a dedication to constant study. I understand that to possess a passion and personal interest in something, to think for myself is just as important.”

What Made This Conclusion Effective

This law school personal statement was successful at UChicago Law. Although the writing has seemingly nothing to do with law or the author's capability to become a great lawyer, the author has effectively used the "show, don't tell" advice. 

The last paragraph implements the focus on qualities or skills strategy. Although related to music, the qualities they describe that a formal music education taught her mesh with the qualities of a successful lawyer: 

• A drive for self-improvement 
• The ability to interpret information 
• The ability to learn consistently 
• The ability to think for herself 

Overall, this essay does an excellent job of uncovering her personality and relating to the opening paragraph, where she describes how she fell in love with music.

2 Law School Personal Statement Examples From Admitted Students

These are two law school personal statement examples that worked. We'll review the excerpts below and describe what made them effective and if there's room for improvement. 

Law School Personal Statement Example #1

This is an excerpt of a law personal statement that worked at UChicago Law : 

“The turning point of my college football career came early in my third year. At the end of the second practice of the season, in ninety-five-degree heat, our head coach decided to condition the entire team. Sharp, excruciating pain shot down my legs as he summoned us repeatedly to the line to run wind sprints. 

I collapsed as I turned the corner on the final sprint. Muscle spasms spread throughout my body, and I briefly passed out. Severely dehydrated, I was rushed to the hospital and quickly given more than three liters of fluids intravenously. As I rested in a hospital recovery room, I realized my collapse on the field symbolized broader frustrations I felt playing college football.

I was mentally and physically defeated. In South Dakota, I was a dominant football player in high school, but at the Division I level, my talent was less conspicuous. In my first three years, I was convinced that obsessively training my body to run faster and be stronger would earn me a starting position. The conditioning drill that afternoon revealed the futility of my approach. I had thrust my energies into becoming a player I could never be. As a result, I lost confidence in my identity.

I considered other aspects of my life where my intellect, work ethic, and determination had produced positive results. I chose to study economics and English because processing abstract concepts and ideas in diverse disciplines were intuitively rewarding…Gathering data, reviewing previous literature, and ultimately offering my own contribution to economic knowledge was exhilarating. Indeed, undergraduate research affirmed my desire to attend law school, where I could more thoroughly satisfy my intellectual curiosity…My efforts generated high marks and praise from professors, but this success made my disappointment with football more pronounced.

The challenge of collegiate athletics felt insurmountable. However, I reminded myself that at the Division I level, I was able to compete with and against some of the best players in the country…After the hospital visit, my football position coach—sensing my mounting frustrations—offered some advice. Instead of devoting my energies almost exclusively to physical preparation, he said, I should approach college football with the same mental focus I brought to my academic studies. I began to devour scouting reports and to analyze the complex reasoning behind defensive philosophies and schemes. I studied film and discovered ways to anticipate plays from the offense and become a more effective player. Armed with renewed confidence, I finally earned a starting position in the beginning of my fourth year…

‍I had received the highest grade on the team. After three years of A’s in the classroom, I finally earned my first ‘A’ in football. I used mental preparation to maintain my competitive edge for the rest of the season. Through a combination of film study and will power, I led my team and conference in tackles…The most rewarding part of the season, though, was what I learned about myself in the process. When I finally stopped struggling to become the player I thought I needed to be, I developed self-awareness and confidence in the person I was.

The image of me writhing in pain on the practice field sometimes slips back into my thoughts as I decide where to apply to law school. College football taught me to recognize my weaknesses and look for ways to overcome them. I will enter law school a much stronger person and student because of my experiences on the football field and in the classroom. My decision where to attend law school mirrors my decision where to play college football. I want to study law at the University of Chicago Law School because it provides the best combination of professors, students, and resources in the country. In Division I college football, I succeeded when I took advantage of my opportunities. I hope the University of Chicago will give me an opportunity to succeed again.”

Why This Personal Statement Example Worked

The beginning of this personal statement includes vivid imagery and sets up a relevant anecdote for the reader: the writer’s injury while playing football. At the end of the introduction, he sets up a fantastic transition about his broader frustrations, compelling us to keep reading. 

The essay's body shows the writer's vulnerability, making it even more personal; it can be challenging to talk about feelings, like losing your confidence, but it can help us relate to him. 

The author sets up a transition to writing more about his academic ability, his eventual leadership role on the team, and developing the necessary qualities of a well-rounded lawyer: self-awareness and confidence. 

Finally, the author rounds out his statement by circling back to his opening anecdote and showing the progress he’s made from there. He also describes why UChicago Law is the right school for him. To summarize, the author expertly handled: 

• Opening with a descriptive anecdote that doesn’t leave the reader hanging for too long 
• Being vulnerable in such a way that no one else could have written this statement 
• Doing more than recounting an event but reflecting on it 
• Although he introduced his coach's advice, he kept himself the focal point of the story 
• He picked a focused event; the writer didn’t try to tackle too much content 
• His conclusion references his introduction, signalling the natural end of the story 
• The ending also reaffirms his passion for pursuing law, particularly at UChicago Law 

Law School Personal Statement Example #2 

This law school personal statement excerpt led to acceptance at Boston University Law. 

“She sat opposite me at my desk to fill out a few forms. Fumbling her hands and laughing uncomfortably, it was obvious that she was nervous. Sandra was eighteen, and her knowledge of English was limited to “yes” and “hello.” While translating the initial meeting between Sandra and her attorney, I learned of her reasons for leaving El Salvador. She had been in an abusive relationship, and though she wasn’t ready to go into detail just yet, it was clear from the conversation that her boyfriend had terrorized her and that the El Salvadoran police were of no help…Eventually, Sandra was given a credible fear interview. The interviewer believed that she had a real fear of returning to El Salvador, and Sandra was released from detention with an Immigration Court hearing notice in her hand. She had just retained our office to present her asylum case to the Immigration Judge.

I tried to imagine myself in Sandra’s shoes. She hadn’t finished high school, was in a completely new environment, and had almost no understanding of how things worked in the US. Even the harsh New England winter must have seemed unnatural to her. Having lived abroad for a couple of years, I could relate on some level; however, the circumstances of my stay overseas were completely different. I went to Spain after graduating from college to work in an elementary school, improve my Spanish skills, and see a bit of the world…I had to ask hundreds of questions and usually make a few attempts before actually accomplishing my goal. Frustrating though it was, I didn’t have so much riding on each of these endeavors. If I didn’t have all the necessary paperwork to open a bank account one day, I could just try again the next day. Sandra won’t be afforded the same flexibility in her immigration process, where so much depends on the ability to abide by inflexible deadlines and procedures. Without someone to guide her through the process, ensuring that all requirements are met, and presenting her case as persuasively as possible, Sandra will have little chance of achieving legal status in the United States…

