Examples of How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

To ask for a law school recommendation, approach someone who knows your work well, ideally in person or on a short call, and ask early, well before your first deadline. Explain that you are applying to law school, say why their view matters, and offer your resume and a brag sheet. Sample scripts follow below.

By Ali Unar, JD candidate at Georgetown Law and founder of Lovare Institut. Last updated August 2026. Every figure on this page was verified in August 2026 against the sources listed below.

How do you ask a professor or supervisor for a law school recommendation?

Asking well is mostly about giving the recommender enough time and material to say yes with confidence. Follow these steps.

1. Pick recommenders who have seen your best academic or professional work up close.
2. Ask early, well ahead of your earliest deadline, so nobody feels rushed.
3. Make the request in person or by a short call when you can, then follow up in writing.
4. Ask directly whether they can write a strong and supportive letter, which gives them room to decline.
5. Send your resume, transcript, a brag sheet, your school list, deadlines, and LSAC instructions.
6. Follow up politely as the deadline nears and thank them afterward.

What is a good example of a recommendation request email?

A clear request email is specific, easy to answer, and gives the recommender an easy way out. Here is a template you can adapt.

Subject: Request for a law school recommendation. Dear Professor Lee, I am applying to law school this fall and am hoping you might write a letter of recommendation for me. Your constitutional law seminar shaped how I read and argue, and a letter from you would carry real weight. If you feel you could write a strong letter, I would be glad to send my resume, transcript, a brief brag sheet, and my deadlines. Thank you for considering this. Warm regards, Jordan Rivera.

What mistakes should you avoid when asking for a letter?

Avoid asking too close to the deadline, since rushed letters read as generic. Do not ask someone who barely knows you just because they hold an impressive title. Never send a request without materials, and do not forget to specify how the letter is submitted. Skipping a thank you note is a small but common misstep worth avoiding.

Frequently asked questions

How many recommendations do I need?

Most law schools require a small number of recommendation letters, with a maximum set by LSAC. The exact figures are typically two to four letters, with most schools requiring two or three and the CAS storing several. Line up recommenders who can each write a specific, detailed letter rather than aiming to hit the maximum count allowed.

Who should write my letters?

Ask people who supervised your academic or professional work closely enough to describe it in detail. Professors from smaller classes suit recent graduates, and direct managers suit applicants who have been working. A recommender who can point to specific projects and moments writes a far stronger letter than a distant, prominent name.

How do I ask for a recommendation?

Ask early and in person when possible, confirm the person can write a strong letter, then send your resume, transcript, a brag sheet, your school list, deadlines, and the LSAC submission steps. A short, specific request that makes saying yes easy, paired with ample lead time, produces the most persuasive letters.

Sources

• LSAC LSAT FAQ

Verified August 2026.