The personal statements you submit to law schools are among the most crucial elements of getting your applications noticed since they tell a story of the person’s personality that cannot be otherwise identified from the resume.
The law school personal statement matters because you want to get into the top schools. You need to make sure that your personal statement shows how much you care about the law and what makes you unique. Your personal statement should be written in a way that shows why you want to go to law school. You should also know how to write a great personal statement. Here are some tips on writing a perfect personal statement.
What Is A Personal Statement For Law School?
The personal statement (or “personal”) is a piece of writing by a law school student describing the background of their life and how they are an exceptional candidate for the law degree course. It could include the applicant’s plans to pursue studies in the program — such as a desire to pursue legal issues, immigration, or environmental law. It also outlines what they expect to gain through attending the law school of their choice. Although personal statements can’t be able to make up for poor LSAT results, they may contain personal experiences from a different perspective that aren’t obtained from other elements of your application, such as transcripts and resumes, or letters of recommendation.
There are three types of essays to take into consideration when applying to law school.
- Diversity statement
- Personal statement
- Addendum
The majority of law schools require personal statements. Some schools may permit the use of a diversity statement or an addendum. You must submit ALL statements that pertain to you.
Part Introduction: Law School Personal Statement

The Law School Admissions Process is very confusing and scary but you need to focus on 2 things: your GPA and your LSAT Score.
That means you should spend as many hours as possible studying for the LSAT. You should also work hard to improve your GPA. If you’ve already graduated or are about to graduate from college, you should focus on increasing your LSAT score as well as your GPA.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the third-most important part of your application: Your law school personal statement. You should write your personal statement before taking the LSAT because your LSAT and GPA will carry so much weight. But while you wait to take the LSAT, you can start thinking about your personal statement.
Before we get into the step by step guide, we’ll offer some general framing thoughts. Many people apply to law school without being strong writers. They forget the components of good storytelling as soon as they sit to write their essay.
Your law school essay should be about your life story. You need to tell people what you’ve done, why you did it, how it affected you, and what you want to do next. A good lawyer needs to know more than just facts. He or she also needs to understand the human condition.
What Is The Best Way To Create A Personal Declaration?
In brief, here’s the format your personal statement at law school will require in terms of structure:
All-around There is no title 12 or 11-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins.
Header Your name and your LSAC number as well as “Personal statement” with the page number, which is formatted as three or one lines. Be sure to check with your school’s requirements.
Body Double-spaced, left-aligned (or justified) paragraphs that are indented 0.5 inches, not separated by an additional line. Single space after periods.
Ending: End the same way as you would with a standard essay. This is not a formal letter; it doesn’t require a signature.
Length 2 pages, although some universities may specify that they will only require one
Word Count 250-500 words minimum
Spacing Single or double spaced
Font: Times New Roman in 11- or 12-point font
Margins not lower than 1 in.
Students should go through the specifics of each law school they are applying to before completing their personal statement.
10 Tips For Law Personal Statements
The process of writing a personal statement may be an intimidating task for some, however, most law institutions have guidelines to ease the pressure of deciding what you should write. Use the suggestions below to start making your personal statement however, you should make sure to consult with your advisor or an academic professional who can assist you in the procedure.
- Follow all the directions. Be sure to read and adhere to the guidelines offered by law schools prior to you begin writing your essay to ensure that you do not spend time or effort on the formatting that could derail your application. A lot of schools provide thorough and precise instructions, which include elements that admissions committees use to determine the candidacy of applicants.
- Make a framework to think about and brainstorm. Begin working with your adviser to think of possible topics for your personal statement and then discuss ways you can make every one of these topics distinctive and unique. Making an outline can be accomplished together or by yourself however it is beneficial to have a structure before you begin writing.
- Learn about the values of your school and know your target public. Discover what values are essential to the school and determine the areas where these values align with your personal values. Learn about particular professors and their latest research areas to find out the possibilities you have for learning from them. You can also think about mentioning these topics in your writing.
- Choose two or three small subjects. Specific, small topics will help the candidate cover the subject instead of writing a long narrative that the writer doesn’t have time to complete. In addition, topics that are smaller will also aid the writer in sticking to the limit of a page.
- Find out what makes you stand out. Focus on the events or experiences that distinguish you and, in particular, if they’re not listed included on your resume. Consider these aspects to make your message more authentic, personal and meaningful as you create your narrative.
