Reading a law school letter of intent example can be a great way to learn how to write your own. A law school letter of intent is similar to a law school personal statement but is more focused and specific in its content and usage. A well-written law school letter of intent can strengthen your application and help you get into highly competitive law school programs. In this blog, we’ll look at what exactly is a law school letter of intent, when you should write one and how to write a law school letter of intent. We’ve also included some law school letter of intent examples for you.
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What is a law school letter of intent?
While a letter of intent is used for a variety of business and legal situations, a law school letter of intent is a formal, short essay submitted as part of an application to a graduate program such as law school. A law school letter of intent is a valuable tool to use for your law school application as it can add some strength to your application package. Law school acceptance rates are notoriously low, so a well-written letter of intent can make a difference.
Law school letters of intent are different from personal statements students write for college applications. A letter of intent is a more focused and succinct document which expresses a candidate’s interest in enrolling in a graduate law program. A letter of intent contains typically more detail and more specific examples of how a law school applicant will be a good fit for a program, whereas a personal statement contains broader explanations of personal motivation and interests. A law school letter of intent is different from a law school letter of continued interest, too. A law school letter of continued interest (LOCI) is written by applicants who have been waitlisted by a law school program. A LOCI is used to express a candidate’s continued interest in enrolling in the law school and can help a student get off the waitlist into their chosen program.
A law school letter of intent should be written for your top choice or top choices of law school programs. A letter of intent can give you that extra bit you need to add to your law school application, and it can be more closely tailored to fit what your law school of choice is looking for. A law school letter of intent can be a significant advantage in getting into a highly competitive program. For example, if you’re interested in applying to Columbia Law, Stanford Law or Harvard Law School, a letter of intent might allow you to better express your motivations for applying and explain how you are an ideal candidate.
If you are not sure whether a law school is your top choice or you aren’t 100% certain you would accept a letter of acceptance from a particular law school, a letter of intent may to be the best choice. A letter of intent is meant to clearly express your intent to enroll and attend a law school if you are offered the option. The letter of intent should be convincing enough that you are a prime candidate for a law program. An admissions committee wants to know why you are a great candidate, and that you will definitely accept an offer of admission if it is extended.
How to write a law school letter of intent
Writing a law school letter of intent takes a fair amount of self-reflection and effort to complete, so it’s a good idea to set aside a good amount of time during your application preparation to do so. Law school admissions consulting services or a law school advisor can also help you in writing a stellar letter of intent or provide you with feedback on your draft.
Law school letters of intent are usually around 400-800 words, or 1 to 2 pages long, double-spaced. The tone should be formal and similar to law school personal statement, but more focused and specific. Different law schools might have slightly different formatting requirements for letters of intent, which you’ll be able to find on your application. Some key tips for writing a great letter of intent are to be very specific in your use of examples and to personalize your letter to the program you’re writing to.
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Guide to writing a law school letter of intent
Writing a good letter of intent means digging deep and reflecting on your goals and motivations. The process is similar to writing a medical school letter of intent or a medical residency letter of intent. There are four steps to writing an excellent letter of intent for law school, which we’ll look at below.
Law school letter of intent examples
Need some inspiration to write your own law school letter of intent? Below we’ve included some law school letter of intent examples to help guide you.
Sample #1
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am interested in enrolling in the prestigious law program at [Law School]. I believe my educational and professional background are well curated to succeed in this program. My personal traits and strengths align with your program’s mission to nurture the leaders of tomorrow.
If I were offered a letter of acceptance to your program, I would be sure to enroll. It is my goal to work in intellectual property law, helping innovative and creative thinkers protect their ideas and safeguard their solutions for a better world. Since I was a child, I have been fascinated with the evolution of invention and the creative process. Rather than creating a volcano for my school’s science fair, I spent my time learning how things worked and inventing machines to help my mom dust the house faster. Unfortunately, my small inventions never took off, and I found I didn’t have much of a knack for engineering. However, I still loved coming up with new ideas and putting them to paper.
My interest in invention only grew in high school, and I began interning with a start up company which sells innovative beverage containers. Learning firsthand how the business works and the importance of protecting professional, creative ideas has been integral to my professional development. It has been fascinating to watch new ideas go from the page to reality and know that I get to be a part of the realization. In my position as an assistant legal advisor, I have been able to understand the link between invention and intellectual property law. Specifically, how important it is to safeguard these new inventions so they can continue to benefit others. Its extremely satisfying to know I can use my knowledge of intellectual property law to ensure future ideas and inventions can succeed. From a machine that cleans dust to a simple yet incredible beverage container.
My passion for law has grown intertwined with my love for innovation, and I strongly believe my own personal strengths are highly suited to a career in law. I am forward-thinking, highly focused and creative. Once I have graduated from law school, I plan to work in intellectual property law so I can rub elbows with fellow inventive-minded people, hear their ideas and work with them to bring those ideas to the world. It is my sincere hope that as a successful graduate of your program, I can become a forward-thinking leader of law. I will conclude with my thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Angela Knight
Sample #2
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this statement to express my interest in enrolling in the [Law School] law program. My educational background and professional experience have prepared me to be an excellent candidate for this program.
