personal statement for business and law

Best Example Of Law School Personal Statement: What Contents Should Be Found?

Crafting an exceptional law school personal statement involves highlighting unique experiences and demonstrating qualities suited for a legal career. Successful examples of personal statements center on overcoming adversity, career transitions, or experiences in community service and advocacy. Each story provides insight into an applicant’s ability to navigate challenges and grow through the experiences. The key is to craft a compelling narrative that reflects a deep passion for law, whether discussing a career change or an impactful academic encounter. A strong personal statement explores cultural or family backgrounds, revealing the influence on the applicant’s decision to pursue law. Incorporating a specific legal interest or a defining moment in the journey adds further depth. Every detail must serve a purpose, showing determination, resilience, and a genuine connection to the legal profession. Authenticity is critical in reflecting one’s unique perspective and motivation to excel in law. The narrative must be tailored to show how experiences emphasizing community advocacy or a personal academic challenge shape future legal ambitions. The best personal statements leave a lasting impression, demonstrating the candidate’s readiness for the challenges of law school and their future role within the legal field.

Table of Contents

1. Overcoming Adversity

2. career transition, 3. community service and advocacy, 4. academic encounter, 5. cultural or family background, 6. specific legal interest, 7. a defining moment, why is a law school personal statement necessary, who should provide the law school personal statement, does the law school require the law school personal statement, what are the do’s and don’ts of crafting a law school personal statement, what strategies can you showcase on your law school personal statement, what are common mistakes to avoid in law school personal statements, what are the advantages of good law school personal statement for the admission, how would storytelling in your law school personal statement help you get considered, why is balancing professionalism and personality in your personal statement essential.

Overcoming adversity means facing and rising above challenges that hinder personal growth or success. Obstacles encountered shape an individual’s determination and resilience, proving critical in personal and professional development. Detailing the experiences in a law school personal statement showcases the candidate’s ability to adapt and persevere. One struggles with socioeconomic disadvantages, academic hurdles, or significant personal loss. The experiences shape a foundation of empathy and advocacy, molding the person into a passionate law student. The journey builds a strong understanding of justice and drives the desire to contribute meaningfully to society. Here is an example of overcoming adversity in a law school personal statement.

Law School Personal Statement: Overcoming Adversity

Facing significant challenges early in life shaped my determination and resilience. Raised in a low-income household, I took on the responsibility of caring for my younger siblings while my mother worked multiple jobs. The circumstances made it difficult to focus on my education, but they also pushed me to develop strong time-management skills and the ability to navigate tough situations.

During high school, I struggled academically, particularly with math. Teachers questioned my ability to succeed, but I refused to accept failure. Through countless hours of self-study, I not only passed but excelled in subjects that once seemed impossible. The experience taught me that setbacks are opportunities for growth, not reasons to give up.

The personal struggles also ignited my passion for advocacy. Witnessing the systemic challenges my family and community faced motivated me to pursue law, where I could advocate for those in similar circumstances. My experiences have not only strengthened my resolve but also equipped me with the empathy and resilience needed for the legal profession.

The lessons I learned from adversity have shaped my character and prepared me for the challenges of law school. I am committed to using my skills and experiences to fight for justice and equality.

Career transition refers to the process of shifting from one professional field to another, driven by a desire for growth, fulfillment, or alignment with personal values. Addressing a career transition in a law school personal statement demonstrates adaptability, a strong motivation to pursue law, and the transferable skills gained from previous experiences. Highlighting specific challenges faced in the former career and explaining how the experiences inspired the decision to pursue a legal education adds depth to the narrative. A compelling story about overcoming obstacles or identifying gaps in the previous career path effectively illustrates readiness for law school. Here is an example of a career transition in a law school personal statement.

Law School Personal Statement: Career Transition 

After completing my Bachelor’s degree in business administration, I initially pursued a career in corporate project management. While I enjoyed leading teams and solving operational challenges, I often found myself drawn to the legal aspects of the work—contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property management. The legal components piqued my interest more than the business functions, leading me to re-evaluate my long-term career path.

In my role, I developed critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills, all of which are essential for a successful legal career. Managing multiple stakeholders, resolving conflicts, and making data-driven decisions prepared me for the intellectual rigor of the law. My experiences gave me a unique perspective on how the law influences business strategy, further fueling my desire to transition into the legal field.

I am pursuing a law degree to bridge the gap between business and law, aiming to specialize in corporate or business law. I believe my background will allow me to approach legal problems with a practical, solution-oriented mindset. Law school is the next step in my journey to advocate for businesses and individuals, helping them navigate the legal landscape with confidence and fairness. I am excited to contribute to the legal community while continuing my path of lifelong learning.

Community service and advocacy involve efforts to support and uplift underserved or marginalized groups through direct actions, programs, or policy changes. Including the experiences in a law school personal statement emphasizes a commitment to social justice, public interest, and the desire to effect meaningful change. Examples like organizing local outreach initiatives or advocating for legal reforms highlight leadership and reflect a deep understanding of societal issues. Involving legal knowledge to advance equity and justice highlights a passion and reinforces the responsibility to contribute positively to society. Here is an example of community service and advocacy in a law school personal statement.

Law School Personal Statement: Community Service and Advocacy

Throughout my undergraduate years, my passion for community service and advocacy shaped much of my academic and personal life. Volunteering at a local legal aid clinic, I worked with underserved populations, assisting clients facing housing disputes, employment discrimination, and family law issues. Seeing how legal systems impact vulnerable communities firsthand strengthened my resolve to pursue law.

My role at the clinic allowed me to engage directly with clients, where I witnessed the power of advocacy in creating positive change. I researched case laws, prepared documents, and assisted attorneys in drafting motions—all while gaining a deeper understanding of how law could be a vehicle for social justice. The experiences solidified my belief that the law should serve as a tool for empowering marginalized groups.

By pursuing a law degree, I hope to continue advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. My goal is to work in public interest law, focusing on issues like housing rights, criminal justice reform, and civil rights advocacy. I am confident that my experiences in community service will inform my legal career, and I am eager to deepen my knowledge of the law to create lasting, systemic change.

Academic encounter refers to a pivotal educational experience shaping intellectual development and career goals. Law school personal statements benefit from detailing specific courses or projects that influenced legal aspirations. Examples include research papers on constitutional law or studies of international legal systems. The experiences highlight critical thinking skills and the ability to engage with complex issues. Law schools look for applicants who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and academic rigor. Reflecting on academic encounters showcases preparedness for the demanding curriculum of law school. The experiences provide evidence of a strong foundation for pursuing a legal education. Here is an example of an academic encounter in a law school personal statement.

Law School Personal Statement: Academic Encounter

During my undergraduate studies, a course on constitutional law profoundly influenced my academic journey and solidified my desire to pursue a legal career. The class discussions surrounding landmark Supreme Court cases opened my eyes to the power of legal interpretation and its impact on civil rights and social justice. I found myself captivated by the intricate balance between law, policy, and society.

One moment that stands out is the debate on the interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment. Researching the topic pushed me to delve deep into legal precedents, critically analyze historical contexts, and present cohesive arguments. The academic challenge not only honed my research and analytical skills but also fueled my passion for understanding how the law drives societal progress.

The encounter shaped my decision to pursue law because I realized that the legal field would allow me to combine my intellectual curiosity with my desire to create change. I am eager to continue exploring the complexities of legal systems and to use the knowledge I gain to advocate for policies that promote equality and justice. Law school is the next step in my academic and professional development, where I will continue to challenge myself and strive to contribute meaningfully to the legal community.

Cultural or family background refers to the unique traditions, values, and experiences shaping personal identity. Discussing the background in a law school personal statement provides insight into the factors that influenced the desire to pursue law. Powerful examples include navigating different cultural expectations or witnessing legal challenges within a community.

The experiences cultivate a strong sense of justice and resilience. Law schools value applicants who bring diverse perspectives enriched by unique backgrounds. Highlighting how cultural or family experiences shaped one’s worldview demonstrates readiness to contribute meaningfully to the law school environment. Here is an example of cultural or family background in a law school personal statement.

Law School Personal Statement: Cultural or Family Background

Growing up as a child of first-generation immigrants, I was raised in a household that deeply valued hard work, education, and community. My parents often shared stories of their struggles to establish themselves in a new country, where language barriers and unfamiliar legal systems created constant challenges. Watching them navigate the obstacles inspired in me a deep respect for resilience and a passion for advocacy.

In my community, I became a bridge between cultures, helping my family and neighbors translate documents, understand legal notices, and communicate with local authorities. The experience not only developed my problem-solving skills but also ignited my interest in law. I saw firsthand how access to legal resources could empower individuals to overcome systemic barriers and improve their lives.

My cultural background has shaped my values and given me a unique perspective on the law’s role in promoting fairness and justice. I aim to use my legal education to advocate for immigrant and underrepresented communities, ensuring that others have the legal support my family lacked. Pursuing a law degree will allow me to combine my personal experiences with my passion for justice, equipping me with the tools to effect meaningful change for those who need it most.

Specific legal interest refers to a particular area of law that captivates one’s passion and curiosity. A law school personal statement benefits from explaining how the interest developed and its future potential. Examples include a focus on environmental law due to involvement in climate advocacy or a passion for criminal justice reform sparked by personal experiences. Highlighting internships or research in the fields adds depth and shows commitment. Law schools value applicants who demonstrate a clear direction and purpose. Outlining a specific legal interest provides insight into how one plans to contribute to the legal profession. One must check law school personal statement examples to get a clear idea of how to highlight specific legal interests. Here is an example of a specific legal interest in a law school personal statement.

Law School Personal Statement: Specific Legal Interest

From my earliest academic experiences, I have been drawn to the intersection of technology and law. In particular, the rapid evolution of data privacy laws and intellectual property rights in the digital age has captured my attention. As technology continues to advance, the legal frameworks designed to protect individual privacy and intellectual property must adapt, and I want to be at the forefront of shaping the policies.

My interest deepened during my internship with a tech startup, where I was exposed to various legal challenges, from patent disputes to compliance with data privacy regulations. I worked closely with the legal team, researching the implications of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other emerging data protection laws. The experiences solidified my desire to specialize in technology law, specifically in intellectual property and privacy rights.

Pursuing a law degree will allow me to merge my passion for technology with my commitment to justice. I want to advocate for individuals and businesses as they navigate the complexities of the digital world, ensuring that innovation is protected while privacy is preserved. Law school is the next step in my journey to contribute to the development of technology law and to address the unique challenges posed by the digital age.

A defining moment refers to a pivotal experience that significantly shapes one’s values, beliefs, or goals. Including a defining moment in a law school personal statement offers a chance to highlight personal growth and motivation for pursuing law. Examples include overcoming a major challenge or advocating for justice in a difficult situation. Describing how the moment led to a deeper understanding of the legal system or fueled the desire to create change adds depth. Law schools appreciate applicants who reflect on the moments to demonstrate resilience, determination, and a clear sense of purpose in the legal profession. Here is an example of a defining moment in a law school personal statement.