- Make sure you have plenty of space to compose. When you write under pressure, it can cause critical errors, like unfinished ideas and grammar mistakes. Making multiple revisions to your personal statement can ensure you are clear, have a chance to polish your writing, and have time to proofread.
- Engage the reader. Make sure you pay attention to the first sentence to ensure that your voice and thoughts make an impact. A lot of admissions officers read hundreds of essays. keeping their attention right from the start can boost the chance of them being more engaged with your complete application. A captivating story or an engaging story can help your application stand out.
- Be on point and keep it short. If possible, adhere to the outline that you created instead of straying from your script. Refer to your outline several times when you write, particularly when you are running out of space in the paper.
- Be yourself. Personal declarations stand out when the voice of the writer can shine through. Don’t spend all of your time looking at the work of others as examples and trust your own personal experience. Concentrate on your own personal style, motivation, vision, and other important aspects that are unique to your personal situation. In the event that you don’t, your essay could be stale and boring.
- Make sure you proofread it and polish it. Apart from hand-proofreading your work, use spell-checking software to look for grammatical mistakes. Also, check for legal terms that might be misinterpreted. It might be helpful to consult your advisor or an expert peer review to check for grammatical mistakes and overall flow prior to sending an individual statement.
5 Common Mistakes To Avoid In The Law School Personal Statement
The specific requirements for personal statements can differ in accordance with the school you attend however these general guidelines and advice on mistakes to avoid are used when writing an effective personal statement.
- Resumes should be rewritten. Focus on crafting an essay that will not be apparent on your resume. Your resume should not be boring which means you’ll miss the chance to make yourself stand out.
- Discuss legal matters in detail. Avoid extensively discussing the law or a controversial topic. There are plenty of chances to debate the issues once you’ve started your classes in law school. Find your passions without making your essay an agenda for your own political views. Keep in mind that a personal essay should concentrate on the person you are.
- Inflate or overstate the facts. Plagiarizing or fabricating life experiences and the work of others could result in the disqualification of your application, or even legal actions. Your personal statement must be authentic and prove your credibility. Be true to yourself as well as your experience and ability to write.
- Send your application Without editing. Make sure you make time for your personal statement and then be sure to check it for grammatical and spelling mistakes, which includes the name of the desired school. It is also important to be aware of specific requirements for formatting and the word count. It is possible to consult a trusted adviser to examine your work to make sure that all university requirements have been fulfilled.
- Cover too much ground. Focusing on your primary subjects will improve consistency, and clarity. Announcing too many subjects or even a large amount of a subject could make your message appear too long, unfocused, or rambling.
Law School Personal Statement Topics To Help With Brainstorming
Check out your resume and find some of your personal life that aren’t mentioned on your resume. What are the things that make you distinguish yourself as a potential law school student? If you’re struggling or unsure, try these suggestions to come up with topics to create your own unique personal statement.
Personal difficulties or obstacles you’ve conquered
A significant moment in your life, and how it impacted you
Individually unique hobbies or interests that reflect the character
Extraordinary achievements or awards that you have not previously mentioned on your resume
An event in your life or a situation that has shaped your beliefs or your worldview
A novel idea or research subject you’re enthusiastic about.
Your cultural or family background that has shaped your personality
Opportunities that you’ve utilized to help improve your community
If you’re confused about how to start, you can ask an acquaintance or family member who is familiar with you to assist you in identifying some of your personal traits.
What Are The Main Contents Of A Personal Statement?

- Who are you? Show readers that you’re a fascinating person with experiences and expertise that can benefit not just the students on campus as well as the wider legal community. You’re being considered in a field of thousands of potential candidates and you must emphasize what sets you apart from the rest of your applicants.
- Your authentic vocal voice. There’s a reason that the personal statement shouldn’t be only a declaration or essay. Many applicants believe they must write about public policy or social issues, but they aren’t always revealing the applicant’s authentic voices. Consider having someone you trust look over your personal statement with an objective eye. If they’re unable to identify you’re the person who created it, it’s an opportunity to revise your statement.
- Particular information regarding that college. It’s not sufficient to simply say that you’d like to enroll at Santa Clara Law School for its outstanding curriculum, its well-trained faculty, and the numerous clinic opportunities. What if you substitute “Santa Clara Law School” with any other law school’s name and still be logical?
