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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. 

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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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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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How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for Columbia Law School

Learn how to craft a powerful personal statement that will impress the admissions committee at Columbia Law School.

Posted May 12, 2023

Law School Applications: Ask Me Anything

Starting tuesday, september 24.

10:00 PM UTC · 30 minutes

Table of Contents

Writing a personal statement is an essential aspect of the application process for Columbia Law School. The personal statement provides admissions committees with a glimpse into the applicant's life experiences, motivations, and aspirations. It helps them determine if the applicant is capable of handling the rigorous academic program at Columbia Law School and if they possess the necessary qualities to succeed as lawyers. A compelling personal statement should be well-researched, concise, informative, and persuasive. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to writing an impressive personal statement that will capture the attention of the admissions committee at Columbia Law School.

Why a Personal Statement is Important for Columbia Law School

A personal statement is a vital component of any law school application, including Columbia Law School. It is an opportunity for the applicant to showcase their personality, character, and unique qualities that make them an excellent candidate for the law school program. The personal statement helps admissions committees understand the applicant's reasons for applying to law school and their dedication to pursuing a career in law.

Additionally, a personal statement can also provide insight into an applicant's background and experiences that have led them to pursue a career in law. This can include any relevant internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate the applicant's passion for the field. Furthermore, a well-crafted personal statement can set an applicant apart from other candidates with similar academic backgrounds and qualifications, making them a more competitive candidate for admission to Columbia Law School.

Understanding the Columbia Law School Personal Statement Prompt

The first step in writing a compelling personal statement for Columbia Law School is to understand the prompt. The personal statement prompt for Columbia Law School usually asks applicants to write about their background, experiences, and motivations for pursuing a law degree. To write a winning personal statement, you must read the question carefully and understand the specific requirements. Make sure you address all parts of the prompt and follow any guidelines given by the admissions committee.

One important aspect to keep in mind when writing your personal statement for Columbia Law School is to make it unique and personal. Admissions committees read hundreds of personal statements, so it's important to stand out from the crowd. Share your personal story and experiences that have led you to pursue a law degree. Be honest and authentic in your writing, and avoid using cliches or generic statements.

Another tip for writing a successful personal statement is to showcase your skills and achievements. Use specific examples to demonstrate your strengths and accomplishments, and how they relate to your interest in law. This can include academic achievements, work experience, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. By highlighting your skills and achievements, you can show the admissions committee why you are a strong candidate for Columbia Law School.

Conducting Research to Write a Strong Personal Statement for Columbia Law School

Before beginning to write your personal statement, it is crucial to research Columbia Law School and gain a deeper understanding of the school's values and mission. Visit the school's website and read about its curriculum, faculty, and extracurricular activities. Research any clinics or special programs that interest you and align with your interests and aspirations. Use this information to tailor your personal statement to Columbia Law School. Highlight how your experiences and goals align with the school's mission, and explain why attending this institution is essential to your career goals.

Another important aspect to consider when researching Columbia Law School is the school's location. New York City is a hub for legal activity, and attending Columbia Law School provides students with unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field. Research the various law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations in the area and consider how attending Columbia Law School can help you connect with these institutions.

Additionally, it is important to research the school's alumni network. Columbia Law School has a strong alumni community, with graduates working in a variety of legal fields around the world. Researching the accomplishments of alumni can provide insight into the types of careers that are possible after attending Columbia Law School. Consider reaching out to alumni for informational interviews or networking opportunities to gain a better understanding of how attending Columbia Law School can help you achieve your career goals.

Brainstorming Ideas for Your Columbia Law School Personal Statement

Brainstorming is a critical step in the personal statement writing process. Spend some time reflecting on what motivates you to pursue a career in law and what unique experiences you have that will contribute to your success in law school. Consider the key moments in your life that have led you to this point and how they have shaped you as a person. Think about the challenges you have faced and how you overcame them. These ideas will help you create an outline for your personal statement and enable you to organize your thoughts effectively.

Another important aspect to consider when brainstorming for your personal statement is to think about what sets you apart from other applicants. What makes you unique? What skills or qualities do you possess that will make you a valuable addition to the Columbia Law School community? Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and how you can use them to your advantage in law school and in your future career. By highlighting your unique qualities, you can make a lasting impression on the admissions committee and increase your chances of being accepted into Columbia Law School.

Structuring Your Columbia Law School Personal Statement for Maximum Impact

The structure of your personal statement is just as important as the content. Start with an attention-grabbing introduction that sets the stage for your narrative. In the body paragraphs, focus on telling your story in a clear and concise manner. Use examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points and make your statement more compelling. End with a strong conclusion that ties together your story and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

When structuring your personal statement for Columbia Law School, it's important to keep in mind the specific qualities and values that the school looks for in its applicants. These include a strong work ethic, a commitment to social justice, and a passion for the law. Make sure to highlight these qualities in your statement, and show how they have influenced your personal and professional journey.

Another key aspect of a successful personal statement is authenticity. Admissions officers can spot insincerity from a mile away, so make sure that your statement truly reflects who you are as a person and a candidate. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable and share personal experiences that have shaped your perspective and goals.

Tips for Writing a Clear, Concise, and Cohesive Columbia Law School Personal Statement

When writing your personal statement, keep in mind the following tips to ensure that you write a clear, concise, and cohesive statement:

• Be specific and use concrete examples to back up your claims.
• Avoid jargon and technical language that the admissions committee may not understand.
• Keep your statements concise and to the point.
• Be honest and authentic.
• Proofread and edit your statement carefully to ensure that it is free of typos and grammatical errors.

