How to Write a Law School Personal Statement That Gets You Accepted

Many components go into a successful law school application, but your personal statement can make you stand out. It's your mission statement: the reason you want to obtain a legal degree.

An impressive statement can give you an advantage over applicants with higher test scores or a perfect GPA. The statement shows the admission committee more about who you are and your values.

The best personal statements begin with a compelling introduction, present a strong narrative, and conclude with a thoughtful, memorable ending. Read on for more tips on writing a strong law school personal statement.

Before you begin writing your statement, you should reflect on why you’re applying to law school. Your personal statement should indicate your intended purpose and motivation in pursuing a law degree.

Is there a specific area of law that calls to you? Why? Can you think of a moment or experience that inspired you to pursue law? Is there a clear, underlying reason you feel this degree will advance your career? Is there something about your personality or lifestyle that makes you a unique and prime candidate?¹

The personal statement law schools accept and expect are typically between two and four pages, or 700–1,200 words, but the requirements vary by school. Many don’t have length requirements, but this range is considered the standard and ideal.²

For example, Tulane University Law School recommends two to three double-spaced, typed pages, but there is no official minimum or maximum length requirement. If your statement is longer or shorter than this, it should showcase exceptional writing skills.

This section will help you learn how to write a personal statement for law school. The following sections describe the essential components of a strong statement and tips for crafting them.

There is no one law school personal statement format you must follow, but many of the best ones adhere to this structure:³

• Intro: A compelling first paragraph that hooks the reader
• Background and narrative: Anecdotes or personal traits that inform your desire to attend law school and your main purpose for applying
• Conclusion: A strong paragraph that wraps up the statement without simply summarizing it, ideally highlighting why you have chosen this law school

When structuring your statement, try to organize your stories, values, achievements and lessons around a unifying theme. Create a coherent narrative that begins with your main story and then connects it to a law degree.

Kick off your statement with something attention-grabbing, such as a real-life conflict or dilemma you’ve encountered. You could also start with a unique question or a surprising statement to engage the reader.

Starting with a famous quote or abstract idea can be lackluster. Make your opening punchy, emotional or unusual to start on a bold and memorable note.

Use your body to demonstrate your values and traits, such as adaptability or resilience. It’s important to show the admissions committee why you’re the perfect candidate for a law degree.

Tie in your values and experiences to a career in law. You can achieve this by weaving a reflective narrative, using stories that exemplify your character and highlighting positive traits that lend themselves to the legal world.

Finish the statement by directly relating your passions and experiences to the law school and field of law you want to pursue. Research the school’s mission statement and values to inform your conclusion.

Be as specific as possible, especially about the school you’re applying to and the type of law you want to study. Are you passionate about environmental law? Have you had personal experiences with employment law that led you to this career path? Is the school’s reputable expertise in energy law a reason you’re applying?

The more specifics you provide, the less generic the statement will feel.⁴

Once you have a solid draft, which can take some time, be sure to reread it several times. Proofread multiple times, each time focusing on a certain aspect. Having a trusted friend, family member, or colleague read your draft is also a great idea. Choose someone who will provide effective feedback.

One readthrough should focus on technical aspects, like spelling and grammar, and another on flow and strong transitions. Ensure your message and the thesis are clear and concise and your tone is consistent throughout.

It’s also beneficial to take a break for a day or so and then come back with fresh eyes.

The following list explains the common pitfalls to avoid when writing your statement.⁵

• Vagueness: Being vague and making general statements will not leave an impression. For example, saying you’re passionate about law, rather than explaining what specific aspects of the legal system interest you, is too generic
• Clichés: Statements like wanting to “save the world” or “help people” may be honest, but they’re overused. Avoid making statements that a thousand other applicants are likely to also write
• Resume summation: Your resume is part of your application, so there’s no need to summarize it in your personal statement. Be sure to utilize your statement as a chance to tell them something new about you
• Excuses: Don’t try to explain gaps in your resume or personal history. This can be perceived as if you’re making excuses and doesn’t place the focus on your purpose for applying
• Controversy: You want to make an impression, but you do not want to offend the reader. For example, making a biased statement about current politics could backfire.

Before you apply to law school, use these personal statement tips to perfect your application. When you have finished writing a strong statement, explore Tulane University’s online Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) program or get in touch with our admissions team to take the next step in your career.