Before starting at my current position at Joyce & Associates, an immigration law firm in Boston, I had long considered a career in law. Growing up, I was engaged by family and school debates about public policy and government. In college, I found my constitutional law courses challenging and exciting. Nonetheless, it wasn’t until I began working with clients like Sandra that I became convinced that a career in law is the right choice for me. Playing my part as a legal assistant in various immigration cases, I have been able to witness how a career in immigration advocacy is both intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling. I have seen the importance of well-articulated arguments and even creativity in arguing a client’s eligibility for an immigration benefit. I have learned that I excel in critical thinking and in examining detail, as I continually consider the consistency and possible implications of any documents that clients provide in support of their application. But most importantly, I have realized how deserving many of these immigrants are. Many of the clients I work with are among the most hardworking and patriotic people I have encountered…

‍I am equally confident that I would thrive as a student at Boston University, where I would be sure to take full advantage of the many opportunities available. The school’s Asylum and Human Rights Clinic and Immigration Detention Clinic would offer me invaluable experiences in various immigration settings…Given my experiences in an immigration firm, I know that I would have much to offer while participating in these programs, but even more to learn. And while I find BU’s immigration programs to be especially appealing, I am equally drawn to the Boston University experience as a whole…I hope to have the opportunity to face those challenges and to contribute my own experiences and drive to the Boston University community.”

This statement makes excellent use of opening with an experience that sets the writer's motivation to attend law school in motion. We're introduced to another person in the story in the introduction before the author swivels and transitions to how she'd imagine herself in Sandra's shoes. 

This transition shows empathy, and although the author could relate to her client's struggles on a more superficial level, she understood the gravity of her situation and the hardships that awaited her. 

The author backpedals to show how she's cultivated an interest in law in college and explored this interest to know it's the right choice for her. The conclusion does an excellent job of referencing exactly how BU Law will help her achieve her mission. To recap, this personal statement was effective because: 

• She started her personal statement with a story 
• Although the writer focuses on an event with another person, she moves the focus back to her 
• The author’s statement shows qualities like empathy, compassion, and critical thinking without explicitly stating it 
• She connects her experiences to her motivation to attend law school 
• This statement has movement: it references the author’s past, present, and future 
• She ends her statement by explaining in detail why BU Law is the right school for her 

Although this personal statement worked, circling back to the opening anecdote in the conclusion, even with a brief sentence, would have made the conclusion more impactful and fortified the common thread of her narrative.

How to Write Personal Statement For Law School: FAQs

Do you still have questions about how to write a personal statement for law school? Read on to learn more. 

1. What Makes a Good Personal Statement for Law School? 

Generally, an excellent personal statement tells a relevant story, showcases your best qualities, is personal, and creatively answers the prompt. Depending on the prompt, a good personal statement may describe your motivation to attend law school or why a school, in particular, is perfect for you. 

2. Should I Write a Separate Personal Statement for Each School? 

Depending on the prompts, you may be able to submit the same or similar personal statements to different schools. However, you’ll likely need more than one version of your statement to apply to different schools. Generally, students will write a few versions of their statements to meet personal statement instructions. 

3. How Long Should My Personal Statement Be? 

Personal statement length requirements vary by school, but you can generally expect to write approximately two pages, double-spaced. 

4. What Should You Not Put In a Law School Personal Statement? 

Your personal statement shouldn’t include famous quotes, overly sophisticated language, statements that may offend others, and unhelpful or inappropriate information about yourself. 

5. What Do I Write My Law School Personal Statement About? 

The answer depends on the prompt you need to answer. Consider your experiences and decide which are impactful, uncover your personality, show your motivation to attend law school, or show your impressive character traits. 

6. Does the Personal Statement Really Matter for Law School? 

Top LSAT scores and high GPAs may not be enough, especially at the T-14 law schools. Due to the high level of competition, you should take advantage of your personal statement to show why you’re an excellent candidate. So yes, they do matter.

Writing A Law School Personal Statement is Easy With Juris

Writing a personal statement can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Juris Education is committed to helping you learn how to write a law school personal statement with ease. We help future law school students develop their narratives, evaluate writing to ensure it’s in line with what law schools expect, and edit statements to perfection. 

A stellar personal statement helps you stand out and can help you take that last step to attending the law school of your dreams.

Schedule A Free Consultation

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SMU Personal Statement Prompt Forum

SMU Personal Statement Prompt

Post by irenic » Sun Nov 21, 2010 11:14 pm

Re: SMU Personal Statement Prompt

Post by MysticalWheel » Mon Nov 22, 2010 12:31 am

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Privacy | Terms

Getting into SMU Law School

By Mehran Ebadolahi Mehran Ebadolahi -->

SMU Law School Overview

Founded in 1925, Southern Methodist University's Dedman School of Law is an ABA-accredited law school in Dallas, Texas. Commonly referred to as SMU Law School, it boasts a serene environment within Southern Methodist University, the parent institution.

The campus is about five miles north of downtown Dallas. The location is ideal for students looking to pursue their legal studies in a friendly learning environment near a lively urban center. The six-acre, self-contained Law School Quadrangle offers law students convenient access to all the law school facilities.

SMU Law School features a relatively small entering class, a stellar faculty, and illustrious guest lecturers. With these attributes, the law school provides students with a scholarly community and valuable learning opportunities.

The school of law has a global reputation for training distinguished lawyers for both legal and corporate futures. SMU Law School allows students to complete a full-time J.D. in three years or a part-time J.D. in four years.

The school also offers two dual degree programs:

• D./M.B.A. through the Cox School of Business
• D./M.A. in Economics through the Department of Economics

Students can complete dual degree programs in four years. SMU Law School degree programs aim to enhance careers in public service, private legal practice, and teaching.

The law school designed the programs to emphasize knowledge of legal theory and legal policies.  The programs also help to widen each student's legal perspectives and promote the development of legal writing and research skills.

The SMU Law School also awards partial scholarships to full-time LL.M. candidates. Students don't need to apply for the scholarships since their admission applications also serve as their scholarship applications.

Additionally, SMU's Dedman School of Law offers more than five clinics. These help students gain practical experience in legal areas such as consumer law and criminal defense.

The clinics include the:

• Consumer Advocacy Project
• Criminal Justice Clinic
• Civil Clinic
• Patent Law Clinic
• Federal Taxpayers Clinic
• Small Business and Trademark Clinic

Students can also participate in more than 30 organizations, which include:

• The Hispanic Law Students Association
• The Older Wiser Law Students (OWLS) group
• Aggie Law Society
• Association for Public Interest Law
• Association of Law & Politics
• Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA)

SMU Law School requires J.D. students to complete at least 30 hours of pro bono work before graduation. The law school is also home to five independent legal journals:

• The International Lawyer
• The SMU Law Review
• Journal of Air Law & Commerce
• The SMU Science & Technology Law Review
• Law & Business Review of the Americas

Robert Dedman, the founder of ClubCorp, Inc., is one of the prominent alumni of SMU Law School. Other notable alumni of the school are Edward Rust, chairman and CEO of State Farm Insurance, and Angela Braly, CEO of healthcare company WellPoint, Inc.