Law School Personal Statement: A Defining Moment

While working at a legal aid clinic during my undergraduate studies, I encountered a challenging situation that reaffirmed my commitment to advocating for justice. A tenant facing eviction due to an illegal rent increase sought our help. She was a single mother of three, struggling to make ends meet, and the landlord had repeatedly ignored her requests for repairs and fair treatment. Despite her valid claims, the legal system appeared daunting, and she felt powerless.

With the guidance of the clinic’s attorneys, I assisted in gathering evidence, including building code violations and unlawful rent hike notices. We helped her prepare her case and navigate the legal proceedings, ensuring her voice was heard. The moment we won her case and prevented the eviction was transformative. It showed me how critical legal advocacy is in leveling the playing field for vulnerable individuals, especially when they face overwhelming odds.

The experience solidified my decision to pursue law, specifically in tenant rights and housing law. I am determined to use my legal education to protect those who are often marginalized in the legal system and to advocate for justice in complex and difficult situations. Law school will allow me to continue the fight and ensure that justice is accessible to all.

What Is A Law School Personal Statement?

A law school personal statement is a multi-paragraph essay or narrative highlighting the reason you are pursuing a J.D. degree. A law school personal statement is a critical component of a law school application. The essay allows applicants to showcase their motivations for pursuing a legal education. Applicants write about their experiences, goals, and the unique qualities that make them a good fit for law school. Strong personal statements offer insight into an individual’s character, values, and future aspirations. Law schools use the essays to assess the applicant’s writing ability and their capacity for self-reflection. Personal statements include compelling stories that demonstrate perseverance and dedication. The law school personal statement must focus on how the experiences inspired the individual’s passion for law rather than just listing achievements. Writers must balance personal insights with professional goals, ensuring their narrative remains relevant to their legal aspirations. The strongest statements are sincere and thoughtful, showing intellectual curiosity and empathy. Law schools seek individuals who excel academically and bring a unique and thoughtful perspective to their future legal studies.

A law school personal statement is necessary because it provides insight beyond academic performance. Admissions committees seek to understand an applicant’s character, values, and motivation for pursuing a legal career. A well-crafted personal statement showcases individuality and unique perspectives, offering a chance to highlight experiences that shaped the desire to study law. Academic transcripts and test scores do not fully capture a person’s capacity for critical thinking, passion, or empathy, which the personal statement conveys effectively.

A law school personal statement is generally required as part of the application process for most law schools. Law schools use the statement to assess whether the applicant aligns with their values and culture. Demonstrating self-awareness, resilience, and dedication through personal anecdotes strengthens the application significantly. Every detail must highlight the candidate’s potential for success in law school and their ability to contribute meaningfully to the legal profession. A strong personal statement sometimes compensates for less competitive academic credentials, giving applicants a crucial opportunity to distinguish themselves in a highly selective process. Writing a compelling law school personal statement, thus, is necessary and pivotal for success.

The applicants themselves should provide the law school personal statement. The statement is a unique opportunity for the admissions committee to evaluate qualities beyond academic records and test scores. Each law school expects the statement to provide personal insights, motivations, and experiences that explain why the applicant is pursuing a legal career. The document reflects an individual’s communication skills, critical thinking, and suitability for a writing-intensive legal education. Admissions committees value authenticity, and a strong personal statement balances any weaknesses in other parts of the application.

Eligibility to submit a personal statement begins once the core application materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and LSAT scores, are completed. The personal statement, generally between two and three pages, must highlight aspects of the applicant’s life that are not immediately evident from their résumé or academic profile. Schools expect applicants to discuss specific personal experiences, intellectual interests, or challenges that shaped their decision to study law. Personal statements must avoid generic content. Law schools encourage applicants to provide concrete examples of personal growth, passion for law, or relevant professional experiences. The document plays a pivotal role in differentiating candidates, especially when academic qualifications are similar. The applicant must write the statement themselves, though they have the freedom to seek general feedback or proofreading assistance from others to refine it before submission.

How Do You Begin Writing Your Law School Personal Statement?

You can begin writing your law school personal statement by following the five steps listed below.

• Reflect on Personal Motivations and Experiences. Identify experiences that illustrate the motivation for pursuing law as a career. The experiences include personal challenges, internships, or interactions with the legal system. Candidates must ensure that the narratives are significant and directly relate to a legal passion or interest. Exploring personal motivations provides an authentic voice throughout the statement. Avoid generalizations and instead focus on specific moments that shaped one’s decision to enter law school. A deep reflection on the experiences forms a strong foundation for writing
• Research the School’s Values and Strengths. Conduct detailed research on the law school’s specific programs, values, and academic culture to understand what aligns with career goals. The research allows one to tailor the personal statement to the institution, demonstrating genuine interest. Highlighting specific clinics, research centers, or faculty members strengthens the connection between the applicant’s goals and the school’s offerings. Focused research provides the necessary insight to create a compelling argument for why the school fits an individual’s aspirations. Proper alignment between the applicant’s background and the school’s strengths enhances the application’s impact.
• Craft a Clear Narrative Structure. Develop a clear narrative that connects various personal and professional experiences into a cohesive story. The story must reflect growth, highlighting how past experiences shaped the path toward a legal career. A successful narrative demonstrates how challenges were overcome and how they contributed to the applicant’s character development. The storytelling approach helps the admissions committee understand the applicant’s unique perspective and potential contributions. Maintaining a logical flow from one experience to another ensures the narrative remains engaging and focused on the central theme.
• Emphasize Skills Relevant to Law. Showcasing skills critical to legal studies beyond personal experiences is essential for a comprehensive personal statement. Analytical thinking, persuasive writing, research ability, and public speaking represent some of the core competencies expected of a future lawyer. Providing concrete examples of the abilities, such as participation in debate teams, internships, or research projects, highlights preparedness for the rigors of law school. Illustrating how the skills have been applied in real-world contexts underlines readiness to succeed in academic and professional environments
• Edit and Revise for Clarity and Precision. Undergo several rounds of revision once the draft is completed, focusing on clarity, structure, and tone. Eliminate redundancies and ensure the language is precise and impactful. Seeking feedback from trusted mentors or professionals who understand the law school admissions process adds an additional layer of refinement. The individuals provide constructive criticism, helping identify areas needing improvement or additional emphasis. Thorough editing ensures the personal statement is polished and error-free, presenting the candidate in the best possible light.

Yes, the law school requires the law school personal statement. The personal statement is an integral part of the law school application. Law schools require a personal statement to gain deeper insights into an applicant’s motivations, background, and potential. Admissions committees look for the ability to express complex ideas clearly and concisely. The personal statement allows the applicant to highlight specific qualities not reflected in academic records or standardized test scores. Law schools want to see how applicants have overcome challenges, demonstrating resilience, maturity, and commitment to the study of law. Personal statement gives candidates a platform to articulate their personal goals, career aspirations, and reasons for pursuing a legal education. Law schools are interested in applicants who show a genuine interest in the legal profession and a clear sense of purpose. The personal statement helps determine whether the applicant is prepared for the rigor of law school requirements and possesses the qualities to succeed in such an environment. The statement showcases personal growth, ethical perspectives, and unique life experiences beyond academic achievements. Admissions committees use the document to evaluate the applicant’s overall fit within their program. The goal is to admit individuals who enrich the intellectual and cultural diversity of the law school community.

The do’s and don’t of crafting a law school personal statement are shown in the table below.

Be Authentic and Honest, Don’t Exaggerate or Lie: Personal statements must reflect an applicant’s true character, showcasing authentic thoughts and experiences. Exaggerating or lying harms one’s credibility with the admissions committee, which highly values integrity. Honesty builds a genuine connection, demonstrating that the candidate is trustworthy and sincere about their legal aspirations.

Showcase Unique Experiences and avoid Fabricating or Embellishing Accomplishments: Highlight personal experiences and perspectives that set one apart from other applicants. Fabricating or exaggerating accomplishments is easily detected and damages the application. Focus on real, meaningful experiences that genuinely reflect personal values and drive a passion for law.

Keep it Personal and Reflective. Don’t Make it a Resume Rehash: A personal statement must focus on one’s own experiences, thoughts, and personal growth rather than being a mere list of accomplishments. Avoid rehashing the resume, which the admissions committee already has. Reflect on specific moments or challenges that have shaped the desire to pursue a legal career.

Show Passion for Law, and Don’t Focus Too Much on Others’ Stories:

The personal statement must communicate a genuine passion for the law and the reasons for wanting to study it. Focusing too much on others’ experiences or stories dilutes the personal impact of one’s statement. One must stay centered on one’s journey and demonstrate why law is a personal calling for them.

Proofread Carefully, Don’t Submit Without Editing: Thorough proofreading is crucial to ensure the personal statement is polished and free of mistakes. Submitting without careful editing leaves a negative impression on the admissions committee. A law school personal statement that is meticulously reviewed and error-free demonstrates professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the process.

How Important Is The Personal Statement In Law School Admissions?

A personal statement is fundamentally important in law school admissions. Admissions committees rely on it to understand an applicant’s motivations, personal qualities, and experiences. Strong personal statements showcase the unique perspective an applicant brings to the law school community. A well-constructed personal statement highlights critical skills, including leadership, resilience, and communication abilities. The attributes help the committee gauge readiness for the rigors of legal education. Applicants use the personal statement to explain their passion for the law and discuss experiences that have shaped their desire to pursue a legal career. A strong personal statement compensates for lower GPA or LSAT scores by emphasizing leadership and perseverance. Law schools value diversity and seek individuals who contribute varied perspectives and backgrounds. A compelling personal statement illustrates how an applicant’s experiences align with the school’s mission. Reviewing personal statement law school examples offers valuable guidance for structuring an effective statement. The examples help balance personal storytelling with professionalism, providing inspiration for a compelling application. Admissions officers consider writing skills demonstrated in the personal statement as a predictor of success. Strong writing and logical thinking are crucial in legal education. The opportunity allows applicants to present themselves as well-rounded individuals with specific goals and aspirations, potentially making a difference in competitive situations.​

Strategies you can showcase on your law school personal statement include writing with a compelling narrative that reflects your unique background and how it shaped your interest in law. Vivid examples from personal experiences demonstrate growth, resilience, and a passion for justice, which admissions committees highly value. A powerful statement must focus on how specific challenges or accomplishments helped develop critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Tips for making law school personal statements compelling to the admissions committee include tailoring the narrative to reflect the unique experiences and goals.

Personalizing the statement to align with each school’s values or mission shows genuine interest and dedication. Focus on unique experiences that set one apart rather than repeating information from other parts of the application. Ensure the essay has clarity and conciseness to maintain readability and impact. Strong editing is crucial to remove unnecessary words and strengthen key points. Incorporating long-term career goals within the statement provides insight into motivations and future direction.