Additionally, it is important to tailor your personal statement to Columbia Law School specifically. Research the school's mission, values, and programs, and highlight how your experiences and goals align with them. This will show the admissions committee that you have a genuine interest in attending Columbia Law School and have put effort into understanding what the school has to offer.

Furthermore, don't be afraid to showcase your personality and unique perspective in your personal statement. Admissions committees read countless personal statements, so standing out can make a big difference. Share personal anecdotes or insights that demonstrate your character and passion for law.

Showcasing Your Unique Qualities in Your Columbia Law School Personal Statement

Your personal statement should highlight your unique qualities and what sets you apart from other applicants. It should demonstrate your abilities, achievements, and leadership skills and how you have used them to overcome obstacles. Explain how your experiences have shaped your perspective and why your unique perspective is valuable in the legal profession.

How to Demonstrate Your Passion for Law in Your Columbia Law School Personal Statement

Law school is a demanding and challenging experience. Your personal statement should demonstrate why you are passionate about the law and how that passion will fuel your success in law school. Show the admissions committee why you are committed to law and what motivates you to pursue this career path.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Writing a Columbia Law School Personal Statement

When writing your personal statement, it's essential to avoid common mistakes that can hurt your chances of admission. Some common mistakes include overusing clichés, underwhelming introduction, wandering narratives, and failing to answer the prompt. Ensure you read the prompt carefully and respond appropriately. Edit your statement carefully to avoid these mistakes and ensure that your statement is ready for submission.

Editing and Proofreading Your Columbia Law School Personal Statement

After writing your personal statement, you should edit and proofread it extensively. Take your time to review your statement critically and make any necessary changes highlighted by your peers or a writing tutor. Read your statement aloud, or print it out to identify any errors that you might have missed while reading it on the computer. Always avoid plagiarism, and ensure that your statement is original and free from grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.

Examples of Successful Columbia Law School Personal Statements

Reading successful personal statements from previous applicants can give you an idea of what makes a strong personal statement. Reviewing examples of personal statements can give you insight into what works, what doesn't, and how to structure your own statement. Examples can inspire you and help you to avoid common mistakes. However, ensure that you do not copy them, which can be detected easily by admission officers.

How to Submit Your Columbia Law School Personal Statement with Confidence

Finally, after completing your personal statement, submit it with confidence. You have put in the time, effort, and research to write a compelling statement that reflects who you are as a person and a prospective law student. Keep in mind that the personal statement is just one aspect of the law school application process and that the admissions committee considers many other factors before making a decision. Do your best, follow the guidelines, and hope for the best. You never know what opportunities may arise. Good luck!

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How to write the columbia law personal statement.

Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 04/28/23

Are you in the process of writing your Columbia law personal statement? Do you feel a little in over your head? Overwhelmed? Downright confused? This guide should ease all of these feelings!

The four T’s, trauma, tragedies, triumphs, and talents, are common in law school personal statements , and often create the most compelling essays! 

As a student that has perhaps experienced many triumphs, or zero tragedies, picking the perfect topic for your personal statement, and knowing how to share it in an eloquent yet intriguing way, can be challenging.

Since Columbia Law is one of the T14 law schools , admissions committees have high expectations when it comes to students’ personal statements. They want to be wowed; they receive thousands of applications each year and have a low threshold for cliche, redundant, or unenthusiastic essays.

To ensure you submit a winning personal statement, this guide will provide you with easy to follow steps on writing your essay, what to avoid in it, and a sample statement to inspire you!

Columbia Law School Personal Statement Requirements

The Columbia Law School personal statement is open-ended to ensure students can share any information they believe is most meaningful. Students are encouraged to discuss more about their interests, goals, and aspirations in their personal statements. 

They should also mention how Columbia Law will help them achieve these goals, and share any other relevant details that are otherwise missing from their applications. The only formatting requirements are that it is double-spaced and approximately two pages. 

How To Write a Strong Personal Statement for Columbia Law School

Understanding the basic requirements of your Columbia Law personal statement is a great start. It’s important you understand these instructions so that you do not start on the wrong foot by submitting an incorrectly formatted essay or answering a different law school’s prompt—which happens more than you’d think!

Now, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to craft the most compelling personal statement possible!

Step One: Brainstorm

Before you begin writing your first draft, you want to find a focal point for your personal statement. This is most commonly a significant experience that happened in your life that influenced or affirmed your decision to join the legal profession.

Be thorough in this preliminary process. Along with your focal point, you’ll want to jot down some key traits and experiences that relate to this main experience. Some questions to consider as you brainstorm ideas are:

• Who or what influenced you to become a lawyer?
• What was your eureka moment?
• How has this moment defined you?
• What challenges did you face that led you to your decision to become a lawyer?
• How would you describe yourself?
• What is most important to you?
• What are your key talents? How will these talents help you in the legal field?
• Which experiences have led to the most personal growth?
• What are you known for amongst your friends and family?
• What can you share that will impress the judges?
• What makes you a good candidate for law school aside from your grades and LSAT score ?
• What can you contribute to Columbia Law?
• What makes you stand out amongst the thousands of other applicants?

While you should not attempt to reflect on all of these prompts in your personal statement, answering them during the brainstorming process will help you pick which ideas can come together to create a unified narrative.

Step Two: Rough Draft—Introduction

As tedious as it may sound, your personal statement will require multiple drafts. Your first draft will be rough. It might seem unfocused, you may ramble, and it won’t fit the allotted page limit. Get out all of your ideas first and worry about cutting down and revising on your second draft. 