SMU Law School Rankings

Various law school ranking systems help applicants compare different factors as they choose the best match to fit their needs. Attending a higher-ranking law school will often improve a graduate's employment prospects. According to the U.S. News and World Report's 2021 rankings, SMU is the 56 th best law school in the U.S.

In 2019, the National Law Journal ranked SMU Law School No. 27 among "go-to" law schools. Business Insider ranked the law school No. 21 among Law Schools with the best alumni network—some good connections who may help graduates find law-related jobs.

In 2016, Law Street Media ranked the school 3 rd in the country for real estate law and 8 th for tax law. SmartClass ranked the law school between No. 24 and No. 37 in the U.S. from 2008 to date. SMU Law's position has been rising yearly since the establishment of the SmartClass ranking.

What's more, SMU Law School ranked 73 rd in Kiplinger's 2017 list of Best Values in Private Colleges and in the top 300 of all universities.

SMU Law School Admissions

What is the smu law school acceptance rate.

SMU is a competitive law school that accepts about 42% of its applicants. When it comes to admissions, the law school prefers excellent, well-rounded students with strong academic backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives that promise to enrich its education community.

The school considers each component of the application to determine acceptance. The components include LSAT score, undergraduate performance, work experience, graduate studies, personal statement, and recommendation letters.

For the 2021 entering class, 1706 candidates submitted their applications, out of whom 706 got accepted. That's a 41.38% acceptance rate. 212 of those 706 admitted candidates enrolled in SMU Law School's entering class in 2021.

1706 candidates completed applications for the class of 2021. 706 received admission offers, translating to a 41.38% acceptance rate. 244 of the admitted candidates enrolled in the fall of 2021.

The class of 2021 had a 161 median LSAT score and a 3.63 median undergraduate GPA. It's worth noting that the Dedman School of Law uses the applicant's highest reported LSAT when it comes to awarding admissions and scholarships. It doesn't consider multiple LSAT scores.

To qualify for admission to SMU Law School, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Applicants who didn't conduct their undergraduate degree in English need to take a TOEFL/IELTS test. and must attain the following minimum scores:

• IELTS: 7.5 overall band

Here some additional statistics for SMU Law School admissions:

SMU Law School LSAT Percentiles

 2022 Entering Class Profile

What Is The Tuition For SMU Law School?

What Are The Living Expenses At SMU Law School?

What Are The Housing Options At SMU Law School?

BAR Passage Rates at SMU Law School

Application Deadlines

When will the smu law school application materials be available.

SMU Law School application materials are available year round through their website .

When does SMU Law School begin accepting applications?

SMU Law School begins accepting applications in September.

How are applications to SMU Law School submitted?

Applicants should submit an electronic application through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) website. Applicants must submit all required materials in order to have their applications reviewed. They may also submit up to three (3) letters of recommendation via the CAS Letter of Recommendation Service.

Does SMU Law School have an "early admission" or an "early decision" process?

SMU Law School has a non-binding early decision program. The school may accept, deny, or hold the early decision applications for further review. The applications held for further review are considered at the same time as regular decision applications.

How much is the application fee and when is the deadline?

Does SMU Law School grant interviews?

SMU Law School only grants interviews to the shortlisted applicants.

Employment After SMU Dedman Law School

SMU Law School boasts an impressive employment rate, with at least 80% of graduates getting jobs within ten months after graduation. In 2014, the law school ranked 1 st among Texas law schools in placement for permanent, full-time jobs that require bar passage and J.D. advantage jobs.

For the class of 2016, 88.5% of graduates received full-time, long-term, bar-passage-required, J.D. advantage, and professional positions nine months after graduation.

According to the school's official 2018 ABA-required disclosures, 80% of the Class of 2018 found full-time, long-term, J.D.-required jobs nine months after graduation. The remaining 20% of the Class of 2018 was either pursuing an additional degree or working in a non-professional, temporary, or part-time job nine months after graduation. The class of 2019 had an even higher employment rate of 93%.

SMU Law School graduates tend to find jobs in diverse fields, including law, law enforcement, banking & finance, education, and consulting. Others find employment in judicial clerkships, information technology, medicine, sales & marketing, real estate, or social work.

The healthy employment rate is a manifestation of SMU's commitment to helping students attain their career goals through a personalized career development program. While most of the law school's graduates opt to practice in Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, some graduates hold influential positions regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Every year, many private law firms, companies, public interest organizations, and government agencies visit SMU Law School to recruit students for summer clerkships and permanent employment.

The following breakdown shows the sectors in which SMU Law School graduates go to work once they complete their degree programs:

• Business: 25%
• Law firms: 62%
• Government: 6%
• Public interest: 1%
• Academia: 2%

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Personal Statements

Because there is no formula for a strong personal statement, it is difficult to give advice on what you should do when drafting your statement. However, here are some things to try and avoid:

1. Avoid writing your complete autobiography.

Personal statements are typically two to three pages long, so if you try to discuss everything that happened to you since you were born, every life event will get only a sentence or two. When writing your personal statement, think of depth, not breadth. You want to be able to share enough detail that the admission professional reviewing your application will feel like they know you and can envision you as a part of their student body.

That is not to say that writing down all your significant life events is not an important part of the personal statement writing process. In the brainstorming stage, you should write down everything you think may be a possible topic, then set your list aside for a day or two. When you come back with fresh eyes, try to identify one or two related topics that you can use to write a compelling narrative.

2. Don’t write a biography of someone else.

When writing about someone who has inspired you to go to law school, whether it is a family member or a mentor, applicants often write compelling stories about that person and never turn the lens on themselves. Remember: You, not your mentor or your family member, are applying to law school.

If you write about a person who has inspired you, keep it brief and make sure to shift the lens back to you. Share the ways in which that person impacted your life. How did they inspire you? What do you want to change on their behalf? How did they impact the way in which you view the world?

3. Don’t narrate your résumé or transcripts.

Law schools will look at both these documents very closely, so you do not want to duplicate a story they will already be able to piece together themselves. If you are going to share a story about a class or a particular work experience, make sure you go deeper than what can be found elsewhere in your application. Remember, depth, not breadth!

4. Don’t submit an unpolished personal statement.

In addition to telling the admission committee what matters to you in your own voice, the personal statement is a writing sample. Make sure to edit it closely and ensure you have a compelling narrative, as well as correct spelling and grammar.