The goals must connect naturally to past experiences, showing a logical progression toward a legal career. A cohesive story helps the reader understand the application’s purpose without resorting to generic statements. Avoiding clichés and unnecessary jargon is crucial. A personal statement must be written in a concise, clear style, as law school admissions committees appreciate candidates who communicate effectively. The personal statement must maintain authenticity, avoiding an overly academic or legal tone. Enthusiasm for the legal profession must shine through natural storytelling rather than complex terminology.

The five common mistakes to avoid in law school personal statements are listed below.

• Overusing Clichés or Generic Statements: Applicants frequently rely on clichés that offer little originality. Statements like “I want to help people” or “I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer” are too common. Admissions committees read hundreds of applications, and the phrases do not distinguish one candidate from others. Specific motivations must be emphasized, focusing on personal experiences that led to pursuing law school and how that shaped growth.
• Failing to Proofread and Edit Thoroughly: Submitting a personal statement with grammatical errors, typos, or awkward phrasing reflects poorly on attention to detail. Mistakes in writing leave an impression of carelessness, undermining the professionalism expected in legal practice. Law schools look for polished submissions. Investing time in multiple rounds of editing and seeking feedback from trusted advisors ensures clarity and precision throughout the essay.
• Focusing Too Much on Others Instead of the Applicant: Applicants sometimes spend excessive time discussing other people’s accomplishments or experiences, neglecting their own narrative. Mentioning someone influential is fine, but the personal statement must reflect the applicant’s story. Admissions committees seek to learn about individual values, experiences, and aspirations. Ensure the focus remains on qualities that define readiness for law school.
• Being Too Vague or Lacking Specific Examples: Broad, unsupported claims without specific examples weaken the argument. Vague statements about interest in law or desire for justice are insufficient. Admissions officers look for concrete evidence of skills and commitment. Sharing personal anecdotes, whether from academic or professional experiences, adds credibility and depth to the narrative, illustrating points effectively.
• Ignoring the School’s Specific Requirements or Values: A generic personal statement shows a lack of interest in individual law programs. Different schools have unique values, missions, and expectations. Tailoring the statement to reflect the understanding significantly strengthens the application. Researching each institution and incorporating the knowledge into the narrative demonstrates a genuine fit for the school. The tailored approach makes a stronger case for law school admission.

The five advantages of a good law school personal statement for admission are listed below.

• Demonstrates Strong Communication Skills: A well-crafted law school personal statement showcases an applicant’s ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Law professionals require excellent writing skills to convey arguments and legal reasoning. Demonstrating the capability in a personal statement assures admissions committees that the applicant is prepared for the rigorous demands of legal writing and advocacy. The ability to organize ideas and express them concisely reflects a readiness for law school.
• Highlights Unique Qualities and Experiences: A good personal statement provides an opportunity to highlight personal qualities and experiences that set an applicant apart. Law schools seek candidates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and a compelling narrative demonstrates individuality. Sharing distinctive experiences, whether professional or personal, reveals leadership, resilience, or intellectual curiosity. The traits strengthen the overall application and make the candidate more memorable to the admissions committee.
• Reveals Motivation and Commitment to Law: A well-written personal statement clearly conveys an applicant’s motivation for pursuing a legal career. Admissions committees want to understand the deeper reasons behind an applicant’s interest in law. Demonstrating passion for justice or legal advocacy indicates a strong commitment to the field. Articulating clear career goals and explaining the reasons for attending law school demonstrates dedication. The clarity makes the applicant stand out as a driven and purposeful candidate.
• Enhances the Application Beyond Numbers: Strong personal statements add depth to an application, particularly when academic performance or test scores do not fully represent the applicant’s potential. Admissions committees look at the whole individual, and a good personal statement provides additional context. A strong personal statement offers insight into personal strengths, accomplishments, and challenges that numbers alone do not reflect. An applicant enhances their application and creates a holistic impression by crafting a compelling narrative.
• Aligns the Applicant with the School’s Values: A well-researched personal statement demonstrates alignment with the values and mission of the law school. Admissions committees appreciate candidates who show genuine interest in the institution and an understanding of what makes it unique. Tailoring the statement to reflect specific qualities sought by the school strengthens the applicant’s case. The strategic approach shows a clear fit between the applicant and the institution, improving the chances of admission.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Unpolished Law School Personal Statement?

The five disadvantages of an unpolished law school personal statement are listed below.

• Reflects Poor Attention to Detail: An unpolished law school personal statement reflects a lack of attention to detail, which is crucial in legal work. Sloppy grammar, spelling errors, or unclear arguments suggest carelessness and a failure to invest time in revision. Admissions committees interpret the mistakes as a sign that the applicant does not possess the meticulousness required for success in law school, damaging the overall impression.
• Fails to Communicate the Applicant’s Story Effectively: A disorganized or poorly structured personal statement fails to communicate the applicant’s personal story. Law schools expect candidates to demonstrate clear thinking and the ability to present ideas logically. Admissions officers struggle to grasp key points if the narrative lacks coherence or focus. The weakness causes the application to lose impact and fail to engage the reader.
• Leaves a Negative Impression of Professionalism: A personal statement that lacks polish leaves a negative impression regarding an applicant’s professionalism. Law schools look for candidates who exhibit the qualities needed for a demanding academic and professional environment. Sloppiness in writing suggests a casual attitude toward professional standards. Admissions committees view unpolished statements as a lack of preparation for the seriousness of law school and the legal profession.
• Misses Opportunities to Stand Out Among Applicants: An unpolished statement fails to leverage opportunities to stand out among other applicants. Every aspect of an application must be optimized, given the competitive nature of law school admissions. A weak or poorly written personal statement causes admissions officers to overlook the unique qualities and strengths of the applicant. Missing the chance to differentiate oneself significantly weakens the overall application.
• Suggests a Lack of Genuine Interest or Commitment: Submitting a poorly written personal statement indicates a lack of genuine interest in law school or the legal field. Admissions committees expect well-prepared, thoughtful applications that reflect the seriousness of the decision to pursue a legal career. An unpolished statement indicates a rushed or half-hearted effort, raising doubts about the applicant’s commitment to law school and the profession’s demands.

Storytelling in your law school personal statement helps you get considered by creating a well-crafted narrative that is engaging and illustrates why law school would benefit your career path. Crafting a compelling narrative in a law school personal statement plays a crucial role in standing out. Admissions committees look for candidates who articulate motivations and demonstrate why they are uniquely suited for a legal career. A well-told story goes beyond listing accomplishments, offering deeper insights into personal experiences and character. Storytelling reveals the motivation behind an interest in law, highlighting specific challenges or injustices that a legal education directly addresses. The approach reflects strong analytical skills and the ability to apply lessons from real-life situations to future legal studies. Meaningful storytelling captures the reader’s attention, fostering a personal connection and creating a lasting impression. Storytelling presents qualifications, values, and clear reasons for pursuing law.

An engaging narrative helps an applicant make the application memorable in a competitive process. Authenticity emerges through storytelling, allowing the admissions committee to recognize the applicant’s passion and potential contributions to the program. Demonstrating growth and purpose through personal stories significantly elevates candidacy.

Balancing professionalism and personality in your personal statement is essential because it presents the candidate as a competent and serious individual while highlighting unique qualities. Professionalism shows an understanding of the expectations of the legal profession. Personality distinguishes the applicant, giving admissions committees a fuller picture beyond academic and professional achievements. Striking the right balance ensures that the candidate appears capable and relatable, demonstrating the skills and character necessary for success in law school and beyond. Admissions officers read hundreds of applications, and a personal yet professional tone makes a statement memorable. A purely professional essay comes off as stiff or generic, while one that leans too heavily into personality risks seeming unprofessional. Striking the right balance ensures that the statement is polished and relatable, which is critical for making a lasting impression. Crafting a compelling statement requires showcasing unique qualities while maintaining a mature tone. Strong examples of personal statements demonstrate the balance by illustrating individual stories with a professional outlook.

Highlighting experiences and achievements while expressing genuine motivations provides a clear understanding of one’s aspirations. A purely formal tone comes across as impersonal, missing the opportunity to make a meaningful connection. Excessive informality, on the other hand, risks undermining the applicant’s seriousness and professionalism. Striking the right balance shows a nuanced understanding of how to present oneself thoughtfully and effectively. Demonstrating professionalism involves precise language, clarity, and a focused narrative. Personality, on the other hand, adds depth, helping to convey passion, motivation, and unique perspectives. Highlighting personal experiences gives insight into an applicant’s character, complementing academic achievements and credentials. The most compelling personal statements weave together intellectual achievements with personal insights. The combination ensures the applicant stands out as a well-rounded candidate who is highly qualified and relatable. Presenting a polished yet genuine narrative demonstrates an awareness of the profession’s demands while revealing the unique strengths the applicant brings to the table.

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Business and law personal statement example.

To start with I shall point out that I have always been interested in business and legal studies. Even during my teenage years, I have seen myself as a person who is willing to prosper in the knowledge of modern business and legal studies. This path to higher knowledge as seen from my prospective fits best at an UK university.

Famous for their long tradition, unquestionable methods and millions of qualified students that were visiting these centers in pursue of knowledge, have destined the future plans for my higher education. I would like to add one more reason that is connected with my family's education.

The majority of my closer relatives have a Master Degree in certain areas and they have proven themselves as both educational and experienced in a fashion that inspired me to continue with their tradition.

Personally, my interests lie in the areas mentioned before and have become more interested in them when I attended the Austrian School of Budapest. A good choice, if I may add, since it helped me greatly in improving my language skills, as well as receiving greater knowledge in mathematics and history. Still, I have always looked forward to learning more about the basics of business and the foundations of law, since those two subjects provided the information and knowledge I was seeking to carry on with my studies in the future.

Considering the fact that my native tongue is Hungarian, I do not have the luck of some other Europeans whose language is widely spoken, but this doesn't mean that I am not eager to learn and compete to achieve my goal. As a backup I would point out that I am bilingual, because of my mother being half German.

During the years of High School I developed a strong desire to study English. In order to try myself out in native environment I spent three weeks on Malta and took part in two courses. This period was of major importance, due to the fact that I encountered different challenging situations, which really tested my English oral skills.

After this, my aim was to learn more and develop my skills in written and spoken English even higher. When I visited my father, who was working as a manager near London, I became more determined to top my knowledge. I signed up for the IELTS Academic test at the British Council, which offered a consistent overview and concessive measurement of my language skills. My overall score was 7.5, a fine accomplishment by some, but I think I can pursue myself higher than that.

In order to expand my language attainments, I am planning to learn Italian, since I have learned it for a year, and have some basic knowledge in it. I think my approach to languages, provides me with the basis which are needed for international business, with the ability to communicate with people coming from different countries. When speaking about business, the first thing that comes to my mind is its complex and knotty nature. It fascinates me, how close complicated economical phenomenons are bound to everyday issues.

With regards to law, the reason behind my choice is that I enjoy researching and the process of persistent reading, which is necessary for law. Apart from that, I consider myself as a person who has the ability of winning a discussion with his persuasive arguments even when it comes to disputable cases.