Begin with your introduction. Consider using the climax of your chosen anecdote as your hook. Your main goal is to grab the readers’ attention, so be creative and descriptive!

Many students prefer to begin mise-en-scene and spend the rest of the essay explaining the context of their story and the relevancy to their current and future aspirations.

As you write your personal statement, refrain from limiting yourself to the typical five-paragraph essay format. Using several shorter paragraphs tends to read better!

Step Three: Rough Draft—Body Paragraphs

Once you’ve created an intriguing introduction, you’ll want to write one or two paragraphs explaining the context behind your anecdote. Again, be descriptive. Show, don’t tell. 

Think about what you heard, saw, smelled, and felt during this experience. Immerse your readers so they can feel connected to your narrative. These descriptions are what will make your story distinct and memorable!

The context of your story should lead to your reason for joining the legal field, explain your specific legal interests, and/or prove how you confirmed law was the right path for you. After this, you’ll want to use a couple paragraphs to develop this interest. 

Share significant extracurriculars , work or volunteer opportunities, or courses you took that helped you gain perspective and insight on the legal field. 

Step Four: Rough Draft—Conclusion

Your final paragraphs should involve Columbia Law. Share your specific career plans for the future and how Columbia can help you achieve them. It’s important you do your research for this part of your essay to demonstrate your enthusiasm to join this law school.

Your final few sentences can summarize your focal experience, what you’ve learned or how you’ve grown, and where you hope to be in the near future. 

Step Five: Second Draft

Once you’ve completed your first rough draft, it’s time to fine-tune it. Go through it several times to cut out any redundant ideas and make your writing as concise, persuasive, and engaging as possible. Here’s where you’ll cut down on your word count to ensure it follows Columbia’s formatting requirements.

You should edit your statement several times during this stage. Give yourself breaks between each editing session so that you can come back to it with fresh eyes and catch mistakes you would otherwise overlook. We recommend revising your statement at least three times before moving on to the next step.

Step Six: Receive Feedback

Once you’ve revised your rough draft and are content with your Columbia Law personal statement, you should ask your friends or family for feedback on it. Instead of simply asking them to look it over, ask them if your personal statement meets this criteria:

• Does it encompass my most valuable traits?
• Is it compelling? Are you intrigued to read on after the first sentence?
• Is it personable?
• Is it descriptive?
• Is it focused throughout?
• Does it thoroughly explain my inspiration for joining the legal field?
• Do I demonstrate a clear passion for law through the experiences I share?
• Are my reasons for attending Columbia Law clear?
• Are my future aspirations clear and specific?
• Does my statement avoid vague statements?
• Does my statement avoid clichés?

While you should accept grammar, spelling, or language use suggestions, ensure your unique voice is still present in your writing!

Step Seven: Receive Expert Feedback

If you want to ensure your Columbia Law personal statement wows the admissions committee, you should consider submitting it for review by Juris Education advisors . These counselors know exactly what a winning statement looks like and can offer you insight on how to perfect your statement!

If you want more comprehensive help, they can also guide you through the entire personal statement writing process to reduce your stress and increase your chances of getting into your top law school !

What To Avoid In Your Columbia Law Personal Statement

Many law schools use personal statements instead of interviews, so it’s essential you present your best self through them. To ensure you do so, avoid the following :

Reiterating Your Resume

The admissions team will already have access to your resume , so don’t waste their time or yours recapping your achievements. Use your statement to expand on some of these experiences and add more color to your application! Go beyond your academic achievements and share what is truly most meaningful to you.

Generic Sentiments

You may only be applying to Columbia Law School because of its prestige and the doors it can open for you. But, you’ll want to avoid sharing this sentiment in your personal statement. Simply stating you’re applying to Columbia to attend one of the best law schools in the nation is too vague, overused, and generic.

Go beyond the rankings! What programs, clinical opportunities, or courses are you most excited about? What makes Columbia the best option amongst other similarly-ranked law schools?

Mentioning Weaknesses

If you have a low LSAT score or GPA , your personal statement is not the right place to address it. You will be given the chance to submit an addendum to address these weaknesses! Your Columbia Law personal statement should highlight your positive attributes and paint you in the best light.

Focusing on Childhood Ambitions

Students erroneously believe telling the admissions committee they’ve wanted to become lawyers since they were young children will suffice as inspiration to join the field. 

The committee is less interested in you breaking up fights on the playground and more interested in what you did to confirm your passion for law when you were old enough to understand the rigors of it! Focus mainly on experiences you had in college. 

Do not exaggerate your experiences. Be genuine when you create your narrative and do not portray yourself as someone you aren’t. There is no need to make up fake stories just because you think it will impress the judges.

You don’t need to have experienced anything traumatic or life-changing to write an excellent personal statement. 

Overcomplicating It

Stick to language you understand and feel comfortable using. Avoid using overly academic or flowery language that will confuse the meaning of your words. The admissions committee is not assessing your range of vocabulary, and misusing words will indicate poor writing skills and a lack of confidence. 

Telling Someone Else’s Story

If you aren’t the main character in your personal statement, then you’re going against the very premise of this application material. The focus should be on you and your own experiences!

Using Quotes

Starting your personal statement off with a quote is risky, unless it’s a personal quote said by someone close to you. Don’t use quotes by historical figures, no matter how much they inspire you. These quotes are overused and ingenuine! The committee is interested in your words and the principles you live by, not someone else's.

Evoking Pity

Do not resort to trying to make the admissions committee admit you into their program because they feel bad for you. Not only will you be unsuccessful but it’ll make your statement less personable. You want the admissions committee to like you and look forward to admitting you after they’ve read your statement!