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Personal Statement Dos & Donts

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SMU --> © Southern Methodist University         SMU’s singular approach to integrating rigorous learning with will prepare you to achieve your educational goals and expand your world in ways you never imagined. Ours is a community of people We’d like to help you shape yours.
	Southern Methodist University
	Sep 04, 2024   2020-2021 Graduate Catalog     2020-2021 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG] The Division of Student Affairs The Division of Student Affairs ( www.smu.edu/studentaffairs ) creates and supports a robust student experience and forges strategic partnerships to best serve the entire SMU community. As educators and scholar-practitioners, we create purposeful learning and leadership opportunities for students to clarify and develop their knowledge, values, skills, and identities – challenging each to become a world changer. The Division of Student Affairs is comprised of five different organizational units that each provide unique educational and supportive resources for students during their time at SMU: Student Wellbeing and Support, Student Engagement and Success, Residence Life and Student Housing, Religious Life, and the Hegi Family Career Development Center. Student Wellbeing and Support Health services. www.smu.edu/healthcenter The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center provides SMU students with campus access to quality, comprehensive and student-centered medical care, mental health services, and outreach programs designed to promote their health and wellbeing. The new 33,000 square foot state-of-the-art clinic facility is centrally located on campus at 6211 Bishop Boulevard. The Health Center is certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) for meeting rigorous nationally recognized standards and committing to delivering the highest quality of care. Medical Services. The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center provides a wide range of health services allowing students to receive primary care on campus. Services available include the treatment of acute illnesses, care of injuries, minor medical procedures, physical exams, STD testing, vaccinations, allergy injections, and limited specialty services. Additional ancillary services include a clinical laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, X-ray imaging and diagnostic services, and a part-time sports medicine clinic. For appointments and health information, students may call 214-768-2141 or visit www.smu.edu/healthcenter. Acute/After Hours Care. Students should call 911 for immediate response to life-threatening injuries or illnesses. For other urgent concerns after clinic hours, students should seek a local hospital or urgent care center. A listing of several hospital emergency rooms and after-hours urgent care facilities is provided for general reference on the Health Center website (www.smu.edu/healthcenter). Costs. The Health Services Fee, which is included in general student fees, covers routine medical visits and counseling appointments at the Health Center. Charges are assessed separately for lab services, x-rays, immunizations, medical supplies, pharmacy and specialty care. Claims are filed for students participating in the SMU Student Health Insurance Plan. Students with other insurance plans may request an itemized receipt in order to submit a claim for insurance reimbursement. The Pharmacy files claims for most insurance plans. Mandatory Health Insurance Policy. SMU students are required to maintain insurance coverage as a condition of their enrollment. The University offers the SMU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), which is administered by the Health Center’s Student Insurance Office. The plan provides coverage at a reasonable cost for most on- and off-campus health care. Information is available at www.smu.edu/healthinsurance. Domestic students taking nine or more credit hours and international students taking one credit hour or more are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) each semester unless they expressly waive coverage in their my.SMU account. Information about the waiver deadline is available online at smu.edu/healthinsurance. Domestic students taking between one and eight credit hours are eligible to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan on a voluntary basis. Pharmacy. A full service pharmacy is conveniently located in the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center to meet students’ prescription needs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The pharmacy is in network with most insurance plans. Prescriptions and refills may be transmitted directly to the pharmacy from the student’s physician. Immunizations. All students (undergraduate, graduate, part-time and full-time, to include international and IEP/ESL students) are required to have an SMU medical history form on file in the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center before registration. (Health history forms are available on the Health Center’s website at www.smu.edu/healthcenter).All students must also submit - to the Health Center - immunization records that provide proof of two doses of the vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella. These MMR immunizations must be documented by a physician, public health record, military health record or school health record. Students will not be allowed to register without immunization compliance. Texas state law requires all new students entering an institution of higher education under the age of 22 to provide proof of immunization for bacterial meningitis. The meningitis vaccine or a booster dose must have been received during the five-year period prior to enrollment and not less than ten days before the start of classes. Students seeking exemption from this requirement due to health risk or conscience, including religious belief, should see the second page of the SMU medical history health form. More information is found under Final Matriculation to the University in the Admission to the University section of this catalog. All required immunizations may be obtained at the Health Center. Class Absence Due to Illness. The Health Center does not issue excuses from classes for illness. Please refer to the Health Center website (www.smu.edu/healthcenter) for the Class Excuse Policy. Confidentiality and Privacy. Confidentiality and privacy of student health information is of paramount importance at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center. The Health Center follows all applicable state and federal laws related to the disclosure of medical and mental health information, and applies to the highest professional standards of care and privacy. All student-patient health service records are confidential. No information about a student can be released to any third party without the student’s written permission. Release of Medical Information. Patient health information and medical records are released only with a written release by the student. Students may sign a release allowing the Health Center to provide specific medical information with their parents, significant others or health care representatives. Health Education and Promotion. The Health Center’s Office for Community Health Promotion serves as a resource to enhance the well-being of SMU students in support of their learning and success. Health information is presented though engaging programs and services to help students make informed and healthy choices. The Health Center works with students to promote activities that create a healthy environment for the SMU community. Counseling Services. The Health Center provides crisis intervention, individual and group therapy, psychiatric evaluation and counseling referrals for SMU students. Use of all services is voluntary and strictly confidential. There is no charge to students who have paid the University health fee. Students can seek confidential help for concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationships, career/life planning, sexual identity, eating/body image and sexual assault/sexual harassment. Alcohol and drug prevention is a free and confidential source of help and information to the SMU community, covering issues related to substance abuse and addiction. Any laboratory tests or pharmaceuticals ordered will be charged to the student. For more information regarding scheduling appointments, students should call 214-768-2277 or visit www.smu.edu/counseling. Testing Services. Testing Services offers fee-based testing to the Dallas-area community. These services include on-campus administration of national testing programs such as the LSAT, MPRE, GRE and others. Other testing offered includes credit by exam (CLEP), and correspondence examinations for local distance learners enrolled in other universities. For additional information, students should visit www.smu.edu/testingprogram or call the center at 214-768-2269. Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports www.smu.edu/recsports The Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports provides aerobic studios, an indoor running track, basketball courts, volleyball courts (indoor and outdoor), racquetball courts, a climbing wall, a bouldering wall, a 25-yard recreational pool with five lanes, 15,000 square feet of fitness and weight equipment and a Starbucks in the lobby area. These facilities are open to SMU students, faculty, staff and paying members. Facilities/Operations. The center is a 170,000 square foot facility designed for recreational sports, wellness, programs and the traditions and spirit of SMU. Aquatics. SMU Aquatics features a five-lane, indoor recreational pool and an outdoor, zero-depth entry fountain pool known as “The Falls.” Students have opportunities to participate year-round in recreational swimming, sunbathing and water sports such as water basketball, volleyball and polo. Classes offered include water fitness, adult and child swimming lessons, children’s group lessons, and American Red Cross lifeguard training. Programs. A variety of services and programs are available, including club sports, fitness classes, intramural sports and the Outdoor Adventure program. Club Sports. Club sports offer an opportunity for students interested in concentrated training and participation in a sport. These recognized student organizations offer competition with other university/college club teams in baseball, cycling, ice hockey, men’s and women’s lacrosse, polo, rugby, men’s and women’s soccer, triathlon, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, wakeboarding and water polo. Fitness. SMU Fitness offers group exercise classes and personal training sessions. Group X exercise classes are offered throughout the day to accommodate a variety of schedules. Different types of cardio, strength and flexibility classes are available. Experienced and knowledgeable personal trainers offer sessions to train members of the University community, either one-on-one or in groups, to meet their personal fitness goals. All SMU Fitness programs have a fee for participation. Intramural Sports. Many opportunities for team and individual competition are available through intramural sports such as golf, racquetball, tennis, and dodgeball. The five major sports are flag football, volleyball, basketball, soccer and softball. Leagues provide year-round opportunities to participate in a wide variety of sports and activities. Additional leadership opportunities are available for those interested in officiating or supervising various activities. Outdoor Adventure. SMU Outdoor Adventures (OA) is the campus source for outdoor recreation and adventure, offering fun and challenging recreational adventure activities, community-building programs, and student leadership and personal growth opportunities. Students can sign up for SMU OA trips offering traditional and non-traditional outdoor adventure pursuits such as backpacking, rock climbing, caving and canoeing. SMU OA also manages the SMU Climbing Center, the indoor climbing and bouldering facility and the Portable Challenge and Team Development course. Spirit/Traditions. The Recreational Sports Department houses the spirit and traditions of SMU including the Cheer Squad, Mustang Band, Peruna, Pom Squad and the Rotunda Yearbook. Mustang Band. Founded in 1917, the Mustang Band was named the “Best College Marching Band” in Texas in Kirk Dooley’s Book of Texas Bests. Long known as “the hub of SMU spirit,” the band represents the University at football and basketball games, produces the Pigskin Revue during Homecoming and performs at special University- and community-related events. Membership is open to all SMU students by audition, regardless of major and scholarships based on need and ability are available. Rotunda Yearbook. For over 100 years, the Rotunda Yearbook has chronicled the history of Southern Methodist University. Named in December 1915 after the architecture of Dallas Hall, the Executive Council of the Student Association voted for the annual’s name after seven different students suggested it. From its beautiful art to captivating themes, the Rotunda has evolved with the times, earning national awards and recognition from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) and Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). Spirit Squads. Members are full-time students who dedicate their time, energy and athleticism to support Mustang Athletics. The Cheerleading Squad is a highly competitive team consisting of 20 to 30 young men and women. Twenty of the team’s members compete at NCA College Nationals held in Daytona Beach, Florida where the squad placed first in 2016, 2017 and once again in 2018. The Pom Squad is well known for their energetic performances and their ability to entertain a crowd. The dancing style of the team includes jazz, pom and hip-hop.  Peruna IX (2011-PRESENT) is the beloved mascot of the university and is accompanied by Peruna handlers that lead him across the field during football games. The Human Peruna Mascot is the costumed hero that represents SMU and is a traditional accessory to Peruna IX. Academic Integrity and Code of Conduct The honor code of southern methodist university. Intellectual integrity and academic honesty are fundamental to the processes of learning and of evaluating academic performance, and maintaining them is the responsibility of all members of an educational institution. The inculcation of personal standards of honesty and integrity is a goal of education in all the disciplines of the University. The faculty has the responsibility of encouraging and maintaining an atmosphere of academic honesty by being certain that students are aware of the value of it, understand the regulations defining it and know the penalties for departing from it. The faculty should, as far as is reasonably possible, assist students in avoiding the temptation to cheat. Faculty members must be aware that permitting dishonesty is not open to personal choice. A professor or instructor who is unwilling to act upon offenses is an accessory with the student offender in deteriorating the integrity of the University. Students must share the responsibility for creating and maintaining an atmosphere of honesty and integrity. Students should be aware that personal experience in completing assigned work is essential to learning. Permitting others to prepare their work, using published or unpublished summaries as a substitute for studying required material, or giving or receiving unauthorized assistance in the preparation of work to be submitted are directly contrary to the honest process of learning. Students who are aware that others in a course are cheating or otherwise acting dishonestly have the responsibility to inform the professor and/or bring an accusation to the Honor Council. Students and faculty members must share the knowledge that any dishonest practices permitted will make it more difficult for the honest students to be evaluated and graded fairly and will damage the integrity of the whole University. Students should recognize that their own interests and their integrity as individuals would suffer if they condone dishonesty in others. Code of Conduct The following are University procedures and standards with which every student must become familiar. The University considers matriculation at SMU an implicit covenant and a declaration of acceptance on the part of the student of all University regulations. The Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards (www.smu.edu/studentconduct) promotes community, scholarship and civility by holding students accountable to the Student Code of Conduct and the Honor Code. Standards of conduct are established through faculty, student and administrative efforts and are under continuous evaluation by the entire University community in order to assure reasonable and fair limits. At SMU, the student is assumed to have a high degree of loyalty and responsibility to the University and its well-being, as well as to himself or herself in personal, social and intellectual pursuits; the student’s behavior both on and off campus is evidence of this. Students at SMU will discover that they are encouraged to exercise a great amount of personal freedom as well as accompanying responsibilities. Through their personal capacities for intelligent thought and action, mature students understand that there are situations in which certain behavior must be modified for the benefit of others. The University stands firm in its commitments to the rights and freedoms of students, expecting in return the same respect and concern. Due respect for the entire University community, faculty, staff and one’s fellow students is always expected. The University expects all students to be responsible citizens and to abide by all federal, state and local laws. The University Code of Conduct applies to students both on and off campus. It is the University’s expectation that students will avoid behaviors such as, but not limited to, the misuse of drugs and alcohol, dishonesty, gambling, hazing, or behavior that endangers or threatens to endanger the health and safety of any person. Students are required to identify themselves when asked by a properly identified faculty or staff member, or by another student serving as a University staff member. Persons who are not members of the University community and without business on campus may be asked to leave. Conduct Review Process Clear disciplinary procedures are an important part of the mission of SMU as an educational institution. The intent of the system of due process at SMU is to be educational and not merely punitive for students. The goal continues to be to produce quality citizens. The purpose of the conduct review process is to encourage personal responsibility. Depending on the degree of misconduct, a student may be subject to sanctions ranging from an informal warning to expulsion from the University. In addition, a student may be assigned educational sanctions designed to promote personal growth and development. Should a student be asked to leave the University, he or she should do so in an expeditious and peaceful manner. The student should remain off campus until he or she receives written permission from the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards to return to campus. In the event of such separation, a student is still responsible for University financial obligations. To ensure fairness and due process for all students in the conduct process, the student is granted an impartial hearing and the right to appeal to the University Conduct Council. A student who is appealing a sanction may remain in school until the decision and penalty are reviewed, unless otherwise determined by the Dean of Students, the Vice President for Student Affairs, or their designee. All actions related to the conduct review process are subject to presidential review. Having voluntarily enrolled as students at Southern Methodist University and assumed a place in the University community, all students are presumed to be knowledgeable of, and have agreed to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in the Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the SMU Student Handbook, which is available online at www.smu.edu/StudentAffairs/StudentLife/StudentHandbook . Student Engagement and Success Department of student development, office of the student experience. The Office of the Student Experience designs a comprehensive student experience supporting students and their families from orientation to graduation. Using a leadership framework, all students are guided through collegiate transitions. With recognition of the unique needs of veterans, graduate, transfer, and international students, the office advocates for and provides support to these special populations.  