My work experience provided me with an interesting insight into the world of business, when I spent more than a month at the German Bauhaus AG in Hungary as a translator due to my knowledge in German. Here I had the opportunity to see how a big company is managed behind the scenes. I think this influenced my approach to teamwork greatly as it introduced and thought me how to work efficient and effective with my colleges.

In the end just to point out that my future engagements are bound to the successful continuum of my studies, which can be acquired best at your university.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by lenny for application in 2008.

lenny's Comments

Hiya, I hope I can help you with adding my PS. Before you criticise my statement please consider, that my native language is not english:)

Related Personal Statements

Thu, 11/09/2008 - 09:10

So which universitys did u apply to for this course?

Mon, 29/09/2008 - 21:59

i applied to cambridge, oxford, durham, queens (belfast) and st. andrews

I wasn't aware you could

Mon, 20/10/2008 - 09:47

I wasn't aware you could apply to both Oxford and Cambridge...

Wed, 22/10/2008 - 15:23

And where did you get

Wed, 14/01/2009 - 17:47

And where did you get accepted?

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A Sample Structure for Your Law School Personal Statement

Applications open in early September at most law schools, and forward-looking students have started asking questions about their personal statements. “Where the hell do I get started?” is by far the most common of these.

Last Wednesday, I guest-taught the Admissions Hour with LSAT Demon tutor (and soon-to-be Yale 1L) Carl Lasker. In that session, we brought back our “Personal Statement Woodchipper,” wherein we read one brave applicant’s draft personal statement. And, well, we shredded it. Like always.

The biggest problem with this one, like so many others, was that it left us with no real picture of who the person is or what they do. There was too much cinematic scene-setting, too much industry jargon, and too much Tarantino-style timeline-skipping.

There was not enough of the actual applicant we were supposed to be learning about. In short, the personal statement wasn’t personal.

We each have a dozen different stories, any of which could make the foundation of a strong personal statement. So it’s less important that we pick the perfect topic, and far more important that we get our bad first draft out of the way ASAP. Until we have a draft, we can’t start cutting the worst parts and teasing out more of the good stuff. The purpose of this lesson is to help you get started.

This isn’t the only way to get started—it’s just one way. If you’re stuck, this might be a good way to get the words flowing.

The basic formula: I am. I did. I do. I will.

Ben and I talk endlessly about showing, rather than telling, any time a personal statement comes up on the  Thinking LSAT Podcast . The point is to demonstrate your strengths and achievements via facts, rather than forcing conclusions down the reader’s throat. Fact-driven writing is far more powerful than conclusion-driven writing. So the bulk of your statement needs to consist of sentences that follow the basic formula of “I did X.” We want your statement to be stuffed with sentences that feature you as the star of the show—don’t be shy about using the word “I” as the subject of your sentences—with active verbs. Here are some examples:

I wrote. I managed. I researched. I reorganized. I developed. I created. In short, I killed it.

Generally, you should avoid passive construction using forms of the verb “to be.” Steer clear of be, am, is, are, was, were, being, and been. When you see these verbs, replace them with something active.

Why, then, do I suggest starting with “I am”?

As Carl and I discovered in the Admissions Hour last Wednesday, the emphasis on active verbs can sometimes fail to give readers the necessary footing. We dive right into an action scene, without any background. So in this formulation of “how to write a personal statement,” it’s okay to start with a very brief statement of who you are, to help us understand the action to follow. Then skip back in time, just once, to discuss some background. Then progress into the modern day. Finally, if necessary, talk about the future. We’ll start in the present.

Ben Olson doesn’t let me use italics any more, but if I were allowed to use them I would italicize the “very” in “keep this section very brief.” I’m talking one or two sentences. See how it looks as a short, standalone paragraph. Using myself as an example:

I am the co-founder of LSATDemon.com, an LSAT preparation program with students and teachers from around the world. I’m also the co-host of the Thinking LSAT Podcast, which published its 296th episode last week.

This tells the reader who I am today, priming them for the story arc I’m planning to take them on. Don’t do more than a sentence or two of this, because it’s telling rather than showing. But the reader now has a picture of who I am in the world, which will help them comprehend the following sections.

Immediately, we transition back in time to provide some background. We’ll only do one such shift in the timeline—generally, chronological stories are much easier to digest. Readability is key, so we’ll only go forward, never backward, from here.

After graduating from Babson College in 2006, I began moonlighting as a GMAT teacher. My employer at the time needed an LSAT teacher, so I started teaching that as well. In 2008, in the summer between my 1L and 2L years of law school, I started Fox LSAT. I rented the back room of a Mission District café for my first class, which struggled to enroll a dozen students. But strong Yelp reviews and word of mouth filled subsequent classes.

From here, I’d continue to progress through my career. I’d talk about books I wrote, my in-person classes, the podcast, and founding LSAT Demon. This section can be anywhere from one paragraph to a page, depending on how much history is relevant.

Law schools are keenly interested in the person you are today. If they admit you, that’s the you who’s actually coming to class—not the you from five years ago. So we’ll shift to the present tense here to show the reader the strong, positive, winning applicant they’re looking for.

I now teach LSAT classes three days a week, and I love teaching now more than ever. I am especially proud of our free resources, including the Thinking LSAT Podcast, which have reached tens of thousands of students. I hire and manage a staff of two dozen freelance teachers, writers, and editors. Together, we offer multiple live classes seven days a week.

Here I could write about favorite students, or interactions I have with the teachers I mentor, or the laughs I have recording each week with Ben. You don’t have to choose the one perfect story, and each anecdote doesn’t have to be wildly impressive. Just demonstrate that you are capable, reliable, creative, thoughtful, resourceful—in other words, someone with their shit together.

Many excellent personal statements—especially for anyone who already works in anything even tangentially related to business or law—can end right here. You’ve shown who you are, what you’ve done, and what you currently do. Your reader is in the business of selling law school. They can put the pieces together between what you’re doing now and the opportunities they believe their law school can offer you. They already know you’re applying to law school, so don’t waste time with “I am applying for matriculation at your fine law school blah blah blah.”

But if you’ve been a musician for 15 years, or you studied chemistry in college, or your history-to-present doesn’t exactly scream law school, you may want to add a fourth, extremely brief section:

If it’s obvious that you’re changing career paths completely by applying to law school, try closing with a very brief statement about what you plan to do. One or two sentences is plenty, as you haven’t actually done any of this stuff yet—and it’s all just kind of BS until you actually do it. But you want your story to make sense (and hopefully it does, in fact, make sense), so go ahead and tell them what you’re trying to do.

I hope to gain experience in trade secret and copyright law. Eventually, I might explore a legal practice in the licensing of digital educational materials.

Boom, that’s it. Shitty first draft of personal statement complete.

I am. I did. I do. (And optionally, I will.)

That’s one or two sentences to introduce yourself. Then a paragraph to three-quarters of a page of what you did, leading up to three-quarters of a page of what you do now. End it there, or, if necessary, add one or two sentences of what you hope to do.

This isn’t by any means the only way to write a personal statement. But it’s at least a framework for getting something on the page that isn’t a complete mess. From here, if you find the glimmer of something you like, it’s all about the rewrites and editing.

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18 Law School Personal Statement Examples That Got Accepted!

This blog contains law school personal statement examples written by applicants who were successfully accepted to multiple law schools after working with our admissions experts as part of our  l aw school admissions consulting services . Your  law school personal statement  is one of the most important parts of your application and is your best opportunity to show admissions officers who you are behind your numbers and third-party assessments. Because of its importance, many students find the personal statement to be daunting and demanding of the full scope of their skills as writers. Today we're going to review these excellent law school personal statement examples from past successful applicants and provide some proven strategies from a former admissions officer that can help you prepare your own stellar essay. 

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Article Contents 44 min read

Law school personal statement example #1.

When I was a child, my neighbors, who had arrived in America from Nepal, often seemed stressed. They argued a lot, struggled for money, and seemed to work all hours of the day. One day, I woke early in the morning to a commotion outside my apartment. Police officers were accompanying my neighbors out of the building. They were being deported. In my teens, I was shocked to see that our kind, friendly neighbors had exhausted their last chance to stay in America as they lost a court appeal. 

Since that time, I have worked closely with the many immigrant families in my neighborhood, and now university town. I began by volunteering at a local community center. Together with social workers, I served food and gave out clothes to new arrivals. My diligent work ethic led to more responsibility, and I received training in basic counseling techniques, first aid skills and community services. Soon, I was tasked with welcoming new community members and assessing their health and social needs. I heard the many difficult stories of those who had traveled thousands of miles, often through several countries, risking everything to reach a safe, welcoming country. I was proud to contribute in some small way to making America welcoming for these individuals.

The community center is where I had my first formal contact with legal aid lawyers, who were a constant source of knowledge and support for those who needed assistance. I was struck by the lawyers’ ability to explain complex legal processes to nervous and exhausted incomers: law, I realized, was about more than procedure. I decided that I, too, would strive to balance a wealth of technical knowledge with my caring, compassionate personality.

As soon as I enrolled in university, I knew I had the chance to do so. In my very first week, I signed up to volunteer at the university’s legal aid center, where I worked closely with law professors and students on a range of cases. Academically, I have focused on courses, such as a fourth-year Ethics seminar, that would help me develop rigorous critical reasoning skills. More importantly, I knew that, given my experience, I could be a leader on campus. I decided to found a refugee campaign group, Students4Refugees. Together with a group of volunteers, we campaigned to make our campus a refugee-friendly space. I organized a series of events: international student mixers, an art installation in our student commons, and concerts that raised over $5,000 for the charity Refugee Aid. I am proud to say that my contributions were recognized with a university medal for campus leadership.

I have seen time and again how immigrants to the United States struggle with bureaucracy, with complex legal procedures, and with the demands of living in a foreign and sometimes hostile climate. As I plan to enter law school, I look back to my neighbors’ experiences: they needed someone who knew the law, who could negotiate with the authorities on their behalf, who could inform them of their rights—but they also needed someone who would provide a caring and compassionate outlet for their stresses. I know that Townsville University’s combination of academic rigor, legal aid services, and history of graduates entering labor and non-profit sectors will allow me to develop these skills and continue making contributions to my community by advocating for those in need.