While you may consider yourself a comedian, and think your sense of humor is your most redeeming quality, you’ll want to leave the punch lines out of your personal statement. There’s no guarantee the members of the admissions committee will share your sense of humor, and you risk coming off as offensive or being misunderstood.

Confessions

You want to submit a personal statement that offers the committee insight into who you are and who you plan on becoming. However, you do not want to share information that is too personal. Do not reveal your deepest, darkest secrets to the committee or anything that could be incriminating. 

Careless Errors

Just like you wouldn’t show up for an important interview wearing sweatpants and a torn tee, you should be mindful of the way your personal statement is presented. You do not want it to have spelling or grammar errors. It should be polished and professional so that it gets the message across without any distractions.

Part of being careful is also ensuring you do not mix up your personal statements! You’d be surprised how many law school applicants submit personal statements with the wrong school’s name. Take time to review your application and ensure it’s the correct one before submission.

Columbia Law School Personal Statement Example

We’ve thrown a lot of do’s and don'ts at you in this guide, which may be hard to keep track of. To show you how all of these steps and suggestions come together, here is a Columbia Law School personal statement example, and an explanation of why it works!

​​We had a routine growing up. 

Mom came home from work at five and soaked her blistered feet in a bucket of lukewarm water and Epsom salts as she peeled potatoes with shaky and scarred hands. Dad came home at five thirty and had his first drink, a swig of gin straight from the bottle. Mom pulled her aching body up from the table with a groan as she put the potatoes to boil.

I began the meatloaf: onion, nearly expired ground beef, one egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, dad’s favourite. Dad had his second drink. Mom drained the potatoes, hunched over the sink. Dad had his third drink. Mom set the table, three plates, three glasses, fork to the right and knife to the left.

Dad has his fourth drink. Mom scanned the room for any stray dishes, inspected the food to ensure perfection, and made sure nothing was out of place. Dad had his fifth drink and clobbered his way to his chair with his bottle in his right hand. The house trembled at every clumsy step. 

Mom served him. Then she sat across from him, glued her eyes to her plate, and chewed slowly. 

I stared at her sunken eyes, the drops of sweat dripping down her temples in a house that was always blistering with rage, the tears begging to come out of eyes covered in cheap concealer that struggled to cover the black and blue hues beneath. 

After dinner my mother and I cleaned the dishes and tiptoed to our rooms. Dad finished his bottle and dozed off on the couch.

That was a good day, anyway. The days mom came home late from work, set the cutlery wrong, or left a dirty dish in the sink included the cacophony of silent sobs mixed with slurred screams, bangs, groans, and the deafening sound of my father’s hardened fists against my mother’s soft, tear-stained cheeks. 

It was a routine I mastered by seven.  I lived in a house that never knew peace. Its walls were cigarette-stained, full of holes, and exhausted from containing so much chaos. My father was an alcoholic. A prisoner to gin, as he self-proclaimed between swigs of Plymouth. But me and my mother were the real prisoners. 

That was until my father was diagnosed with end stage liver cancer a few weeks after my fifteenth birthday. He died much like he lived: recklessly, angrily, and with a bottle in his right hand. My life finally began at fifteen. Our house sighed with relief and my mother and I forged a new routine.

Our house filled with airy laughter and delicious smells of my mother’s favorite south-Asian dishes. But, as I relished in my mother’s newfound joy, I thought about all the other women still stuck in a rut, still imprisoned by husbands devoted to calamity.

I couldn’t save my mom, but I could save other women and children. So, I decided to pursue a career protecting and advocating for domestic violence victims and freeing them from their prisons. 

I started by volunteering at women’s shelters throughout high school and into college, where I met hundreds of victims of domestic violence with the same sunken eyes as my mother. Once I gained more perspective, I joined the organization Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence in my sophomore year of college.

I assisted with the organization’s blog, where domestic violence victims were able to share their stories and learn about useful, accessible resources I had spent hours researching about . I eventually joined the board of directors to play a larger role in the organization. 

I oversaw a dozen fundraisers and events to help these survivors receive the support they needed and worked tirelessly to help them break their silence. Through this, I recognized the importance of advocacy for these women whose voices were ripped from them.

I know I will have the greatest impact on domestic violence victims as an attorney; to give these survivors their voices back and help them regain control over their lives, as my mother and I so desperately needed. 

Columbia Law offers a robust JD program and several advocacy opportunities to provide legal help to domestic violence survivors through their Center for Institutional and Social Change.

With the education and experience Columbia Law can provide me, combined with my own story of survival, I believe I will become an excellent advocate and end the violent routines so many families are trapped in.

Why It Works

There are a number of reasons that this essay works, but the first is that it is memorable. This personal statement opens with a hook that reveals a traumatic event the writer’s family experienced. They use descriptive language throughout and immerse the reader by adding relevant details that can paint a vivid picture.

While they spend the majority of the statement developing their story, they still include important details that show their resilience and ability to overcome challenges. This student proves how they used their adversity to help others and clearly demonstrates how they developed their interest in domestic violence advocacy.

It focuses on the relevant extracurriculars they pursued to affirm their passion, and shows the impact they had through these activities. They end the statement making specific reference to one of Columbia Law’s centers, and show clear intent and direction as they share their specific legal goals to advocate for domestic violence victims.