Leadership The leadership programs available to students include the Emerging Leaders First-Year Leadership Development Program, the Crain Leadership Summit, and the Lonestar LeaderShape Institute. The Office of the Student Experience also supports student leadership development through the Caswell Leadership Program, for a group of selected students to develop projects focused on organizational leadership, faith-based leadership, community-based leadership, environmental leadership, fraternity and sorority leadership or culturally competent leadership. Parent and Family Programs Parents and families are supported through the Office of the Student Experience with a focus on assisting families to assist their students. Our office supports the SMU Mothers’ and Dads’ clubs, welcomes and supports new students and families during orientation, and supports family weekend. Special Population Support The Office of the Student Experience is committed to supporting all SMU students in their transitions into and through SMU. Additional support is coordinated for special student populations who may have unique factors that impact their transitions including Veteran, Transfer, International, and Graduate students. Women & LGBT Center www.smu.edu/womenandlgbtcenter The Women & LGBT Center works to increase awareness and understanding of gender, sexuality, and women’s issues on campus through social, cultural and academic programming and outreach. We provide empowering spaces for students to develop as leaders through purposeful learning, educational, and advocacy opportunities. We also advise, support, and develop student organizations focused on gender, sexuality, and women’s issues. Some of the organizations we advise include the Feminist Equality Movement, Women in Science and Engineering, and Spectrum: the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally organization. Also housed in the center is the SMU Women’s Symposium ( www.smu.edu/womsym ), which is part of the Education of Women for Social and Political Leadership series, established in 1966. Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement The Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement exists to connect students with opportunities to engage with and learn from the SMU campus, Dallas community, and beyond. The office prioritizes advocacy and awareness through immersive community engagement experiences and social justice education. There are two major functional areas of the office: community engagement and intercultural engagement.  The community engagement side of the office has signature service programs including The Big Event, Mustang Heroes, and Alternative Breaks—which provide students the opportunity to participate in immersive service experiences in Dallas and throughout the United States. The office also provides consulting services to individuals, classes, and offices to help connect them to meaningful and educational community engagement opportunities. In addition, the office sponsors intercultural engagement and social justice education programs to provide opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experiences that enhance student perspectives, and offers various leadership opportunities through culturally based student organizations, student coordinator positions, and the CONNECT Mentoring Program. For more information about our programs, please visit www.smu.edu/socialchange. Department of Student Involvement connect.smu.edu The mission of Student Involvement is to foster experiences and create spaces encouraging students to discover their interests and find a sense of belonging through involvement. Research shows that students who get involved, regardless of the type of activity, tend to be more successful during their college experience. Student Involvement supports more than 200 opportunities for SMU students through academic and professional associations, campus programming boards, community service coalitions, fraternities and sororities, governing boards, honor societies, multicultural organizations, political clubs, club sports, religious organizations, and special interest groups. Professional staff are available to answer student’s questions about getting involved and student organization operations. Additional information is available online, a list of student organizations organized by type or interest, membership requirements, contact information and event calendars. Student Involvement can also assist students in forming a new organization. To learn more visit connect.smu.edu. Eligibility Requirements. Students who hold office in a student organization or represent the University as a member of a sponsored campus group (Mustang Band, Alternative Breaks, etc.) must be matriculated in a University degree-granting program, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and may not be on academic probation. Student Government Through SMU’s system of representative governance, students participate with faculty and administration in the University’s decision-making process. The primary voice of students in this process is the student-elected Student Senate comprised of senators, committee chairs, general members, and student body officers. Hughes-Trigg Student Center www.smu.edu/htrigg The Hughes-Trigg Student Center supports the University’s mission by serving as the hub of student life and activities. The Student Center enhances the student experience by providing services, conveniences, amenities, and resources to facilitate programming. The Student Involvement staff strives to provide a safe and community-focused environment to meet the diverse needs of all individuals. Our space offerings include a 6,400 square-foot ballroom, a tiered, amphitheater-style forum classroom, a 470-person capacity auditorium, a convenience store, a food court with a multifunction dining space, a post office, office and meeting space for student organizations, several lounging and quiet areas for studying, and six meeting rooms. Residence Life and Student Housing www.smu.edu/housing The Department of Residence Life and Student Housing supports the goals of the University by creating residential communities that empower residents to value learning, citizenship and leadership in comfortable, well-maintained facilities. The department is responsible for the campus residential community, including all Residential Commons, Upper Division Housing, SMU-owned apartments, and SMU-owned Greek chapter houses. Hegi Family Career Development Center www.smu.edu/career The Hegi Family Career Development Center at SMU is dedicated to serving the needs of SMU students and alumni and assisting employers in reaching qualified candidates from SMU. The Career Development Center staff guides and encourages students and alumni in the development of skills necessary for lifelong career management and offers opportunities for employers to recruit students through campus events and online resources. At Hegi, the staff cares about helping students develop into well-rounded individuals, and is dedicated to values of consistency, authenticity and commitment to excellence. Career Drop-in Hours. The Career Center offers 15-minute drop-in sessions on a first-come, first-served, basis. In these sessions, students can discuss career options or get help editing a resume. Additional information is available on our website at www.smu.edu/career. Career Counseling Appointments. The Career Center also provides opportunities for career counseling appointments with a staff member. These longer sessions can help students navigate more complex issues, including major exploration, career exploration, professional skill building, and more. Peer Mentors. Peer Mentors are highly trained student leaders who help fellow students navigate the career development process, including assisting with drop-ins, editing cover letters and resumes, and representing Hegi at campus events. Career Development Ambassadors. CDA is a student organization designed to provide career development opportunities on the SMU Campus. CDAs organize events for the SMU community, which inspire engagement in the career development process, develop students’ career tools, and provide networking opportunities. Hegi Career Leaders. Hegi Career Leaders is an advanced professional development program for students who are interested in getting a jump start on their career journey. Students in this program have career development requirements to fulfill each semester. Hegi Career Leaders also have