• Thematic consistency: It focuses on just one theme: justice for immigrants. Each paragraph is designed to show off how enthusiastic the student is about this area of law. Personal statements—including those for law school—often begin with a personal anecdote. This one is short, memorable, and relevant. It establishes the overall theme quickly. By constraining their essay’s focus to a single general theme, the writer can go into great depth and weave in emotional and psychological weight through careful and vivid description. The personal statement isn’t a standard 3-paragraph college essay with a spotlight thesis statement, but it conveys similar impact through presenting a central focus organically, without resorting to simply blurting out “the point” of the piece.   
• Shows, rather than tells: Connected to this, this statement focuses on showing rather than telling. Rather than simply telling the reader about their commitment to law, the applicant describes specific situations they were involved in that demonstrate their commitment to law. “Show don’t tell” means you want to paint a vivid picture of actions or experiences that demonstrate a given quality or skill, and not simply say "I can do X." Make it an experience for your reader, don't just give them a fact. 
• Confident, but not arrogant: Additionally, this personal statement is confident without being boastful—leadership qualities, grades, and an award are all mentioned in context, rather than appearing as a simple list of successes. 
• Specific to the school: It ends with a conclusion that alludes to why the applicant is suitable for the specific school to which they’re applying and points to their future career plans. Thoroughly researching the law school to which you’re applying is incredibly important so that you can tailor your remarks to the specific qualities and values they’re looking for. A law essay writing service is really something that can help you integrate this aspect effectively. 

What Should a Law School Personal Statement Do?

1.      be unique to the school you’re applying to.

Students are always asking how to write a personal statement for law school, particularly one that stands out from all the rest. After all, advice from most universities can often be quite vague. Take this zinger from the  University of Chicago : “Write about something personal, relevant, and completely individual to you… Just be yourself.” Every school will have different requirements or content they want to see in a personal statement. This is why it’s a good idea to review specific guidelines for the school to which you’re applying. For example, you can read Yale Law School personal statement examples , Stanford Law personal statement examples , and an NYU personal statement to get an idea of what these schools look for.

2.      Demonstrate your skills and capabilities

For motivated students with the world at their fingertips, it’s a tough ask to narrow your character down into a few hundred words! But this is exactly the point of such generic guidelines—to challenge aspiring law students to produce something unique and convincing with minimal direction by the university. Law is, after all, a profession that demands your language to be persuasive, and the personal statement is merely one of many exercises where you can demonstrate your language skills. 

3.      Meet basic requirements

While the law school personal statement is about far more than just following essay directions, you still need to keep basic formatting and length restrictions in mind. Most law schools ask for a 2-page personal statement, but lengths can range from 2-4 pages. Georgetown Law School , for instance, recommends a 2-page personal statement but explicitly states that there is no official minimum or maximum. In general, length does not make a personal statement better. Rambling, meandering sentences and tiresome descriptions will only hurt the impact of your ideas, especially considering how many thousands of pages admissions committees have to churn through each year.  

In short, keep to 2 double-spaced pages, and only go below or above this is if you absolutely have to, and if the school to which you're applying allows it. You want to keep things as widely applicable as possible while drafting your personal statement, meaning that you don't want to draft a 4 page letter for the one school that allows it, and then have to significantly rewrite this for your other schools. Stick to 2 pages. 

4.      Embody what the school is looking for

Lastly, many law schools won’t offer hyper-specific prompts, but will give you general law school admissions essay topics to follow. For instance, the University of Washington’s law school provides a number of topics to follow, including “Describe a personal challenge you faced” or “Describe your passions and involvement in a project or pursuit and the ways in which it has contributed to your personal growth and goals.” These topics may feel specific at first, but as you begin drafting, you’ll likely realize you have dozens of memories to choose from, and numerous ways of describing their impact. While drafting, try to explore as many of these options as possible, and select the best or most impactful to use in your final draft.  

Law School Personal Statement Example #2

In my home community, the belief is that the law is against us. The law oppresses and victimizes. I must admit that as a child and young person I had this opinion based on my environment and the conversations around me. I did not understand that the law could be a vehicle for social change, and I certainly did not imagine I had the ability and talents to be a voice for this change. I regularly attended my high school classes because I enjoyed the discussions and reading for English and history, and writing came easily to me, but I wasn’t committed to getting good grades because I felt I had no purpose. My mindset changed as I spent time with Mark Russell, a law student who agreed to mentor and tutor me as part of a “high school to law school” mentorship program. Every week, for three years, Mark and I would meet. At first, Mark tutored me, but I quickly became an “A” student, not only because of the tutoring, but because my ambitions were uncorked by what Mark shared with me about university, the law, and his life. I learned grades were the currency I needed to succeed. I attended mock trials, court hearings, and law lectures with Mark and developed a fresh understanding of the law that piqued an interest in law school. My outlook has changed because my mentor, my teachers, and my self-advocacy facilitated my growth. Still, injustices do occur. The difference is that I now believe the law can be an instrument for social change, but voices like mine must give direction to policy and resources in order to fight those injustices.

Early in my mentorship, I realized it was necessary to be “in the world” differently if I were to truly consider a law career. With Mark’s help and the support of my high school teachers, I learned to advocate for myself and explore opportunities that would expand my worldview as well as my academic skills. I joined a Model UN club at a neighboring high school, because my own school did not have enough student interest to have a club. By discussing global issues and writing decisions, I began to feel powerful and confident with my ability to gather evidence and make meaningful decisions about real global issues. As I built my leadership, writing, and public speaking skills, I noticed a rift developing with some of my friends. I wanted them to begin to think about larger systemic issues outside of our immediate experience, as I was learning to, and to build confidence in new ways. I petitioned my school to start a Model UN and recruited enough students to populate the club. My friends did not join the club as I’d hoped, but before I graduated, we had 2 successful years with the students who did join. I began to understand that I cannot force change based on my own mandate, but I must listen attentively to the needs and desires of others in order to support them as they require.

While I learned to advocate for myself throughout high school, I also learned to advocate for others. My neighbors, knowing my desire to be a lawyer, would often ask me to advocate on their behalf with small grievances. I would make phone calls, stand in line with them at government offices, and deal with difficult landlords. A woman, Elsa, asked me to review her rental agreement to help her understand why her landlord had rented it to someone else, rather than renewing her lease. I scoured the rental agreement, highlighted questionable sections, read the Residential Tenancies Act, and developed a strategy for approaching the landlord. Elsa and I sat down with the landlord and, upon seeing my binder complete with indices, he quickly conceded before I could even speak. That day, I understood evidence is the way to justice. My interest in justice grew, and while in university, I sought experiences to solidify my decision to pursue law.

Last summer, I had the good fortune to work as a summer intern in the Crown Attorney’s Office responsible for criminal trial prosecutions. As the only pre-law intern, I was given tasks such as reviewing court tapes, verifying documents, and creating a binder with indices. I often went to court with the prosecutors where I learned a great deal about legal proceedings, and was at times horrified by human behavior. This made the atmosphere in the Crown Attorney’s office even more surprising. I worked with happy and passionate lawyers whose motivations were pubic service, the safety and well-being of communities, and justice. The moment I realized justice was their true objective, not the number of convictions, was the moment I decided to become a lawyer.

I broke from the belief systems I was born into. I did this through education, mentorship, and self-advocacy. There is sadness because in this transition I left people behind, especially as I entered university. However, I am devoted to my home community. I understand the barriers that stand between youth and their success. As a law student, I will mentor as I was mentored, and as a lawyer, I will be a voice for change.

What’s Great about this Second Law School Personal Statement?

• It tells a complete and compelling story: Although the applicant expressed initial reservations about the law generally, the statement tells a compelling story of how the applicant's opinions began to shift and their interest in law began. They use real examples and show how that initial interest, once seeded, grew into dedication and passion. This introduction implies an answer to the " why do you want to study law? ” interview question.
• It shows adaptability: Receptiveness to new information and the ability to change both thought and behavior based on this new information. The writer describes realizing that they needed to be "in the world" differently! It's hard to convey such a grandiose idea without sounding cliché, but through their captivating and chronological narrative, the writer successfully convinces the reader that this is the case with copious examples, including law school extracurriculars . It’s a fantastic case of showing rather than telling, describing specific causes they were involved with which demonstrate that the applicant is genuinely committed to a career in the law. 
• Includes challenges the subject faced and overcame: This law school personal statement also discusses weighty, relatable challenges that they faced, such as the applicant's original feeling toward law, and the fact that they lost some friends along the way. However, the applicant shows determination to move past these hurdles without self-pity or other forms of navel-gazing.  Additionally, this personal statement ends with a conclusion that alludes to why the applicant is suitable for the specific school to which they’re applying and points to their future career plans. The writer manages to craft an extremely immersive and believable story about their path to the present, while also managing to curate the details of this narrative to fit the specific values and mission of the school to which they’re applying.

What’s Great About This Third Law School Personal Statement? 

• Description is concise and effective: This writer opens with rich, vivid description and seamlessly guides the reader into a compelling first-person narrative. Using punchy, attention-grabbing descriptions like these make events immersive, placing readers in the writer's shoes and creating a sense of immediacy. 
• Achievements are the focus: They also do a fantastic job of talking about their achievements, such as interview team lead, program design, etc., without simply bragging. Instead, they deliver this information within a cohesive narrative that includes details, anecdotes, and information that shows their perspective in a natural way. Lastly, they invoke their passion for law with humility, discussing their momentary setbacks and frustrations as ultimately positive experiences leading to further growth. 

Want more law school personal statement examples from top law schools?

• Harvard law school personal statement examples
• Columbia law school personal statement examples
• Cornell law school personal statement examples
• Yale law school personal statement examples
• UPenn law school personal statement examples
• Cambridge law school personal statement examples

Law School Personal Statement #4

What’s great about this fourth law school personal statement.

• Engaging description: Like the third example above, this fourth law school personal statement opens with engaging description and first-person narrative. However, the writer of this personal statement chooses to engage a traumatic aspect of their childhood and discuss how this adversity led them to develop their desire to pursue a career in law.  
• Strong theme of overcoming adversity: Overcoming adversity is a frequent theme in personal statements for all specialties, but with law school personal statements students are often able to utilize uniquely dramatic, difficult, and pivotal experiences that involved interacting with the law. It may be hard to discuss such emotionally weighty experiences in a short letter but, as this personal statement shows, with care and focus it's possible to sincerely demonstrate how your early struggles paved the way for you to become the person you are now. It's important to avoid sensationalism, but you shouldn't shy away from opening up to your readers about adverse experiences that have ultimately pointed you in a positive direction. 

Law School Personal Statement Example #5

What’s great about this fifth law school personal statement  .

• Highlights achievements effectively: This writer does a fantastic job of incorporating their accomplishments and impact they had on their community without any sense of bragging or conceit. Rather, these accomplishments are related in terms of deep personal investment and a general drive to have a positive impact on those around them—without resorting to the cliches of simply stating "I want to help people." They show themselves helping others, and how these early experiences of doing so are a fundamental part of their drive to succeed with a career in law.   
• Shows originality: Additionally, they do a great job of explaining the uniqueness of their identity. The writer doesn't simply list their personal/cultural characteristics, but contextualizes them to show how they've shaped their path to law school. Being the child of a Buddhist mother and a Hindu father doesn’t imply anything about a person’s ability to study/practice law on its own, but explaining how this unique aspect of their childhood encouraged a passion for “discussion, active debate, and compromise” is profoundly meaningful to an admissions panel. Being able to express how fundamental aspects of law practice are an integral part of yourself is a hugely helpful tactic in a law school personal statement. 

