Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation help us understand the kind of a student, thinker, and person you are. They are an imporant part of your overall application and lend valuable insight into the contribution you'll make to our classrooms and community.
Getting letters of recommendation sounds like a simple task, especially when compared to preparing for the LSAT. However, don't make the mistake of leaving this to the last minute. You should not wait until you are in the middle of the application process to think about whom to ask for letters or to request them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should I ask to write me a letter of recommendation?
Our preference is for two letters from academic sources who know you and your classroom work well. Ideally, the letters will provide specific examples of ways you stand out from your peers. Examples of academic sources include: professors, teaching assistants (TAs) or graduate student instructors (GSIs), thesis advisors, etc.
If you have been out of school for some time, or if you have significant work or other experience, a letter from a supervisor can be helpful.
Always err on the side of selecting a recommender who knows you rather than one whom you think will be "impressive." For example, there is little value in a letter from a celebrity who is a family friend and that offers little more than generic warm words. A more persuasive letter would be from a professor who taught a class that challenged you and in which you ended up receiving a high grade.
How do I ask for letters of recommendation?
If you are in college now, help yourself by establishing good habits early: Go to your professor's office hours at least once in the first three weeks of classes. Introduce yourself, tell them why you selected the class, ask a question. You'll find that once you visit the first time, it gets easier and easier to return. If you do well in the class, go to the professor immediately and thank them for their help, request a letter of recommendation, and consider asking what other courses they teach.
Remember, you are asking for a thoughtful and professional letter from a teacher or perhaps a mentor. Approach your request thoughtfully and professionally. If possible, speak to them in person and provide them with a letter of introduction and a copy of your resume. If you feel comfortable, you might also provide them with a copy of your personal statement. Some recommenders will specifically request a copy. Be sure to ask them if they are able to write you a strong letter of recommendation for law school. If they hesitate, rethink your options.
How do I tell Berkeley Law how many letters I will send and from whom? What if that information changes?
There is a place on your application to indicate how many letters you will be sending to us and from whom. Please notify us via e-mail if you anticipate changes to that list after you have submitted your application.
How do I submit my letters of recommendation to Berkeley Law?
Recommendations may be forwarded to the Admissions Office using one of the methods described below. The order in which they are listed reflects our preference and the ease with which we can process recommendations so submitted.
- Submit your letters through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) letter of recommendation service. This service is included in your Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) registration subscription. Your letters of recommendation will be copied and sent to Boalt Hall along with your LSDAS report. To use this service, follow the directions outlined in the LSAT/ LSDAS Registration and Information Book. Please provide each recommender with a letter of recommendation form from the LSAT/ LSDAS Registration and Information Book.
- Submit your letters of recommendation with your application materials. Give your recommenders the recommendation form provided with the Berkeley Law application. Request that each recommender (or your school credentials service) place the form in a sealed envelope and sign his or her name across the seal. The sealed envelope should be returned to you for inclusion with your other Berkeley Law application materials. Do not break the envelope's seal.
- Give your recommenders the recommendation form provided with the Berkeley Law application. Request that your recommenders send their letters of recommendation directly to Berkeley Law under separate cover.