I have a strong interest in corporate law, and I plan to pursue a career as a corporate lawyer after law school. For the past two years, I have worked as a paralegal at [Law Firm] and have received only positive formal reviews. My work here, although demanding and fast-paced, has only reaffirmed my desire to become a corporate lawyer and that my background and career goals fit very well in this type of position. Corporate law is a tough job for many, but I revel in the opportunities to think outside the box, find new solutions and take on new challenges with every case. Throughout my position, I have gained invaluable experience in the field of corporate law, if only on the fringes. I am well versed in conflict management and have sharpened my attention to detail and precision, all essential skills for a good lawyer. But I pair my desire to be a corporate lawyer with a strong personal code of conduct.
I am aware of your program’s dedication to ethics and justice, and it is one of many reasons why I specifically chose to apply. Corporate law can be a business rife with unethical behavior, and I hope to be a future example of outstanding ethical conduct and an outstanding example of the type of lawyer [Law School] creates. Good ethics is a cornerstone of my professional persona, and I specifically chose your program because of its alignment with my personal values and ideals. It may be unusual for some corporate lawyers, but I do believe that conducting ethical business is in the best interest of all and that the two can exist harmoniously.
I strongly believe becoming a lawyer will allow me to fulfill many personal and professional goals. I also believe obtaining a law degree from [Law School] will give me the education I desire to become a fair and ethical corporate lawyer. As a corporate lawyer, I know I will not only enjoy a fruitful and stable career for my future but be able to make a real and tangible difference in the business world. Thank you for taking the time to consider me as a candidate for your excellent program. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Tim Swanson
Sample #3
Dear Admissions Committee
I am writing this statement to express my interest in applying to [Law School]’s law program. Your program is my top choice because of your school’s commitment to leadership and giving back to the community. These values are deeply personal and important to me, and I strongly feel a law degree from your program will aid me in reaching my career goals.
I have always been a fair-minded and conscientious individual. As a child, seeing neighborhood bullies picking on my younger sister, I was compelled to stand up for her. After chasing off the bullies, though, I was pleasantly surprised by how many other kids on my block told me of their negative experiences and thanked me for doing something. The next time my sister was being bothered by this group of bullies, I wasn’t the only one to come forward and stand up for her. The solidarity shown by my neighborhood kids made me realize the strength in numbers, even at a young age.
As I grew older, I began to understand on a better level how teamwork can impact us. I wasn’t in marching band or prone to athletics, but I found my home with model UN. As I learned more about the actual workings of the UN, I was reminded of how a strong and united community can have the power of change. After high school, I decided to jump right in and start helping my local community. I started working with victims’ services so I could help vulnerable populations. Through this work I encountered a few different public defenders, and conversations with them sparked my interest in the law. Hearing their stories, of their hard fight to stand up against larger-than-life bullies as they represented vulnerable people touched me. The example they set in a sometimes-thankless job was humbling.
If I were to be accepted to your program, I would ecstatically enroll and prepare for class. I admit my dreams as a lawyer are much larger than being a public defender. I plan to work in international law, so I can work with entire communities of people who need someone to help them stand up to bullies and take on the toughest of challenges. The biggest fights need a team of motivated and persistent individuals like me to succeed, and I look forward to joining them.
Thank you very much for your consideration, and I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Leon Santos
FAQs
1. What is a law school letter of intent?
A letter of intent is a formal statement law school applicants may write to express their intent to enroll in a program if they receive a letter of acceptance. It is a focused short essay candidates can use to express their interest in attending a particular law school program and what their future goals are.
2. Is a law school letter of intent different from a personal statement?
A law school letter of intent is a more focused version of a personal statement. While a personal statement might provide more background information on a candidate and their passion for studying the law, a letter of intent outlines their specific experience, goals and dedication to attending law school.
3. Is a law school letter of intent different from a letter of interest?
Yes. A law school letter of continued interest is written when a candidate who has been waitlisted by a school wants to express their continued interest in attending the school. A law school letter of intent proclaims a candidate’s intention to enroll in a law school if they are offered a letter of acceptance.
4. When should I write a law school letter of intent?
A letter of intent should be written to strengthen your application to law school or graduate program. A letter of intent gives the admission committee a better look into your personal drive and motivation to study law.
5. How do I write a law school letter of intent?
To write a strong letter of intent, research the school you want to apply to, outline the structure of your letter of intent and the pertinent details you will include, being sure to include how you will contribute to the program, then draft your letter of intent. Be sure to have someone else review your letter and proofread it before you submit.
6. How long is a law school letter of intent?
Law school letters of intent are typically between 400 and 800 words, or no more than 2 pages long.
7. What should be included in a letter of intent for law school?
Your letter of intent for law school should include personal anecdotes, experience or accomplishments in your field of study, your future goals as a graduate of law school and why you want to attend the school.
8. Is a letter of intent better than a personal statement?
If you are applying to law school, writing a letter of intent instead of a law school personal statement can be a better move, particularly for your top choice of law school. A letter of intent is more focused and direct and exemplifies why you would be a good fit for a particular school.
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