If you\u2019re heading North of the border, check out list of  law schools in Canada  that includes requirements and stats on acceptance. ","label":"Tip","title":"Tip"}]' code='tab2' template='BlogArticle'>

Law School Personal Statement Example #6

What’s great about this sixth law school personal statement .

• Weaves in cultural background: Similar to the writer of personal statement #5, this student utilizes the cultural uniqueness of their childhood to show how their path to law school was both deeply personal and rooted in ideas pervasive in their early years. Unlike the writer of statement #5, this student doesn't shy away from explaining how this distinctiveness was often a source of alienation and difficulty. Yet this adversity is, as they note, ultimately what helped them be an adaptable and driven student, with a clear desire to make a positive impact on the kinds of situations that they witnessed affect their parents.  
• Describes setbacks while remaining positive: This writer also doesn't shy away from describing their temporary setbacks as both learning experiences and, crucially, springboards for positively informing their plans for the future. 

What’s Great About This Seventh Law School Personal Statement? 

• The writer takes accountability: One of the hardest things to accomplish in a personal statement is describing not just early setbacks that are out of your control but early mistakes for which you must take responsibility. The writer of this personal statement opens with descriptions of characteristics that most law schools would find problematic at best. But at the end of this introduction, they successfully utilize an epiphany, a game-changing moment in which they saw something beyond their early pathological aimlessness, to clearly mark the point at which they became focused on law.  
• The narrative structure is clear: They clearly describe the path forward from this moment on, showing how they remained focused on earning a law degree, and how they were able to work through successive experiences of confusion to persist in finishing their undergraduate education at a prestigious university. Of course, you shouldn't brag about such things for their own sake, but this writer makes the point of opening up about the unique feelings of inadequacy that come along with being the first person in their family to attend such a school, and how these feelings were—like their initial aimlessness—mobilized in service of their goal and the well-being of others. Their statement balances discussion of achievement with humility, which is a difficult but impactful tactic when done well. 

Law School Personal Statement Example #8

What’s great about this eighth law school personal statement .

• Shows commitment to the community: Commitment to one’s community is a prized value in both law students and law professionals. This writer successfully describes not only how they navigated the challenges in their group environments, such as their internship, the debate team, etc., but how these challenges strengthened their commitment to being a positive part of their communities. They don’t simply describe the skills and lessons they learned from these challenging environments, but also how these challenges ultimately made them even more committed to and appreciative of these kinds of dynamic, evolutionary settings.  
• Avoids negative description: They also avoid placing blame or negatively describing the people in these situations, instead choosing to characterize inherent difficulties in terms neutral to the people around them. In this way, you can describe extremely challenging environments without coming off as resentful, and identify difficulties without being accusatory or, worse yet, accidentally or indirectly seeming like part of the problem. This writer manages to convey the difficulty and complexity of these experiences while continually returning to their positive long-term impact, and though you shouldn’t seek to “bright-side” the troubles in your life you should absolutely point out how these experiences have made you a more capable and mature student. 

Law School Personal Statement Example #9

What’s great about this ninth law school personal statement  .

• The writer effectively describes how their background shaped their decision to pursue law: Expressing privilege as adversity is something that very few students should even attempt, and fewer still can actually pull it off. But the writer of this personal statement does just that in their second paragraph, describing how the ease and comfort of their upbringing could have been a source of laziness or detachment, and often is for particularly well-off students, but instead served as a basis for their ongoing commitment to addressing the inequalities and difficulties of those less comfortable. Describing how you’ve developed into an empathic and engaged person, worked selflessly in any volunteer experiences, and generally aimed your academic life at a career in law for the aid of others—all this is incredibly moving for an admissions board, and can help you discuss your determination and understanding of exactly why you desire a career in law.  
• The student shows adaptability, flexibility, and commitment: Additionally, this writer is able to show adaptability while describing their more prestigious appointments in a way that’s neither self-aggrandizing nor unappreciative. One of the big takeaways from this statement is the student’s commitment and flexibility, and these are both vitally important qualities to convey in your law school personal statement.  

Law School Personal Statement Example #10

What’s great about this tenth law school personal statement .

Shows passion: If you’re one of the rare students for whom service to others has always been a core belief, by all means find a novel and engaging way of making this the guiding principle of your personal statement. Don’t overdo it—don’t veer into poetry or lofty philosophizing—but by all means let your passion guide your pen (well…keyboard). Every step of the way, this student relates their highs and lows, their challenges and successes, to an extremely earnest and sincere set of altruistic values invoked at the very beginning of their statement. Law school admissions boards don’t exactly prize monomania, but they do value intense and sustained commitment.  

Shows maturity: This student also successfully elaborates this passion in relation to mature understanding. That is, they make repeated points about their developing understanding of law that sustains their hopefulness and emotional intensity while also incorporating knowledge of the sometimes troubling day-to-day challenges of the profession. Law schools aren’t looking for starry-eyed naivete, but they do value optimism and the ability to stay positive in a profession often defined by its difficulties and unpredictability. 

Every pre-law student blames their lack of success on the large number of applicants, the heartless admissions committee members, or the high GPA and LSAT score cut offs. Check out our blog on  law school acceptance rates  to find out more about the law school admission statistics for law schools in the US . Having taught more than a thousand students every year, I can tell you the REAL truth about why most students get rejected: 

Need tips on your law school resume?

8 Additional Law School Personal Statement Examples

Now that you have a better idea of what your law school personal statement should include, and how you can make it stand out, here are five additional law school personal statements for you to review and get some inspiration:

Law school personal statement example #11

According to the business wire, 51 percent of students are not confident in their career path when they enroll in college. I was one of those students for a long time. My parents had always stressed the importance of education and going to college, so I knew that I wanted to get a tertiary education, I just didn’t know in what field. So, like many other students, I matriculated undecided and started taking introductory courses in the subjects that interest me. I took classes from the department of literature, philosophy, science, statistics, business, and so many others but nothing really called out to me.

I figured that maybe if I got some practical experience, I might get more excited about different fields. I remembered that my high school counselor had told me that medicine would be a good fit for me, and I liked the idea of a career that involved constant learning. So, I applied for an observership at my local hospital. I had to cross “doctor” off my list of post-graduate career options when I fainted in the middle of a consultation in the ER.

I had to go back to the drawing board and reflect on my choices. I decided to stop trying to make an emotional decision and focus on the data. So, I looked at my transcript thus far, and it quickly became clear to me that I had both an interest and an aptitude for business and technology. I had taken more courses in those two fields than in any others, and I was doing very well in them. My decision was reaffirmed when I spent the summer interning at a digital marketing firm during my senior year in college and absolutely loved my experience. 

Since graduating, I have been working at that same firm and I am glad that I decided to major in business. I first started as a digital advertising assistant, and I quickly learned that the world of digital marketing is an incredibly fast-paced sink-or-swim environment. I didn’t mind it at all. I wanted to swim with the best of them and succeed. So far, my career in advertising has been challenging and rewarding in ways that I never could have imagined. 

I remember the first potential client that I handled on my own. Everything had been going great until they changed their mind about an important detail a day before we were supposed to present our pitch. . I had a day to research and re-do a presentation that I’d been preparing for weeks. I was sure that I’d be next on the chopping block, but once again all I had to was take a step back and look at the information that I had. Focusing on the big picture helped me come up with a new pitch, and after a long night, lots of coffee, and laser-like focus, I delivered a presentation that I was not only proud of, but that landed us the client. 

Three years and numerous client emergencies later, I have learned how to work under pressure, how to push myself, and how to think critically. I also have a much better understanding of who I am and what skills I possess. One of the many things that I have learned about myself over the course of my career is that I am a fan of the law. Over the past three years, I have worked with many lawyers to navigate the muddy waters of user privacy and digital media. I often find myself looking forward to working with our legal team, whereas my coworkers actively avoid them. I have even become friends with my colleagues on the legal team who also enjoy comparing things like data protection laws in the US and the EU and speculating about the future of digital technology regulation. 

These experiences and conversations have led me to a point where I am interested in various aspects of the law. I now know that I have the skills required to pursue a legal education and that this time around, I am very sure about what I wish to study. Digital technology has evolved rapidly over the last decade, and it is just now starting to become regulated. I believe that this shift is going to open up a more prominent role for those who understand both digital technology and its laws, especially in the corporate world. My goal is to build a career at the intersection of these worlds.

Law school personal statement example #12

The first weekend I spent on my undergrad college campus was simultaneously one of the best and worst of my life. I was so excited to be away from home, on my own, making new friends and trying new things. One of those things was a party at a sorority house with my friend and roommate, where I thought we both had a great time. Both of us came from small towns, and we had decided to look out for one another. So, when it was time to go home, and I couldn't find her, I started to worry. I spent nearly an hour looking for her before I got her message saying she was already back in our dorm. 

It took her three months to tell me that she had been raped that night. Her rapist didn't hold a knife to her throat, jump out of a dark alleyway, or slip her a roofie. Her rapist was her long-term boyfriend, with whom she'd been in a long-distance relationship for just over a year. He assaulted her in a stranger's bedroom while her peers, myself included, danced the night away just a few feet away. 

I remember feeling overwhelmed when she first told me. I was sad for my friend, angry on her behalf, and disgusted by her rapist's actions. I also felt incredibly guilty because I had been there when it happened. I told myself that I should have stayed with her all night and that I should have seen the abuse - verbal and physical harassment- that he was inflicting on her before it turned sexual. But eventually, I realized that thinking about what could, should, or would've happened doesn't help anyone. 

I watched my friend go through counseling, attend support groups, and still, she seemed to be hanging on by a thread. I couldn't begin to imagine what she was going through, and unfortunately, there was very little I could do to help her. So, I decided to get involved with the Sexual Assault Responders Group on campus, where I would actually be able to help another survivor. 

My experience with the Sexual Assault Responders Group on campus was eye-opening. I mostly worked on the peer-to-peer hotline, where I spoke to survivors from all walks of life. I was confronted by the fact that rape is not a surreal unfortunate thing that happens to a certain type of person. I learned that it happens daily to mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends. I also learned that most survivors try to manage this burden on their own, afraid of judgment and repercussions and fearful of a he-said-she-said court battle.

I am proud to say that I used my time in college to not only earn an education, but also to advocate for survivors of sexual assault. I protested the university's cover-up of a gang rape that took place in one of the fraternity houses on campus. I spearheaded a 'no means no' campaign to raise awareness about consent on campus. I also led several fundraising campaigns for the Sexual Assault Responders Group that allowed us to pay for legal and mental health counselors for the survivors who came to us for support. 

One of the things that this experience helped me realize is that sexual assault survivors often do not know where to turn when the system tries to tell them that it'd be best to just keep quiet and suffer in silence. My goal is to become one of those people that they can turn to for counsel and support. I believe that a law degree would give me the knowledge and tools that I need to advocate for survivors on a more significant scale. 

