How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation Example

To ask for a law school recommendation, choose someone who knows your work, ask early, and make it easy to say yes by offering your materials. Confirm they can write a strong letter, then send your resume, transcript, and a brag sheet. A worked example and template appear 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.

What are the steps to ask for a law school recommendation letter?

Asking effectively comes down to preparation and timing. Work through these steps.

1. Shortlist recommenders who have seen your strongest academic or professional work.
2. Reach out early, comfortably ahead of your first deadline.
3. Ask whether they can write a strong, supportive letter, giving them room to say no.
4. Provide your resume, transcript, a brag sheet, your school list, and deadlines.
5. Confirm how the letter is submitted through LSAC, then follow up and thank them.

What does a strong recommendation request look like in practice?

A strong request is specific about why you chose that person and easy for them to act on. For example, after Professor Ruiz supervised your research seminar, you email to say you are applying to law school, note that her mentorship shaped your analytical writing, and ask whether she could write a strong letter. You then attach your resume, transcript, brag sheet, and deadlines.

What email template can you adapt for the request?

Use a short, clear template like this one.

Subject: Law school recommendation request. Dear Professor Ruiz, I am applying to law school this cycle and would be grateful if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. Your research seminar sharpened how I build an argument, and your support would mean a great deal. If you are able to write a strong letter, I will send my resume, transcript, a brag sheet, and my deadlines right away. Thank you so much. Best, Sam Ellis.

What common mistakes weaken a recommendation request?

Common mistakes include asking at the last minute, choosing a big name who hardly knows you, and sending no supporting materials. Failing to explain how to submit the letter through LSAC causes delays, and neglecting a thank you leaves a poor final impression. Avoiding these errors makes recommenders more willing and better equipped to help.

Frequently asked questions

How many recommendations do I need?

Most law schools require a small number of recommendation letters, and LSAC sets a maximum it will store. The exact figures are typically two to four letters, with most schools requiring two or three and the CAS storing several. Aim for recommenders who can each write a specific, enthusiastic letter rather than simply maximizing the count.

Who should write my letters?

Ask people who supervised your academic or professional work closely enough to give concrete examples of it. Recent graduates usually include a professor from a smaller class, while working applicants add a direct manager. A recommender who knows your work in detail writes a stronger letter than a prominent name who barely knows you.

How do I ask for a recommendation?

Ask early and in person when you can, confirm the person can write a strong letter, then send your resume, transcript, a brag sheet, school list, and deadlines. A short, specific request that explains why you chose them and makes saying yes easy produces the most detailed and persuasive letters.

Sources

• LSAC LSAT FAQ

Verified August 2026.