If you’re looking to apply to Harvard Law School, you will need to submit a recommendation letter as part of your application. A strong recommendation letter can make a significant difference in the admissions process.
A recommendation letter can make or break your application to Harvard Law School. It’s important that you take the time to ensure that your letter is as strong as possible. In this article, we’ll provide some tips on how to write a great recommendation letter for Harvard Law School, as well as some sample letters that you can use as a guide.
Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter for Harvard Law School
Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a recommendation letter for Harvard Law School:
Title: Establish Your Credentials
Begin by establishing your credentials. Talk about your relationship with the applicant, and how long you have known them. Be specific about your relationship, and how it has influenced your opinion of the applicant. This will help the admissions committee understand your perspective, and why they should value your opinion.
Example: Letter from a Professor
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for admission to Harvard Law School. As John’s professor in Constitutional Law, I have had the opportunity to work closely with him over the past two years.
John is an outstanding student, with a deep passion for the law. His analytical skills are exceptional, and he has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of even the most complex legal concepts. I have no doubt that he would thrive in the highly competitive and intellectually stimulating environment of Harvard Law School.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions about John’s qualifications.
Sincerely,
Professor Jane Doe
Title: Highlight Strengths
It’s important to highlight the applicant’s strengths in your letter. Talk about their achievements, both in academics and extracurricular activities. Be specific about what makes them stand out from other applicants. This will help the admissions committee get a sense of the applicant’s potential, and what they would bring to the Harvard Law School community.
Example: Letter from a Supervisor
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jane Doe for admission to Harvard Law School. I had the pleasure of supervising Jane during her internship at XYZ Law Firm, where she worked as a paralegal for a summer.
During her time at the firm, Jane demonstrated exceptional research and writing skills. She was able to quickly grasp complex legal issues, and provided invaluable support to our team. Jane’s attention to detail, work ethic, and professionalism were all top-notch.
Overall, I have no doubt that Jane would thrive in the rigorous and intellectually stimulating environment of Harvard Law School. She has the skills, drive, and potential to be an outstanding lawyer.
Please let me know if you have any questions about Jane’s qualifications.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Title: Provide Specific Examples
One of the best ways to demonstrate the applicant’s strengths is by providing specific examples. Talk about specific projects or assignments that the applicant worked on, and how they excelled in those tasks. This will help the admissions committee get a sense of the applicant’s abilities, and how they would fit into the Harvard Law School community.
Example: Letter from an Advisor
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for admission to Harvard Law School. I have had the pleasure of advising Sarah for the past three years, and have been consistently impressed by her intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and leadership skills.
One example of Sarah’s exceptional abilities was her work on a research project that she undertook in her sophomore year. The project involved conducting interviews with experts in the field of environmental law, and analyzing their responses to identify key trends and insights. Sarah’s research skills, attention to detail, and ability to think critically were all on full display during this project.
In addition to her academic achievements, Sarah has also been an active member of our campus community. She has served as the president of the Environmental Law Society, and has organized several successful events and fundraisers.
Overall, I have no doubt that Sarah would be an excellent fit for Harvard Law School. She has the skills, drive, and passion to succeed in this highly competitive environment.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about Sarah’s qualifications.
Sincerely,
Professor John Smith
Title: Be Honest
It’s important to be honest in your recommendation letter, even if that means mentioning some areas where the applicant could improve. The admissions committee wants to get a sense of the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses, and how they would fit into the Harvard Law School community. Being honest about the applicant’s areas for improvement can actually enhance the credibility of your letter, as it demonstrates that you have a realistic view of the applicant’s abilities.
Example: Letter from a Mentor
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Michael Brown for admission to Harvard Law School. I have had the pleasure of mentoring Michael over the past year, and have been consistently impressed by his intelligence, work ethic, and creativity.
One area where Michael could improve is his public speaking skills. While Michael is an excellent writer, he sometimes struggles with presenting his ideas verbally. However, he has been actively working on this skill, and has shown significant improvement over the past few months.
Overall, I have no doubt that Michael would be an excellent fit for Harvard Law School. He has the intellect, drive, and passion to succeed in this highly competitive environment.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions about Michael’s qualifications.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Title: Showcase Unique Perspectives
Finally, it’s important to showcase the applicant’s unique perspectives and experiences. Harvard Law School values diversity and seeks to create a community of students with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. If the applicant has a unique perspective, such as coming from a non-traditional background or having experience working in a specific industry, be sure to highlight that in your letter.
Example: Letter from a Colleague
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Maria Rodriguez for admission to Harvard Law School. I have had the pleasure of working with Maria at XYZ Nonprofit for the past three years, where she has served as the organization’s legal director.
Maria’s experience in the nonprofit sector has given her a unique perspective on the law. She has worked on a wide range of legal issues, from contract negotiations to employment law to intellectual property. Her ability to think creatively and find solutions to complex legal problems has been invaluable to our organization.
Overall, I believe that Maria would be an excellent fit for Harvard Law School. Her experience in the nonprofit sector, coupled with her exceptional legal skills, would make her an asset to the Harvard Law School community.
Please let me know if you have any questions about Maria’s qualifications.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should my recommendation letter be?
A: Your recommendation letter should be no more than two pages long. Be sure to focus on the applicant’s strengths and unique perspectives, and use specific examples to illustrate your points.
Q: What should I include in my recommendation letter?
A: Your recommendation letter should include your relationship with the applicant, their strengths and achievements, and any unique perspectives or experiences they bring to the table. Be sure to provide specific examples, and be honest about any areas for improvement.
Q: How do I address my recommendation letter?
A: Address your letter to the Harvard Law School Admissions Committee.
Q: Can I submit my recommendation letter online?
A: Yes, you can submit your recommendation letter online through the Harvard Law School admissions portal.
Q: Can I submit a letter of recommendation from a family member?
A: It’s generally not recommended to submit a letter of recommendation from a family member, as it may be perceived as biased. Instead, try to choose someone who can provide an objective view of your qualifications and potential.
Q: Should I include my contact information in my recommendation letter?
A: Yes, be sure to include your contact information in your recommendation letter so that the admissions committee can contact you if they have any questions.
Conclusion
Writing a strong recommendation letter for Harvard Law School can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase the applicant’s strengths and unique perspectives. By following these tips and using our sample letters as a guide, you can create a letter that will make a strong impression on the admissions committee.