FAQs: Columbia Law School Personal Statement

This guide has given you a comprehensive overview of how to write a winning Columbia law personal statement. If you have any unanswered inquiries, here are the answers to frequently asked questions about this law school requirement :

1. Does Columbia Law Require a Personal Statement?

Yes, Columbia Law requires students to submit a personal statement as part of their application. This statement is used to learn more about a student’s background, interests, reasons for pursuing law, and aspirations.

2. What Font Should I Use for My Columbia Law Personal Statement?

While Columbia does not give specific instructions on the font they prefer, Times New Roman or a similar professional font is generally accepted.

3. How Long Should My Personal Statement Be for Columbia Law School?

Your Columbia Law personal statement should be approximately two pages, double-spaced. This is about 600-650 words.

4. How Do I Write My Columbia Law School Personal Statement?

Here’s a summary of our in-depth, step-by-step process for writing your Columbia Law School personal statement:

• Step One : Brainstorm and make note of all of the key experiences, traits, and stories that come to mind as you reflect on your motivation to join the legal field
• Step Two : Write a rough draft without paying attention to your word count; begin with an intriguing hook from the anecdote that will be the focal point of your essay
• Step Three : Develop your anecdote and explain the extracurriculars you pursued to affirm your interest in law
• Step Four : Write a conclusion that shares your specific career aspirations and how Columbia Law will help you achieve them
• Step Five : Revise and fine-tune your first draft until it meets the formatting requirements and you’re content with it
• Step Six : Have your friends and family edit your work to ensure it is compelling, personable, authentic, and unique
• Step Seven : Consider having an expert admissions counselor review your application before you submit it

Following these steps will help you write a stellar personal statement with as little hassle as possible!

5. How Important Are the Columbia Law Personal Statements?

Columbia Law personal statements are crucial in the admissions process. These statements give the committee insight into the type of student they would be admitting to their community and what they can contribute to it. 

Well-written personal statements can even help the admissions committee overlook weak parts of your application, like an LSAT score below the school median !

Final Thoughts

There are an infinite amount of experiences you can discuss in your personal statement, so long as they are sincere and genuine. 

By following the steps shared in this guide, you should be able to craft a spectacular personal statement that will impress the admissions committee and convince them you’re an excellent, well-rounded law school candidate!

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• Personal Statement

Law schools require applicants to write a personal statement as part of the application. The purpose of the personal statement is to gather additional information about the applicant outside of their academic performance, LSAT score, and extracurricular activities.

The most important consideration in writing personal statements, no matter what the topic, is the impression applicants create of themselves. The personal statement is an opportunity for an applicant to distinguish themselves from all the other applicants.

Some law schools will have additional essay requirements or optional questions. The Office of Preprofessional Advising recommends that applicants, if appropriate, answer all optional essay questions. Additional essays give the admissions committee more information about their applicants. Failure to submit optional essays may result in an applicant being viewed as uninterested in the school.

The Office of Preprofessional Advising staff members are available to give feedback on personal statements.  For current undergraduates, consultants are also available at the Undergraduate Writing Program , 310 Philosophy, to work with you one-on-one.  This is a free service and they can be contact via  email  ( [email protected] ).  You may also schedule an appointment online . 

Alumni/ae can receive feedback on their personal statements by sending their statement as a Word attachment (saved as Last Name, First Name Law School PS) to Niki Cunningham  ( [email protected] ). Please allow 7 business days for feedback and please do not send multiple drafts before receiving feedback. Please also include your name on document.

Tutors in the Undergraduate Writing Program are also available to assist CURRENT undergraduates in writing their personal statement. The service is FREE and is highly recommended, as the Office of Preprofessional Advising cannot read personal statements for current students.

During the fall, Preprofessional Advising and the Undergraduate Writing Program co-sponsor a personal statement workshop. The workshop is open to students and alumni/ae applying to law school that year. Applicants will receive an e-mail invitation.

Preprofessional Advising

403 Alfred Lerner Hall 2920 Broadway New York, NY 10027

Call:  212-854-6378

Advising by Appointment

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm 

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Mon - Thu, 12pm - 1pm 

Drop in Hours Zoom link *

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Law School Personal Statement Prompts

Yale law school.

We also require a personal statement that highlights aspects of your background that you believe will be of interest to the Admissions Committee. We are particularly interested in aspects of your background that may not be evident from other parts of your application.

HARVARD LAW SCHOOL

Please submit a brief personal statement.

Limit your statement to two pages, typed, double-spaced, minimum 11-point font and 1-inch margins. 

The personal statement is intended as an opportunity to give the Admissions Committee a better sense of who you are as a person and as a potential student and graduate of Harvard Law School. In many instances, applicants have used the personal statement to provide more context on how their experiences and strengths could make them valuable contributors to the Harvard and legal communities, to illuminate their intellectual background and interests, or to clarify or elaborate on other information in their application. Because applicants and their experiences differ, you are the best person to determine the content of your statement.

STANFORD LAW SCHOOL

Please attach a statement of about two pages describing important or unusual aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application.

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO LAW SCHOOL

Please use the personal statement to introduce yourself to the Admissions Committee and to help the Committee get to know you on a personal level. It should demonstrate your potential contribution to the Law School community beyond simply academics and should demonstrate your ability to communicate your thoughts effectively. The Admissions Committee generally finds that a statement that focuses on a unique personal attribute or experience is usually the most informative (as opposed to a restatement of your qualifications or résumé). 

While there is no page or word limit on the personal statement, please note that the Admissions Committee values an applicant’s ability to communicate thoughts in a clear and concise manner. The Admissions Committee typically finds that 2-4 pages is a sufficient length for most personal statements.

COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL

Candidates to Columbia Law School are required to submit a personal statement supplementing required application materials. We are curious about your interests, goals, and aspirations and how the J.D. program at Columbia can help you achieve these. You are encouraged to think about the contributions you hope to make to both the Columbia community and the legal profession while considering your personal, intellectual, and professional background and any relevant information that you may not have otherwise conveyed through your other application materials. Please note that the personal statement should be double-spaced and approximately two pages in length.

NYU LAW SCHOOL

While the Committee on Admissions does not use interviews as part of the regular selection process, we would like to give you the opportunity to include more information about yourself than the application form conveys. Because people and their interests vary, we leave the content and length of your statement to your discretion. You may wish to complete or clarify your responses to items on the application form, bring to our attention additional information you feel should be considered, describe important or unusual aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application, or tell us what led you to apply to the NYU School of Law.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA LAW SCHOOL

The Admissions Committee requires that every applicant submit an original example of written expression. The purpose of this personal statement is to provide you with as flexible an opportunity as possible to submit information that you deem important to your candidacy. You may wish to describe aspects of your background and interests—intellectual, personal and/or professional—and how you will uniquely contribute to the Penn Law community and/or the legal profession. Please try to limit your statement to two pages, double-spaced, as a suggested length. In addition, mark as “Personal Statement” and include your name and LSAC account number on each page.

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LAW SCHOOL 

The University of Michigan Law School has long understood that enrolling students with a broad range of perspectives and experiences generates a vibrant culture of comprehensive debate and discussion. Essay submissions are an extremely helpful tool for evaluating potential contributions to our community. To that end, we require a personal statement, and also invite applicants to submit one or two supplemental essays from among the eight topics described in the application. For a fuller discussion of the form and content of essay submissions, please see the supplemental essay attachment section of the application.

As you prepare to write your personal statement, please keep the following in mind. First, we do not have a fixed checklist of particular attributes we seek in our students, and you will have the best insights into what is most important for us to know about you. Second, there is no set convention for communicating the information you choose to share. A successful essay might involve writing directly about expansive themes such as your goals or philosophy or background or identity, or very differently, might be a vignette that reveals something significant about you. In other words, think broadly about what you might wish to convey and how you might best convey it.

While the form and content of your personal statement are up to you, for ease of reading, please use double-spacing and at least an 11-point font.

There is no formula for a successful personal statement, and different individuals will find different topics to be well-suited to them. Applicants have, for example, elaborated on their significant life experiences; meaningful intellectual interests and extracurricular activities; factors inspiring them to obtain a legal education or to pursue particular career goals; significant obstacles met and overcome; special talents or skills; issues of sexual or gender identity; particular political, philosophical, or religious beliefs; socioeconomic challenges; atypical backgrounds, educational paths, employment histories, or prior careers; or experiences and perspectives relating to disadvantage, disability, or discrimination. Any of these subjects, and many more, could be an appropriate basis for communicating important information about yourself that will aid us in reaching a thoughtful decision. The length of your personal statement is up to you.

BERKELEY LAW SCHOOL

Please provide more information about yourself in a written personal statement. The subject matter of the essay is up to you, but keep in mind that the reader will be seeking a sense of you as a person and as a potential student and graduate of Berkeley Law.

Berkeley Law seeks to enroll a class with varied backgrounds and interests. If you wish, you may discuss how your interests, background, life experiences, and perspectives would contribute to the diversity of the entering class. If applicable, you may also describe any disadvantages that may have adversely affected your past performance or that you have successfully overcome, including linguistic barriers or a personal or family history of cultural, educational, or socioeconomic disadvantage.

Your personal statement should be limited to four double-spaced pages. The thoughts and words contained therein must be your own and no one else should assist in its creation beyond basic proofreading and critiquing. Please include your name and LSAC account number on each page of the statement.

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA LAW SCHOOL

Your personal statement should provide information, in your own words, you believe relevant to the admissions decision not elicited elsewhere in the application. The statement is your opportunity to tell us about yourself; it may address your intellectual interests, significant accomplishments or obstacles overcome, personal or professional goals, educational achievements, or any way in which your perspective or experiences will add to the richness of the educational environment at UVA Law.

DUKE LAW SCHOOL

You will be required to submit a personal statement as an attachment. The statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee and should include (1) what you think have been your significant personal experiences beyond what may be reflected in your academic transcripts and on your résumé, and (2) your personal and career ambitions. If your personal statement does not directly address your interest in attending law school and practicing law, we strongly encourage you to [also] write Optional Essay 1 [which covers this topic]. There is no required length or page limit.

NORTHWESTERN LAW SCHOOL

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Brief State Non-Medical Exemptions from School Immunization Requirements

All 50 states and Washington D.C. have laws requiring certain vaccines for students to attend school. Many states align their vaccine requirements with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices . All states allow exemptions from school immunization requirements for children who are unable to receive vaccines for medical reasons. State laws vary regarding non-medical exemptions, for religious or personal reasons. Personal exemptions are also referred to as "philosophical exemptions" by some states.

Thirty states and Washington D.C. allow exemptions for people who have religious objections to immunizations. Thirteen 13 states allow exemptions for either religious or personal reasons. Two states, Louisiana and Minnesota, do not specify whether the non-medical exemption must be for religious or personal reasons. Five states do not allow any type of non-medical exemption.

The map below indicates each state's non-medical exemption policy. The map also links to the statutes for each state regarding school vaccine requirements and exemptions. Below the map is a table which provides more information about state exemption laws including exemption exceptions, requirements to obtain a non-medical exemption and information on states that have removed certain exemption policies.