- Find out more about the school’s website. Figure out what is it that makes the school you’re applying to different from other schools. This is an excellent chance to contact alumni, and also talk to admissions representatives! It is also possible to use the Internet or go to your local bookshop and go through some reference books or browse forums on the internet.
- Remarks on the institution’s atmosphere. Perhaps you’re looking for a law school that is a collegial setting that reflects your college experience at a smaller liberal arts institution. Perhaps you’re in search of an institution that is large enough so you can make use of the wide range of alumni and resources that the law schools of that size has to offer.
- Simple writing. Check your school’s site to see the length of your personal essay should be, and then be sure to take it seriously. Law schools aren’t just considering whether you are able to write effectively and concisely and efficiently, but also how well you follow the guidelines posted by the school.
- Authenticity. Law schools aren’t seeking you to start your own non-profit organization or become the next Olympic athlete. They’re more interested in individuals who can help complete the class and make a positive contribution to their institution.
- Proper writing. Maybe for class assignments, you’ve had the option to submit your first draft as your final. Perhaps one revision will suffice for you to consider an essay completed. In the case of your personal statement, it is recommended to commit at minimum two rounds of editing to make your writing more perfect.
Why Does The Law School Personal Statement Matter?
A quality personal statement—a brief essay in which you explain what motivates you to apply to law school—can make the difference between getting into law school and being rejected. Your personal statement should help admissions officers understand your motivation to attend their school, and the reasons you want to attend their specific school.
Law schools have seen an influx of applicants in recent years. Students who apply to top schools tend to be more qualified than those applying to lower-ranked schools. Personal statements can help boost application numbers and give you a better chance of getting into a top program.
A lawyer needs to be persuasive and convincing when writing an essay. He/she should use examples and evidence to prove his/her point. A lawyer must know how to present his/her ideas in a clear manner.A strong set of law school applications shows that you’re not just going to law school because it’s the first thing you thought of. You’ve researched the field thoroughly, and you’re passionate about it. Your essays show that you understand the field and how it works.
Writing The Personal Statement For Law School
The general, comprehensive personal statements allow you maximum freedom in terms of what you write and are usually prepared for standard medical or legal school applications.Business schools prefer applicants who answer questions directly and concisely. Applicants should be prepared to write about themselves in a variety of ways.
An Example Of A Law School Personal Statement
I am a very caring person who wants to help others. I love working with children. I enjoy teaching them new things and helping them learn. I want to be a teacher when I grow up because I feel that I can make a difference in someone else’s life. I also want to be an advocate for children who need help. I want to help children who are being abused or neglected. I want to work with children who are having trouble learning. I want to teach them how to read and write. I want to help them get into college and succeed after high school. I want to give them hope and show them that there is something out there for them if they try hard enough.
I’ve learned about this field by taking courses, reading books, attending seminars, working in my community, and talking to people who already work in this field. My leadership experience has helped me grow as a leader.
I want to be a lawyer because I love helping people. I’ve never had any problems getting into law school. My LSAT score was a bit low, but my GPA was high. I’m currently working as an intern at a law firm.
I am compassionate, persistent, and honest. I am also strong-willed and determined. I have excellent communication skills. I am an excellent leader and organizer. I am very persuasive.
I’m very smart because I’ve been studying hard since I was young. I also have good grades. I am an excellent student. I am very responsible. I always do my homework. I am a good friend. I am loyal to my friends. I am honest. I am trustworthy. I am reliable. I am a great listener. I am kind. I am helpful. I am respectful. I am polite. I am courteous. I am considerate. I am thoughtful. I am thoughtful.
General Advice
A story should show something concrete. You should demonstrate how your idea works by telling a story about it. Your story must be fresh, lively, and unique. Make sure you tell a story that shows what your idea does. Don’t bore the admissions committee.
Don’t include any subject matter that could be considered controversial. High school grades aren’t very relevant. You should also avoid mentioning religion or politics. Research schools before writing about them. If you want to apply to a specific university, make sure you know what makes it different from others.
Example: I am a hard worker, and I do my best work when I’m working under pressure. I am conscientious about my work, and I always try to meet deadlines. I also make sure that everything I write is grammatically correct before submitting it. I avoid using clichés and repeating myself. I know how to express myself clearly and concisely. I understand what I need to do to get into medical school.
