How to Ask for Letter of Recommendation Sample

To ask for a law school recommendation, request it early from someone who knows your work well, confirm they can write a strong letter, and share your resume, transcript, and a brag sheet. Below are sample messages you can copy and adjust for a professor or a work supervisor.

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 should you word a request for a recommendation letter?

Word your request so it is warm, specific, and easy to accept or decline. Name why you chose the person, mention that you are applying to law school, and ask directly whether they can write a strong letter. Then offer to send everything they need. Keeping the message short and concrete makes recommenders more likely to say yes.

What is a sample email to a professor?

Here is a sample you can adapt.

Subject: Recommendation letter for law school. Dear Professor Nolan, I am applying to law school this fall and hope you might write a recommendation for me. Your seminar on evidence pushed my analytical writing further than any other course, so your perspective would be especially valuable. If you can write a strong letter, I will send my resume, transcript, a brag sheet, and deadlines. Thank you for considering it. Sincerely, Alex Moreno.

What is a sample message to a work supervisor?

For a manager, adjust the emphasis toward your professional judgment.

Subject: Law school recommendation request. Hi Dana, I am applying to law school and would value a recommendation from you. Leading the client reporting project under your guidance taught me a lot about diligence and clear analysis, and your view of my work would carry real weight. If you can write a strong letter, I will send my resume and the submission details. Thank you. Best, Priya Shah.

How should you follow up after sending a sample request?

After sending your request, give the recommender time, then follow up politely about a week before the deadline if you have not heard back. Confirm they received the LSAC invitation and have your materials. Once the letter is submitted, send a genuine thank you and later tell them how your applications turned out.

Frequently asked questions

How many recommendations do I need?

Law schools typically require a small set 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. Prioritize a couple of strong, specific letters that meet each school's requirement over collecting the maximum allowed.

Who should write my letters?

Choose recommenders who supervised your work closely enough to cite specific examples, such as a professor from a small class or a manager who trusted your judgment. Recent graduates should include an academic reference, while working applicants can add a supervisor. Genuine familiarity with your work beats a distant, well known name.

How do I ask for a recommendation?

Ask early, ideally in person or on a call, and confirm the recommender can write a strong letter. Follow up with a friendly email that includes your resume, transcript, a brag sheet, your deadlines, and LSAC instructions. Clear materials and lead time help the recommender write a specific, persuasive letter.

Sources

• LSAC LSAT FAQ

Verified August 2026.