Write an Exceptional Law School Personal Statement

There are certain things a law school wants to know about you. They want you to show your maturity and commitment to the study of law…that you have a sense of duty that is greater than your self-interest. They want to know that you are able to succeed in their very strenuous environment. You must show them that you have independent thinking skills. Do not use those exact phrases, but make your story a convincing one so that admissions committees come to that conclusion.

Tell Your Story

Your task is to show or demonstrate through your essay using real life experiences. At the same time, you must not bore the admissions committee. Keep your statement fresh and different. This will put you ahead of the pack, distinguishing you, through your story. Your goal – to make yourself memorable…Your task is to market you.

You do not need to think your story must be about…”Overcoming poverty or paralysis.” You may have a privileged life, but that is not something for which you need to apologize.

For ideas, see the brainstorming section of this post.

Avoid the Vague and Cliche!

For example, do not say, “I would be an excellent attorney” and not back it up with specific reasons. The experiences described in your statement should bring the reader to the conclusion that attending their law school application is the only logical conclusion to your story.

If you state you have a drive to serve…or “heal the world, becoming a public interest lawyer” but you have no community service record to back that statement up…not logical! You must show you are who you say you are. Another over generalized comment: “I have a strong work ethic…” Specifically show what is remarkable about your work ethic. Give details! Oh…and do not use the cliché and common phrases such as “I have a strong work ethic!”

Create your Angle

It isn’t likely that you have been a hero, selflessly running into a burning building to save a child. Most average people have lives that lack a lot of drama. That’s ok…do not give up on showing your exceptionalism. Figure out a way to make your average life experience interesting . This can be a challenge. It is vital that you find an angle or “hook” to bring the reader into your story.

Grab their attention right away

That opening paragraph is really important. Here, you can either grab the reader’s attention or lose it. The opening paragraph is the framework for the rest of the statement. Structure it well, telling the admissions committee what they will learn about you in the rest of the statement.

Tell what you know

Perhaps the middle section of your essay will deal with your interest and experience in a particular field…including some of your knowledge of the field. Again, be as specific as you can. Use professional language. Refer to your work or research experiences, classes, relationships with people in that field of law. Books you’ve studied or seminars you have attended.

If necessary – research

Perhaps the school wants to know why you chose to apply to it, rather than another school. Research those schools to determine what sets that school apart from other law schools or programs.  Does the school setting provide some important geographic or cultural change for you? Perhaps that is worth mentioning?

Avoid some subjects

There are certain things best left out of personal statements. For example, controversial religious or political issues. (You do not know the bias of the person reading your statement.) Avoid talking about high school unless there is a compelling reason to. You do want to show a level of maturity.

Some topics have become trite and overused: The injured athlete, studying abroad, a current event.

Watch your tone. You do not want to appear to be high-maintenance or a complainer.

Display mastery of language

Very carefully type and proofread your essay! Good written skills and correct use of language is important to the admissions personnel reading your statement. Express yourself clearly and concisely. Pay attention to the given word limits.

Tags: applications, Law School Admissions, personal statement