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Law school personal statement example #13

I grew up in two different worlds. My world at home was full of people of various skin tones and accents. It was small, loud, and often chaotic in the best ways. I remember walking home and getting to experience music from across the world before I got to my apartment building. Loud reggaeton and afrobeat were always playing somewhere in the distance. Aunties and uncles usually stopped by unannounced and slipped money in your palm when they hugged you goodbye. And the smell of fried plantains was almost always present. 

My other world was in school. It was a much quieter, more organized world with white hallways, navy blazers, and plaid skirts. It was full of people who did not look or sound like me and teachers who thought my hair was "interesting." It was also full of great books and engaging debates about everything from foreign policy to the influence of Jazz on hip hop. 

I lived in these two worlds because I was born and raised in Xtown, but I went to a private school in a much richer neighborhood. I loved both of my worlds, but I hated that I had to act differently in both of them. When in school, I had to "code switch" to sound like I belonged there. When I was at home, all the people who shared the interests I was developing in school were either working or in college, so I had no one to talk to about them. 

My words never felt more divided until I started considering a career in law. I remember telling one of my uncles that I wanted to become a lawyer and his response was, "So you want to become the man, huh?" 

I wasn't surprised by his response, or at least I shouldn't have been. One of the things that I know for sure about the first world I lived in is that many of its inhabitants do not trust the law. I had believed this for so long simply because of the conversations that I would hear around me. However, in my second world, I was learning about all of these great freedoms and rights that the law was designed to give all Americans, and I wanted to bring those to my community. 

I started working on this during the summer before my final year of high school. I got an internship with the legal aid office in my neighborhood and spent three months learning from people who, like me, had grown up in Xtown and wanted to help people. During my time in the legal aid office, I understood that the people in my community did not trust the law for two main reasons: 1. They did not understand a lot of it, and 2. It had been used against people like us many times. 

I remember one particular case that Ms. Sharma - the lawyer I was learning from then and who still mentors me today - handled that summer. It was the case of a young mother who had received a notice of eviction from her landlord two days after refusing his advances. The man claimed that she violated her contract because she made homemade shea butter that she sold on Etsy. Ms. Sharma had me look through her rental agreement. After she confirmed that I was right in determining that the young mother had not violated her contract, she contacted the landlord to advise him that what he was doing was intimidation and sexual harassment. 

My experiences in the legal aid office with Ms. Sharma opened my eyes to the disgusting behavior of human beings, but it also gave me the opportunity to see that the law was my opportunity to use what I learned in my second world to help the community that I was raised in. I returned to school with a new motivation that followed me to college. In addition to completing my bachelor's degree in sociology and African American studies, I spent most of my college years participating in legal internships and community outreach programs. 

I believe that these experiences have given me the foundation I need to be a successful law student and, eventually, a lawyer who can truly be an advocate for members of his community. 

Law school personal statement example #14

One day, my parents noticed that the other children in my age group had been speaking and communicating, but I had not. At first, they thought that my lack of speech was just me being shy, but eventually, they realized that on the rare occasions that I did speak, my words were practically incomprehensible. It wasn't long before they took me to a specialist who diagnosed me with a severe phonological disorder that hindered my ability to verbalize the basic sounds that make up words.

I started going to speech therapy when I was three years old. I saw numerous speech therapists, many of whom believed that I would never be able to communicate effectively with others. Lucky for me, my parents did not give up on me. I went to speech therapy thrice a week until the 8th grade, and I gave every single session my all. I also spent a lot of time in my room practicing my speech by myself. My efforts paid off, and even though I didn't become a chatterbox overnight, I could at least communicate effectively. 

This was a short-lived victory, though. A year later, my speech impediment was back, and my ability to articulate words was once again severely limited. This complicated matters because it was my freshman year of high school, and I was in a brand-new school where I did not know anyone. Having been bullied in middle school, I knew first-hand how vicious kids can be, and I didn't want to be the butt of any more jokes, so I didn't try to speak at school. I knew that this was preventing me from making new friends or participating in class and that it was probably not helping my impediment, but I was not ready to face the fact that I needed to go back to speech therapy. 

Eventually, I stopped resisting and went back to speech therapy. At the time, I saw it as accepting defeat, and even though my speech improved significantly, my self-confidence was lower than it had ever been. If you ask any of my high school classmates about me, they will likely tell you that I am very quiet or timid – both of which are not true, but they have no way of knowing otherwise. I barely spoke or interacted with my peers for most of high school. Instead, I focused on my studies and extracurricular activities that didn't involve much collaboration, like yearbook club and photography. 

It was only when I was getting ready for college that I realized that I was only hurting myself with my behavior. I knew I needed to become more confident about my speech to make friends and be the student I wanted to be in college. So, I used the summer after my high school graduation to get some help. I started seeing a new speech therapist who was also trained as a counselor, and she helped me understand my impediment better. For example, I now know that I tend to stutter when stressed, but I also know that taking a few deep breaths helps me get back on track. 

Using the confidence that I built in therapy that summer, I went to college with a new pep in my step. I pushed myself to meet new people, try new things, and join extracurricular organizations when I entered college. I applied to and was accepted into a competitive freshman leadership program called XYZ. Most of XYZ's other members were outgoing and highly involved in their high school communities. In other words, they were the complete opposite of me. I didn't let that intimidate me. Instead, I made a concerted effort to learn from them. If you ask any of my teammates or other classmates in college, they will tell you that I was an active participant in discussions during meetings and that I utilized my unique background to share a different perspective.

My experience with XYZ made it clear to me that my speech disorder wouldn't hold me back as long as I did not stand in my own way. Once I understood this, I kept pushing past the boundaries I had set for myself. I began taking on leadership roles in the program and looking for ways to contribute to my campus community outside of XYZ. For example, I started a community outreach initiative that connected school alumni willing to provide pro bono services to different members of the community who were in need. 

Now, when I look back at my decision to go back to speech therapy, I see it as a victory. I understand that my speech impediment has shaped me in many ways, many of which are positive. My struggles have made me more compassionate. My inability to speak has made me a better listener. Not being able to ask questions or ask for help has made me a more independent critical thinker. I believe these skills will help me succeed in law school, and they are part of what motivates me to apply in the first place. Having struggled for so long to speak up for myself, I am ready and eager for the day when I can speak up for others who are temporarily unable to. 

“ You talk too much; you should be a lawyer.” 

I heard that sentence often while growing up because Congolese people always tell children who talk a lot that they should be lawyers. Sometimes I wonder if those comments did not subconsciously trigger my interest in politics and then the law. If they did, I am grateful for it. I am thankful for all the experiences that have brought me to this point where I am seeking an education that will allow me to speak for those who don’t always know how to, and, more importantly, those who are unable to. 

For context, I am the child of Congolese immigrants, and my parents have a fascinating story that I will summarize for you: 

A 14-year-old girl watches in confusion as a swarm of parents rush through the classroom, grabbing their children, and other students start running from the class. Soon she realizes that she and one other student are the only ones left, but when they both hear the first round of gunshots, no one has to tell them that it is time to run home. On the way home, she hears more gunshots and bombs. She fears for her survival and that of her family, and she starts to wonder what this war means for her and her family. Within a few months, her mother and father are selling everything they own so that they can board a plane to the US.

On the other side of the town, a 17-year-old boy is being forced to board a plane to the US because his mother, a member of parliament and the person who taught him about the importance of integrity, has been executed by the same group of soldiers who are taking over the region. 

They met a year later, outside the principal’s office at a high school in XXY. They bonded over the many things they have in common and laughed at the fact that their paths probably never would have crossed in Bukavu. Fast forward to today, they have been married for almost two decades and have raised three children, including me. 

Growing up in a Congolese household in the US presented was very interesting. On the one hand, I am very proud of the fact that I get to share my heritage with others. I speak French, Lingala, and Swahili – the main languages of Congo – fluently. I often dress in traditional clothing; I performed a traditional Congolese dance at my high school’s heritage night and even joined the Congolese Student Union at Almamatter University. 

On the other hand, being Congolese presented its challenges growing up. At a young age, I looked, dressed, and sounded different from my classmates. Even though I was born in the US, I had picked up a lot of my parents’ accents, and kids loved to tease me about it. Ignorant comments and questions were not uncommon. “Do you speak African?” “You’re not American! How did you get here?” “You don’t look African” “My mom says I can’t play with you because your parents came here to steal our jobs”. These are some of the polite comments that I heard often, and they made me incredibly sad, especially when classmates I considered my friends made them. 

My parents did not make assimilating any easier. My mother especially always feared I would lose my Congolese identity if they did not make it a point to remind me of it. She often said, “Just because you were born in America doesn’t mean that you are not Congolese anymore.” On one occasion, I argued that she always let me experience my Congolese side, but not my American side. That was the first time she told me I should be a lawyer. 

Having few friends and getting teased in school helped me learn to be comfortable on my own. I Often found refuge and excitement in books. I even started blogging about the books I read and interacting with other readers online. As my following grew, I started to use my platform to raise awareness about issues that I am passionate about, like climate change, the war in Congo, and the homeless crisis here in XXY. I was able to start a fundraising campaign through my blog that raised just under $5000 for the United Way – a local charity that helps the homeless in my city. 

This experience helped me understand that I could use my skills and the few tools at my disposal to help people, both here in America and one day, maybe even in Congo. I realized that I am lucky enough to have the option of expanding that skillset through education in order to do more for the community that welcomed my grandparents, uncles, aunties, and parents when they had nowhere else to go. 

The journey was not easy because while I received immense support and love from my family for continuing my education, I had to teach myself how to prepare and apply to college. Once there I had to learn on my own what my professors expected of me, how to study, how to network, and so much more. I am grateful for those experiences too, because they taught me how to be resourceful, research thoroughly, listen carefully, and seek help when I need it. 

All of these experiences have crafted me into who I am today, and I believe that with the right training, they will help me become a great attorney.

Law School Personal Statement Example #16

During my undergraduate studies, in the first two years, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do with my career. I enjoyed doing research, but I found that I became more interested in presenting the research than the process of contributing to it. I spoke to most of my science professors to ask if I could participate in their research. I worked in biology labs, chemistry labs, and in psychology classrooms working on a variety of projects that seemed meaningful and interesting. I gained new perspectives on study habits and mental health; the influence of music on the human mind; and applications of surface tension. I noticed that I was always taking the lead when we were presenting our findings to peers and research groups. I enjoyed yielding questions and addressing the captivating the audience with engaging gestures and speech. This was what led me to consider a career in law.

I always thought that I would become a scientist, so when I discovered that there were aspects of law that could be considered “scientific”, I was all ears. Still during my second year of undergraduate studies, I wanted to join an environmental awareness group, but noticed there weren’t any active. So, I took it upon myself to create my own. I wanted to do cleanup projects across the city, so I mapped out parks and areas that we could walk or drive to. I advertised my project to other students and eventually gained approximately fifteen students eager to help out. I was struck by the pollution in the water, the negligence of park maintenance. I drafted a letter to the municipal government and petitioned for a stricter environmental compliance approach. I wanted to advertise fines to hold polluters accountable, as there were hardly any to enforce the rules. A letter was returned to me stating that the government would consider my request. I felt a sense of gratification, of purpose; I discovered that I had the ability to enact change through policy. This drew me closer to the prospect of building a future in law, so I looked at other avenues to learn more.

