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Consider these questions to help you brainstorm ideas:
Why did you want to go to law school?
Did you experience any kind of significant life event that influenced your decision to pursue
law?
Is there a personal challenge that you overcame? What did you learn from it?
How did that experience help you grow?
Are there any personal achievements, hobbies, or interests that have impacted you?
What is your career goal? Do you have any career interests that you would like to pursue
after completing law school?
Why are you attracted to a particular law school? What are a few unique factors about a
school that – in your opinion – set it apart from the other programs (e.g. legal clinic
opportunities, a renowned faculty, special resources, etc.)?
The law school personal statement serves as a tool that “gives a voice” to a candidate’s
application. Law schools typically do not conduct interviews and so the statement serves as one’s
introduction, and highlights what distinguishes an individual from the applicant pool.
In addition, the statement should serve to demonstrate to an admissions committee that you are able to
write clearly, concisely, and professionally. Strong writing skills will be needed in law school and
throughout a career as a practicing lawyer.
According to the Law School Admission
Council, there is no prescribed “right” topic to
write about. Think about who you are and try
to address the question:
What would I want an admissions
committee to remember about me after
they’ve finished reading my statement?
Need help getting started?
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Law School
Personal Statement
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Take some of the stress out of writing your personal statement.
Start drafting your essay well in advance of application deadlines. Give yourself plenty of time to make
revisions
The personal statement is ultimately a professional sample of writing so carefully consider what kinds
of personal experiences you wish to disclose
Discussing any kind of GPA-related concern or explaining why you took the LSAT more than once would
be appropriate to address within an addendum, as opposed to divulging in the personal statement
Have your statement proofread by at least three individuals that can offer constructive feedback.
Possible people to approach include your professors, TAs, friends and relatives
If you would like additional assistance, consider scheduling a writing consultation appointment at UCI’s
Center for Excellence in Writing and Communication
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Writing Tips
Keep these in mind as you write your law school personal statement.
Be mindful of standard essay rules. What is your thesis or the main aspect that you wish to convey?
Is your statement organized? Make sure to have an Introduction, supporting example(s), and a
conclusion
Be aware of your essay’s flow and avoid disjointed paragraphs
Demonstrate and elaborate as opposed to merely stating something and then immediately moving
onto the next topic
Consider opening your statement with a story to help hook the reader. Admissions personnel will
review numerous applications so your statement will, ideally be interesting to read
Tailor your statement to each school. Include at least a brief paragraph that addresses why you are
applying to a specific program
Answer all of the questions on the prompt
Format: double-space, use a standard font such as Times New Roman, and adhere to the word and/or
page limits set by each school
Final Tips
Law School
Personal Statement