access to exclusive networking opportunities, special workshops, and additional resources that are available only to this group. Accepted students have the opportunity to complete up to 4 years of the program, but the program is completed in 1-year increments. Each year they complete will build on the previous ones, and focus on additional skills and career milestones. We recommend students begin their freshman year, so that they are as prepared as possible upon graduation! We work with students on topics such as choosing a major/minor, building their resume, researching industries and companies, writing cover letters, interviewing, networking, creating an elevator pitch, building their professional brand, job/internship searching, salary negotiation, graduate school applications, and more. Board Fellows Program. Our SMU Board Fellows Program is a partnership between the Hegi Family Career Development Center and the Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement which places students as non-voting members on nonprofit boards. This career development and community engagement opportunity offers a unique experiential learning and career development opportunity, successfully promotes student learning and intercultural engagement, and allows students to grow their professional and leadership skills while learning in a positive environment with seasoned professionals and involved community members. Experiential Learning. Want to learn more about an industry, company or specific job? Experiential learning is the best way to do so. Below are some easy ways to get connected: Lunch ‘n Learns: Meet an employer in an informal setting to learn about their career journey. SMU Connection: Connect and develop a relationship with an SMU alumnus/alumna who works in a career in which you are interested through a one day job shadow experience. Employer Site Visits: Shadow professionals and SMU alumni for the day and learn about their career path and what they do professionally through on-site corporate visits. Informational Interviews: Have a conversation with an alum and/or employer to build your network and learn about their education and career path. Employer Events. Our Office cultivates meaningful relationships with organizations and employers who are invested in networking with dynamic, talented and skilled SMU students. Throughout the year, the Career Center hosts 2-4 Career and Internship Fairs, along with a host of Employer Industry Panels, Company Information Sessions and Industry Training and Development Workshops. These events offer students an opportunity to work with employers and alumni and to learn the skills necessary to be successful in the workplace. Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life www.smu.edu/chaplain The Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life offers resources of pastoral care and theological reflection that nurture spiritual and vocational development as well as the moral and ethical vision and character of students, faculty and staff. Dr. Stephen W. Rankin is the chaplain and minister to the University community. Chaplain Rankin leads and preaches at weekly chapel service, an ecumenically Christian, all-University service of worship, each Wednesday at noon during the term. Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate through music, scripture readings or other expressions of worship. The Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life also plan other services, including the University Service of Memory, Ash Wednesday Service and memorial services as needed. Presently, there are more than 34 religious life organizations. Alongside the Christian groups aligned with denominations, local Dallas-area congregations or national parachurch ministries, SMU also has an active Hillel chapter for Jewish students, a bustling Muslim Student Association and other faith groups of various traditions. A large number of undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as many of SMU’s faculty, staff and administrators, participate in these religious communities. Additionally, the Office of the Chaplain partners with faculty members across campus to direct the Faith and Learning Scholars, a cohort of students who seek to integrate their faith with their academic pursuits. Participants can qualify for the community engagement proficiency. Similarly, the Civil Rights Pilgrimage, founded in 2004, is an eight-day spring break journey through the South whereby students encounter shrines of freedom and meet heroes of the civil rights movement. This collaboration with Dedman College offers students a transformative opportunity while earning academic credit. Chaplains are available for personal counseling and spiritual direction with students, faculty and staff during office hours. The Office of the Chaplain is located in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center, Suite 316. Residence Accommodations The University prides itself on offering a full living and learning experience for its resident students. The mission of the Department of Residence Life and Student Housing is to advance the goals and objectives of the University by creating residential communities that empower residents to value learning, citizenship and leadership. To this end, RLSH seeks opportunities to promote an intellectual culture in SMU’s residential communities that complements an already flourishing campus social culture. RLSH is responsible for residence halls, 11 Residential Commons and 10 SMU-owned Greek chapter houses. This responsibility includes making sure that facilities are well maintained and that students have opportunities to grow personally and excel academically. Housing Policy for All Students All incoming first-year undergraduate students are required to live on campus during their first two years at SMU. Exceptions may be granted on the basis of a financial, medical or personal hardship at the discretion of the dean of RLSH to those students from Dallas/Fort Worth who live with a parent or legal guardian in the primary residence of the parent or guardian. For housing purposes, the two years means the first two years of college. Incoming transfer students who are over the age of 16 and under the age of 20 are required to live on-campus for their first year at SMU. For 2020-2021, upperclass and graduate students are not required to live on campus but may apply on a space-available basis. Applications for Residence Applications for on-campus housing for new undergraduate students are accepted after a student has been admitted to the University and paid the University deposit to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. After the deposit has been processed, new students receive an email with instructions for completing the online application and housing license agreement. The University deposit includes the matriculation fee, orientation fee and advance housing deposit. These fees are nonrefundable. Notification of assignment will be made by RLSH. The housing license agreement is for the full academic year (fall and spring terms). Room charges for the fall term will be billed and are payable in advance of the term for students who register before August 1, and room charges for the spring term will be billed and are payable in advance of that term for students who register before December 1. Students who register after these dates must pay at the time of registration. Room charges for the full academic year will be due and payable should a student move out at any time during the school year. Accommodations for shorter periods are available only by special arrangement with RLSH before acceptance of the housing license agreement. It is important that applicants become familiar with the license agreement, as it is a legally binding document. Graduate Residence Accommodations The Department of Residence Life and Student Housing manages 22 apartment units designated for graduate students and undergraduate students over traditional age… Graduate students interested in availability should inquire with the Department of Residence Life and Student Housing, Southern Methodist University, PO Box 750215, Dallas TX 75275-0215; phone 214-768-2407; [email protected] . Special Housing Needs Students having special housing needs because of a disability should contact the SMU Office of Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies in order to establish eligibility for accommodations. When applying for housing, students should also submit information to RLSH regarding a request for accommodations. DASS and RLSH will work together with the student on their specific situation to make necessary accommodations. General Housing Information Each apartment is furnished with a Murphy bed, desk, dresser, kitchen dining table and chairs. All university residences have wired and wireless Ethernet connections to the University’s computer system. All residence halls are air-conditioned and some have individually climate-controlled rooms. Washing machines and dryers are located in all residence halls. Meal plans are not required in the graduate hall. For more information, students should visit www.smu.edu/housing or contact the Department of Residence Life and Student Housing, Southern Methodist University, PO Box 750215, Dallas TX 75275-0215; phone 214-768-2407; fax 214-768-4005; [email protected] . Undergraduate Admission Student Affairs Events Calendar George W. Bush Presidential Center Prospective Students Current Students Information for Faculty & Staff SMU Dedman School of Law The Law School of Dallas for 100 years Save the Date! Join us for the 2024 Tailgates, 4s and 9s Class Reunion, and All Alumni Night in the Law Quad! Exceptional Placement SMU Dedman Law students secure coveted positions in the most sought-after sectors of the industry. in the nation for percentage of graduates placed in long-term, full-time, bar-passage required or J.D. advantage jobs (TaxProf Blog) in the nation for placing students in the largest 100 law firms (Law.com) in the nation for placing students in judicial clerkships (Law.com) Shaping World Leaders in Law Dynamic Community Meet our students Outstanding Faculty Study with internationally recognized faculty. Career Development Connect with experienced mentors and career counselors. Apply today for priority consideration for scholarships and financial aid. How to Apply       Contact Admissions Student Spotlight Olivia Cahill Christopher Edwards Karen Nobrega Live and Study in Dallas Dallas has a fast-growing economy and is a top city for young attorneys. Deason Center’s Pamela Metzger Champions Public Defense August 21, 2024 First Amendment Clinic to Receive James Madison Award August 20, 2024 SMU Dedman Law Students Awarded Scholarships from FNREL August 15, 2024 SMU Hosts the Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Colloquium June 24, 2024 Rising Scholars Program Immerses High School Students in Legal Profession June 11, 2024 Deason Center Wins Federal Grant to Study American Public Defense Systems June 10, 2024 Trailblazer Series Welcomes Jonathan Weil '95 May 29, 2024 Class of 2024 Student Awards May 23, 2024 Upcoming events View all upcoming events Primary navigation menu Search the smu website, popular searches. Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Underwood Law Library J.D. Programs Graduate Programs Request info 286 COMMENTS How to Apply Admissions Brochure. We pride ourselves on a student body that is as rich and diverse as the courses it studies - one that brings their unique perspectives to the classroom. We invite you to learn more about becoming part of the distinguished group of individuals who have obtained a law degree from the SMU Dedman School of Law. View Brochure. Admissions Admissions. We are delighted you are considering SMU Dedman School of Law for your legal education. For nearly 100 years, this law school has trained women and men to be prominent lawyers in both business and law. The law school offers an exceptionally rich curriculum, opportunities for practical experience, all in a close-knit learning ... Application Steps This is a webpage for the SMU Pre-Law program describing the Law School application process to SMU Pre-Law students, as well as including helpful information and resources. ... Personal Statement. The personal statement is a writing sample that provides you an opportunity to make yourself memorable to the law school admissions committee. It ... SMU Law School: Admission Stats and Requirements SMU is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate ranging from 30% to 40%, depending on the year. Getting accepted to Southern Methodist University (SMU) Dedman School of Law requires a strong academic record, a competitive LSAT score, compelling letters of recommendation, a well-written personal statement, and often relevant work or ... Sample Law School Personal Statement Essays This sample law school personal statement is about half the length of Essay 1 and concentrates on the author's post-college work experience. In its brevity and focus it's the mirror image of Law School Essay 1. The contrast between the two highlights the diversity that can work in law school essays. 18 Law School Personal Statement Examples That Got Accepted! Law School Personal Statement Example #1. When I was a child, my neighbors, who had arrived in America from Nepal, often seemed stressed. They argued a lot, struggled for money, and seemed to work all hours of the day. One day, I woke early in the morning to a commotion outside my apartment. Tips For Law School Personal Statements: Examples, Resources And More A law school personal statement is a multi-paragraph essay or narrative highlighting the reason you are pursuing a J.D. degree. This essay is an opportunity to share your identity with an ... SMU Dedman School of Law Founded in 1925, SMU Dedman School of Law is located on a magnificent tree-lined campus in a beautiful residential neighborhood just five miles north of downtown Dallas. SMU offers an intimate learning community within a vibrant urban center. With a relatively small entering class size, an outstanding teaching faculty, and distinguished guest ... How to Write a Law School Personal Statement + Examples The simplest way to get the reader involved in your story is to start with a relevant anecdote that ties in with your narrative. Consider the opening paragraph from Harvard Law graduate Cameron Clark's law school personal statement: "At the intersection of 21st and Speedway, I lay on the open road. SMU Personal Statement Prompt Forum Re: SMU Personal Statement Prompt. by MysticalWheel » Mon Nov 22, 2010 5:31 am. Even if you do not explicitly regard the prompt, almost any personal statement that includes some history of the applicant's life can be construed as a/the central factor in said applicant's development that directed said applicant towards a legal education, or as ... Graduate Program Application Requirements The Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, [email protected]. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education. Law School Personal Statement: The Ultimate Guide (Examples Included) Part 6: Law school personal statement examples. Below are the law school personal statements produced by the students we've followed throughout this guide, all well another successful personal statement example, all based on the writing process we just walked through. Law school personal statement example 1 Dedman School of Law Dedman School of Law. Southern Methodist University. PO Box 750110. Dallas TX 75275-0110. ADDRESS ALL OTHER MATTERS TO THE OFFICE OF THE DEAN. Every effort has been made to include in this catalog information that, at the time of publication, most accurately represents Southern Methodist University. The provisions of the publication are not ... Getting into SMU Law School SMU Law School Overview Founded in 1925, Southern Methodist University's Dedman School of Law is an ABA-accredited law school in Dallas, Texas. ... The components include LSAT score, undergraduate performance, work experience, graduate studies, personal statement, and recommendation letters. For the 2021 entering class, 1706 candidates ... Personal Statement 1. Avoid writing your complete autobiography. Personal statements are typically two to three pages long, so if you try to discuss everything that happened to you since you were born, every life event will get only a sentence or two. When writing your personal statement, think of depth, not breadth. You want to be able to share enough detail ... Dedman School of Law: Enrollment and Academic Records It is the Dedman School of Law policy that each "credit hour" awarded reflects an amount of work equivalent to approximately 1) 50 minutes of direct faculty instruction or examination and 2) 120 minutes of out-of-class student work including study, preparation of assignments, review, or other course related activities. J.D. Program Application Requirements J.D. applicants must submit the following: An electronic application via the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), available here. This application process is fully accessible to the visually impaired. Test score or equivalent (LSAT, GRE, or JD-Next) CAS report. Your file will not be reviewed until all required materials have been received. Personal Statement Dos & Donts : r/lawschooladmissions A personal statement is like a vita. If the personal statement is not good, it means we don't understand who we are as a person. Each new draft of a personal statement is like peeling back a layer of who we really are, to discover the truth. When you start writing the personal statement, you don't know who you are. You only have an idea. Dedman School of Law: Student Life and Housing Different types of cardio, strength and flexibility classes are available. Experienced and knowledgeable personal trainers offer sessions to train members of the University community, either one-on-one or in groups, to meet their personal fitness goals. All SMU Fitness programs have a fee for participation. Intramural Sports. PDF A P P L I C a T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S Office of Graduate Legal Studies SMU Dedman School of Law PO Box 750111 Dallas TX 75275-0111. Phone 214-768-2658 1-888-768-5291 Fax 214-768-8228. E-mail [email protected] Web Site www.law.smu.edu Office of Financial Aid SMU Division of Enrollment Services PO Box 750181 Dallas TX 75275-0181. Phone 214-768-3417 Fax 214-768-4119. Online Application & Key Dates All applicants are required to submit a detailed personal statement based on the questions in the online application system. IELTS/TOEFL. ... 1st Attempt for SMU Admission Test (S$125)'. JD written test is free, and SMU Admission Test is not required by the JD programme. ... Yong Pung How School of Law, 4th floor 55 Armenian Street Singapore ... Online Application All applicants are required to submit a detailed personal statement based on the questions in the online application system. IELTS/TOEFL. English proficiency test results ... The SMU Yong Pung How School of Law will be participating in various events in the following cities. Come meet us to find out more about the SMU LLM in Cross Border ... SMU Dedman School of Law SMU Dedman School of Law The Law School of Dallas for 100 years Apply Now Why SMU Dedman Law? Give Now. Save the Date! Join us for the 2024 Tailgates, 4s and 9s Class Reunion, and All Alumni Night in the Law Quad! ... Dedman School of Law 3315 Daniel Avenue Dallas TX 75205. 214-768-2000. Quick links. Business Office; Consumer Information (ABA ... assignment essay homework paper report resume review speech thesis