I still wanted to find a way to bring together my love of science and discourse/communication. As a science student, I had the privilege of learning from professors who emphasized critical thinking; and they gave me a chance to learn that on my own. I took an internship as an environmental planner. There, I helped present project ideas to various groups, updating demographic/development information, and managing planning processes. I engaged in analytical thinking by looking at maps and demographic information to develop potential plans for land use. It was also the experience I was looking for in terms of a balance between science and oral communication. Using data analysis, I spoke to other planners and review boards to bring ideas together and execute a plan.

Through science, I learned how to channel my curiosity and logical thinking; as an advocate, I learned how to be creative and resourceful. Presenting research findings and being questioned in front of a group of qualified researchers, having to be sharp and ready for anything, taught me how to be more concise in speech. Developing an advocacy group dedicated to improving my community showed me what it lacked; it opened my eyes to the impact of initiative and focused collaboration. I was eager to begin another science project, this time with the environment in mind. It was titled “determining and defining the role of sociodemographic factors in air pollution health disparities”. I compiled and summarized relevant research and sent it over to a representative of the municipal government. In a couple of weeks, my request to increase advertising of fines in public areas was agreed to.

This Juris Doctor/Master in Environmental Studies program will allow me to continue deepening my knowledge of environmental law. With my goal of developing a career in environmental affairs, overseeing policies that influence land protection/use, I know that this program will give me the tools I need to succeed. With my experience working with large groups, I also believe I will fit into the larger class sizes at your institution. I understand the value of working together and how to engage in healthy discourse. With your Global Sustainability Certification, I will equip myself the expertise I need to produce meaningful change in environmental policy.

Here's how a law school advisor can help you with your application:

Law School Personal Statement #17

Growing up in a poor neighborhood, what my friends used to call “the ghetto”, I was always looking for my way out. I tried running away, but I always ended up back home in that tiny complex, barely enough room to fit all my brothers and sisters with my parents. My dad was disabled and couldn’t work, and my mother was doing her best working full-time as a personal-support worker. There was nothing we could do to get out of our situation, or so it seemed. It wasn’t until years later when I started my undergraduate degree that ironically, after I found my way out, that I began looking for a way to come back. I wanted to be a voice for people living in those bleak conditions; hungry, without work. Helpless.

Getting my degree in social work was one of the best decisions of my life. It gave me the tools to lobby for solutions to problems in poor communities. I knew my neighborhood better than anyone because I grew up there. I had the lived experience. I started working with the local government to develop programs for my clients; the people living in those same neighborhoods. We worked to provide financial assistance, legal aid, housing, and medical treatment—all things sorely lacking. My proudest moment was securing the funds and arranging surgery for my father’s bad hip and knees. I’m currently working on a large project with one of the community legislators to lobby for a harm reduction model addressing addiction in our communities.

With five years of experience as a social worker, I knew it was time for a career change when I learned that I could have more influence on public opinion and legislative decisions as a social-security disability lawyer. I knew firsthand that people victimized from racism, poverty, and injury needed more help than they were currently allotted. I knew that, from becoming and advocate and communicating with influential members of the local government, that I could do more with a law degree helping people attain basic needs like disability benefits, which are often denied outright.

This desire to help people get the help they need from local programs and government resources brought me to Scarborough, a small town outside of Toronto. I was aware of some of the issues afflicting this community, since I’d handled a few clients from there as a children’s disability social worker. Addiction and homelessness were the two main ones. I worked with children with ADHD or other physical/mental disabilities impairing their ability to attend school and function normally. I helped many of them get an IEP with the details of the special services they require, long overdue. I made sure each child got the care they needed, including special attention in school. Also noticing that so many of these families lacked proper nutrition, I organized a report detailing this finding. In it, I argued that the community needed more funds targeting lowest income families. I spoke directly with a legislator, which eventually got the city on board with developing a program more specifically for the lowest income families with residents under 18.

My goal has always been to be a voice for the inaudible, the ignored, who’ve been victimized by inadequate oversight from the ground up. Many of these groups, as I’ve witnessed firsthand, don’t have the luxury of being their own advocates. They are too busy trying to support their families, to put food on the table for their children. I’ve realized that it isn’t quite enough to work directly with these families to connect them with resources and ensure they get the support they need. Sometimes the support simply doesn’t exist, or it isn’t good enough. This is why I’m motivated to add a law degree to my credentials so I can better serve these people and communities. As a future social-security disability lawyer, I want to work with local governments to assist clients in navigating an assistance system and improving it as much as possible. This program will give me the access to a learning environment in which I can thrive and develop as an advocate.

Law School Personal Statement #18

“You’re worthy and loved”, I said to a twelve-year-old boy, Connor, whom I was supervising and spending time with during the Big Brother program at which we met. A few tears touched my shoulder as I pulled him into me, comforting him. He was a foster child. He didn’t know his parents and never stayed in one place longer than a few months; a year if he was lucky. I joined the program not expecting much. I was doing it for extra credit, because I wanted to give back to the community somehow and I thought it would be interesting to meet people. He confided in me; he told me that his foster parents often yelled at each other, and him. He told me he needed to escape. I called Child Protective Services and after a thorough investigation, they determined that Connor’s foster parents weren’t fit for fostering. He was moved, yet again, to a different home.

I wrote an op-ed detailing my experience as a Big Brother. I kept names anonymous. I wanted people to know how hard it was for children in the welfare system. Many of them, like Connor, were trapped in a perpetual cycle of re-homing, neglect, and even abuse. He and other children deserve stability and unconditional love. That should go without saying. I sent the op-ed to a local magazine and had it published. In it, I described not only the experience of one unfortunate kid, but many others as well who saw their own stories being told through Connor. I joined a non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to quality education for young people. I started learning about disparities in access; students excluded by racial or financial barriers. I was learning, one step at a time, how powerful words can be.

With the non-profit organization, I reached out to a few public schools in the area to represent some of our main concerns with quality of education disparities. Our goal was to bring resources together and promote the rights of children in education. We emphasized that collaboration between welfare agencies and schools was critical for education stability. Together, we created a report of recommendations to facilitate this collaboration. We outlined a variety of provisions, including more mechanisms for child participation, better recruitment of social service workers in schools, risk management and identification strategies, and better support for students with child protection concerns.

The highlight of that experience was talking to an assembly of parents and school faculty to present our findings and recommendations. The title of the presentation was “The Power of Words”. I opened with the story I wrote about in the op-ed. I wanted to emphasize that children are individuals; those trapped in the welfare system are not a monolith. They each have unique experiences, needs, and desires they want to fulfill in life. But our tools to help them can be improved, more individualized. I spoke about improving the quality of residential care for children and the need to promote their long-term development into further education and employment. Finally, I presented a list of tools we created to help support a more financially sustainable and effective child welfare system. The talk was received with applause and a tenuous commitment from a few influential members of the crowd. It was a start.

Although I lost contact with Connor, I think about him almost every day. I can only hope that the programs we worked on to improve were helping him, wherever he was. I want to continue to work on the ground level of child welfare amelioration, but I realize I will need an education in law to become a more effective advocate for this cause. There are still many problems in the child welfare system that will need to be addressed: limited privacy/anonymity for children, service frameworks that don’t address racism adequately, limited transportation in remote communities, and many more. I’ve gained valuable experience working with the community and learning about what the welfare system lacks and does well. I’m ready to take the next step for myself, my community, and those beyond it.

Assuredly, but this length varies from school to school. As with all important details of your law school application, thoroughly research your specific schools’ requirements and guidelines before both writing and editing your personal statement to ensure it fits their specifics. The average length is about 2 pages, but don’t bother drafting your statement until you have specific numbers from your schools of choice. It’s also a good idea to avoid hitting the maximum length unless absolutely necessary. Be concise, keep economy of language in mind, and remain direct, without rambling or exhaustive over-explanation of your ideas or experiences.

You should keep any words that aren’t your own to a minimum. Admissions committees don’t want to read a citation-heavy academic paper, nor do they respond well to overused famous quotes as themes in personal statements. If you absolutely must include a quote from elsewhere, be sure to clearly indicate your quote’s source. But in general, it’s best to keep the personal statement restricted to your own words and thoughts. They’re evaluating you, not Plato! It’s a personal statement. Give them an engaging narrative in your own voice. 

Admissions committees will already have a strong sense of your academic performance through your transcripts and test scores, so discussing these in your personal statement is generally best avoided. You can contextualize these things, though—if you have an illuminating or meaningful story about how you came to receive an award, or how you enjoyed or learned from the work that won you the award, then consider discussing it. Overall though, it’s best to let admissions committees evaluate your academic qualifications and accomplishments from your transcripts and official documents, and give them something new in the personal statement. 

When you first sit down to begin, cast a wide net. Consider all the many influences and experiences that have led you to where you are. You’ll eventually (through editing and rewriting) explain how these shape your relationship to a career in law, but one of the best things you can give yourself during the initial drafting phase is a vast collection of observations and potential points for development. As the New England School of Law points out in their, “just write!” Let the initial draft be as messy as it needs to be, and refine it from there. It’s a lot easier to condense and sharpen a big draft than it is to try to tensely craft a perfect personal statement from nothing.  

Incredibly important, as should be clear by now! Unlike other specialties, law schools don’t usually conduct interviews with applicants, so your personal statement is in effect your one opportunity to speak with the admissions committee directly. Don’t let that gravity overwhelm you when you write, but keep it in mind as you edit and dedicate time to improving your initial drafts. Be mindful of your audience as you speak with them, and treat writing your personal statement as a kind of initial address in what, hopefully, will eventually turn into an ongoing dialogue.  

There are a variety of factors that can make or break a law school personal statement. You should aim to achieve at least a few of the following: a strong opening hook; a compelling personal narrative; your skills and competencies related to law; meaningful experiences; why you’re the right fit for the school and program.

Often, they do. It’s best for you to go to the schools you’re interesting in applying to so you can find out if they have any specific formatting or content requirements. For example, if you wanted to look at NYU law or Osgoode Hall Law School , you would find their admissions requirements pages and look for information on the personal statement.

There are lots of reasons why a personal statement might not work. Usually, applicants who don’t get accepted didn’t come up with a good strategy for this essay. Remember, you need to target the specific school and program. Other reasons are that the applicant doesn’t plan or proofread their essay. Both are essential for submitting materials that convince the admissions committee that you’re a strong candidate. You can always use law school admissions consulting application review to help you develop your strategy and make your essay stand out.

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Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions.

How long should a Personal Statement be? Is there any rule on that?

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hello V! Thanks for your question. Some schools will gave very specific word limits, while some will not. If you do not have a limit indicated, try to stick to no more than a page, 600-800 words. 

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