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Map Source: Adapted from the LexisNexis StateNet Database and the Immunization Action Coalition.

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For more information on this topic, use this form to reach NCSL staff.

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Illinois comptroller withholds funds from dolton as ‘dictator mayor’ tiffany henyard orders cops to obey disgraced department ally.

The Illinois state comptroller took the extraordinary step of withholding some funds from the troubled village of Dolton on Thursday, blaming scandal-scarred Tiffany Henyard for the first-of-its-kind action — as the self-proclaimed “Super Mayor” told cops to follow orders from her disgraced department ally who was placed on leave before being indicted.

State Comptroller Susana Mendoza said she would immediately suspend all “offset” monies typically doled out to municipalities because Dolton leader Henyard “refuses” to turn over financial reports to the state.

The village was on track to gain $135,000 this year — but instead could start facing fines if the problems drag on. If the issues are fixed, the comptroller will restart the payments.

Mendoza said while her office tries to assist municipalities that struggle to file required annual reports, “Dolton is different.”

“The Mayor’s office has refused to communicate with us or address the problem,” she said in a statement. “If Mayor Henyard refuses to follow state law, my office will use the tools at our disposal to safeguard the interests of Dolton’s citizens.”

The village did not send reports to the comptroller’s office in 2022 and 2023, the comptroller said.

The state collects the “offset” funds when it withholds part of a resident’s income tax return or lotto winnings if they don’t pay a parking or speeding ticket at the local level, according to a comptroller spokesperson.

Those funds are then distributed back to the municipality, according to the office.

The state agency made clear it would not give Dolton — which is already facing financial hardship — the money until it gets into compliance with its financial records.

But the village could face fines totaling $78,600 over the delinquent paperwork if municipal officials don’t release the records, the comptroller’s office said.

Henyard, who was elected in 2021, has faced mounting allegations of maleficence in office, including misuse of taxpayer funds . Federal investigators reportedly subpoenaed financial information and documents tied to her and the village earlier this year as part of a probe.

‘Silly games’

Henyard’s ally in the police department, Deputy Chief Lewis Lacey, was federally indicted on bankruptcy fraud and other charges Monday, though the criminal case is not connected to the village.

He was placed on administrative leave last week by trustees opposed to Henyard before the indictment, but a lawyer for the trustees reportedly said he’s still going to work.

The confusion over his job status persisted into this week.

Henyard ordered police officers to continue following orders from Lacey on Thursday, according to video obtained by WGN .

“Stop playing these silly games,” Henyard is heard saying.

Lacey also issued a warning that cops had better fall in line, according to the station.

“Do what you want, but anything after this is insubordination,” he said.

But Village Administrator Keith Freeman told officers in an email that Lacey was no longer employed by the village.

“Mr. Lacey is not allowed in any spaces reserved for employees with an escort,” he said, according to WGN.

Just last week, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot revealed the village’s coffers were in shambles under Henyard leadership while outlining high spending, including $43,000 in one day on Amazon.

The pulled funds come as a local CBS report claims Henyard is nowhere to be found this week, but a trustee told The Post Thursday that wasn’t the case.

“She is not MIA, I think [the] news has been stating that. She is on social media and was at a meeting today, but has little comments about [the] report,” trustee Kiana Belcher said in reference to the Lightfoot report.

The comptroller’s office also cited an undated email from a Dolton village clerk that claims Freeman doesn’t allow department heads to relay information to the clerk’s office when the public seeks records and documents from the village.

Freeman was federally charged earlier this year with bankruptcy fraud that also is not tied to village business. While Henyard said this month he was fired, trustees opposed to her have said she doesn’t have the sole power to make that personnel move.

Freeman used to be an ally of Henyard before the two had a falling out, WGN reported.

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Wikidata : Country subdivision task force/Russia/Moscow

Russia   · Adygea   · Bashkortostan   · Buryatia   · Altai Republic   · Dagestan   · Ingushetia   · Kabardino-Balkaria   · Kalmykia   · Karachay-Cherkessia   · Karelia   · Komi   · Mari-El   · Mordovia   · Sakha   · North Ossetia   · Tatarstan   · Tuva   · Udmurtia   · Khakassia   · Chechnya   · Chuvashia   · Altai Krai   · Krasnodar Krai   · Krasnoyarsk Krai   · Primorsky Krai   · Stavropol Krai   · Khabarovsk Krai   · Amur Oblast   · Arkhangelsk Oblast   · Astrakhan Oblast   · Belgorod Oblast   · Bryansk Oblast   · Vladimir Oblast   · Volgograd Oblast   · Vologda Oblast   · Voronezh Oblast   · Ivanovo Oblast   · Irkutsk Oblast   · Kaliningrad Oblast   · Kaluga Oblast   · Kamchatka Krai   · Kemerovo Oblast   · Kirov Oblast   · Kostroma Oblast   · Kurgan Oblast   · Kursk Oblast   · Leningrad Oblast   · Lipetsk Oblast   · Magadan Oblast   · Moscow Oblast   · Murmansk Oblast   · Nizhny Novgorod Oblast   · Novgorod Oblast   · Novosibirsk Oblast   · Omsk Oblast   · Orenburg Oblast   · Oryol Oblast   · Penza Oblast   · Perm Krai   · Pskov Oblast   · Rostov Oblast   · Ryazan Oblast   · Samara Oblast   · Saratov Oblast   · Sakhalin Oblast   · Sverdlovsk Oblast   · Smolensk Oblast   · Tambov Oblast   · Tver Oblast   · Tomsk Oblast   · Tula Oblast   · Tyumen Oblast   · Ulyanovsk Oblast   · Chelyabinsk Oblast   · Zabaykalsky Krai   · Yaroslavl Oblast   · Moscow   · Saint Petersburg   · Jewish Autonomous Oblast   · Nenets Autonomous Okrug   · Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug   · Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug   · Chukotka Autonomous Okrug