Why Law Schools Ask For Personal Statements?
Personal statements can be used as a narrative about the applicant. This is important because law schools rarely interview applicants.The statement helps applicants explain why they want to go to law school. It gives them a chance to show off their writing skills. Law schools and the legal profession require applicants to write well.
Personal statements can be very helpful when making difficult decisions about who should get into your school. Your statement can show how you stand out among other applicants. You can tell what kind of person you are by writing about yourself.Law schools are looking to fill classes with engaging and qualified applicants. Personal statements can provide insight into an individual’s personality and potential as part of the law school’s community.
What A Great Personal Statement Accomplishes?
Excellent law school personal statements convey who an applicant is, according to experts. Personal statements should be concise and focused on conveying the applicant’s personality and interests. A strong personal statement will help you stand out from other applicants.
You also need to explain why this school is right for you. Why do you want to be a lawyer? What kind of law do you want to practice? How does being a lawyer fit into your life plan?
Now that we’ve talked about what you want out of your application, let’s talk about how to write it.Applicants must be clear about why they want to attend this law school. They need to explain how attending this school will help them on their career path.
How To Structure A Law School Personal Statement?
A personal statement should provide context for the experiences that prepare you for law school and lead you to pursue a legal career. You should end your statement with a thoughtful conclusion that ties the statement together. Your law school application essay should spark the reader’s interest in your future as an attorney.
“It can be useful for applicants to explain what particular area of law they want to learn more about and which type of lawyer they’d like to become, if they’re clear about that,” says Ivy League Law School Dean David Yellen.
Personal statements should explain why applicants want to attend law school. They should also connect applicants’ backgrounds to their future goals. Each law school is unique, so applicants should tailor their personal statements to fit the specific requirements of each school.
Law schools want students who do their homework before applying. Students should show that they did their research by explaining why they chose this particular law school. A personal statement should focus on what makes them a good fit for the school and how they will contribute to the class.
How To Write A Personal Statement For Law School?
Personal statements for law school should include the applicant’s personality, interests, and goals. This information can be found by looking into the applicant’s past experiences and accomplishments. A good personal statement for law schools includes examples of how the applicant used these skills while studying in college.
A personal statement should be about you and why you want to go to law school. You should explain why you think this specific law school is right for you. Your personal statement should show your interest in the field of law.
Study Abroad Personal Statement Sample
FAQs on Personal Statements Required For Law School
Law school students may be unsure of specific information regarding their personal statement that they must research prior to starting the process of writing. Follow the below information to help you answer common questions and make sure you review each question in detail with an admissions advisor from your preferred law school.
What should be the length of the personal statement for the Law school?
Every law school has their own set of requirements, but generally, personal essays can range from one to two pages long. If there is no word count, or page size is specified be sure that your essay is sufficiently long to provide your main ideas however, it is short enough to keep your reader interested. Ask an editor or adviser to review your personal essay prior to you submit.
Do I need to justify my interest in the law on my own personal declaration?
Personal statements differ from a statement of intent It’s therefore not mandatory to state your motivation in law practice, which is a given from the fact that you’re seeking a law degree in the first. The applicant can mention an experience or passion that inspired their motivation to contribute in the world by earning a law degree. Check the directions provided by the school before you decide which information to include.
What is the importance of the personal statement?
Personal statements are an important element of describing what makes you the ideal candidate to a specific law school. The applicants should consider their personal statement seriously particularly when considering that all applicants are likely to be similarly qualified in their applications. A well-written personal statement can be the most important factor in your admission to law school.
Does the style of writing count?
Writing style is important on your personal statement, and throughout the application process, since writing is an essential ability that lawyers utilize on a everyday basis. Admissions committees are typically made by lawyers and law graduates from the school, therefore demonstrating exceptional writing skills is an advantage of those applying.
What Is The Admissions Committee Looking For In The Personal Statement?
Admissions committees typically look for students who are well-rounded but also have a strong focus on academics. Students should be prepared to discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and what makes them stand out. Committees want to see if applicants can make friends easily and if they can contribute to campus life.
References
https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1101749
https://heinonline.org/hol-cgi-bin/get_pdf.cgi?handle=hein.journals/jlwriins14§ion=12
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