• 125 districts (or raions ) of Moscow
• 21 settlements of Moscow
• 125 municipal okrugs of Moscow
• 2 urban okrugs of Moscow
• 19 settlements of Moscow
• 1 Central Administrative Okrug
• 2 Northern Administrative Okrug
• 3 North-Eastern Administrative Okrug
• 4 Eastern Administrative Okrug
• 5 South-Eastern Administrative Okrug
• 6 Southern Administrative Okrug
• 7 South-Western Administrative Okrug
• 8 Western Administrative Okrug
• 9 North-Western Administrative Okrug
• 10 Zelenogradsky Administrative Okrug
• 11 Novomoskovsky Administrative Okrug
• 12 Troitsky Administrative Okrug

Central Administrative Okrug

• Arbat District
• Basmanny District
• Khamovniki District
• Krasnoselsky District
• Meshchansky District
• Presnensky District
• Tagansky District
• Tverskoy District
• Yakimanka District
• Zamoskvorechye District

Northern Administrative Okrug

• Aeroport District
• Begovoy District
• Beskudnikovsky District
• Dmitrovsky District
• Golovinsky District
• Khoroshyovsky District
• Khovrino District
• Koptevo District
• Levoberezhny District
• Molzhaninovsky District
• Savyolovsky District
• Sokol District
• Timiryazevsky District
• Vostochnoye Degunino District
• Voykovsky District
• Zapadnoye Degunino District

North-Eastern Administrative Okrug

• Alexeyevsky District
• Altufyevsky District
• Babushkinsky District
• Bibirevo District
• Butyrsky District
• Lianozovo District
• Losinoostrovsky District
• Marfino District
• Maryina roshcha District
• Ostankinsky District
• Otradnoye District
• Rostokino District
• Severnoye Medvedkovo District
• Severny District
• Sviblovo District
• Yaroslavsky District
• Yuzhnoye Medvedkovo District

Eastern Administrative Okrug

• Bogorodskoye District
• Golyanovo District
• Ivanovskoye District
• Izmaylovo District
• Kosino-Ukhtomsky District
• Metrogorodok District
• Novogireyevo District
• Novokosino District
• Perovo District
• Preobrazhenskoye District
• Severnoye Izmaylovo District
• Sokolinaya gora District
• Sokolniki District
• Veshnyaki District
• Vostochnoye Izmaylovo District
• Vostochny District

South-Eastern Administrative Okrug

• Kapotnya District
• Kuzminki District
• Lefortovo District
• Lyublino District
• Maryino District
• Nekrasovka District
• Nizhegorodsky District
• Pechatniki District
• Ryazansky District
• Tekstilshchiki District
• Vykhino-Zhulebino District
• Yuzhnoportovy District

Southern Administrative Okrug

• Biryulyovo Vostochnoye District
• Biryulyovo Zapadnoye District
• Brateyevo District
• Chertanovo Severnoye District
• Chertanovo Tsentralnoye District
• Chertanovo Yuzhnoye District
• Danilovsky District
• Donskoy District
• Moskvorechye-Saburovo District
• Nagatino-Sadovniki District
• Nagatinsky Zaton District
• Nagorny District
• Orekhovo-Borisovo Severnoye District
• Orekhovo-Borisovo Yuzhnoye District
• Tsaritsyno District
• Zyablikovo District

South-Western Administrative Okrug

• Akademichesky District
• Cheryomushki District
• Gagarinsky District
• Konkovo District
• Kotlovka District
• Lomonosovsky District
• Obruchevsky District
• Severnoye Butovo District
• Tyoply Stan District
• Yasenevo District
• Yuzhnoye Butovo District
• Zyuzino District

Western Administrative Okrug

• Dorogomilovo District
• Filyovsky park District
• Fili-Davydkovo District
• Krylatskoye District
• Kuntsevo District
• Mozhaysky District
• Novo-Peredelkino District
• Ochakovo-Matveyevskoye District
• Prospekt Vernadskogo District
• Ramenki District
• Solntsevo District
• Troparyovo-Nikulino District
• Vnukovo District

North-Western Administrative Okrug

• Khoroshyovo-Mnyovniki District
• Kurkino District
• Mitino District
• Pokrovskoye-Streshevo District
• Severnoye Tushino District
• Shchukino District
• Strogino District
• Yuzhnoye Tushino District

Zelenogradsky Administrative Okrug

• Matushkino District
• Savyolki District
• Staroye Kryukovo District
• Silino District
• Kryukovo District

Novomoskovsky Administrative Okrug

• Vnukovskoye Settlement
• Voskresenskoye Settlement
• Desyonovskoye Settlement
• Kokoshkino Settlement
• Marushkinskoye Settlement
• Moskovsky Settlement
• Mosrentgen Settlement
• Ryazanovskoye Settlement
• Sosenskoye Settlement
• Filimonkovskoye Settlement
• Shcherbinka Settlement

Troitsky Administrative Okrug

• Voronovskoye Settlement
• Kiyevsky Settlement
• Klenovskoye Settlement
• Krasnopakhorskoye Settlement
• Mikhaylovo-Yartsevskoye Settlement
• Novofyodorovskoye Settlement
• Pervomayskoye Settlement
• Rogovskoye Settlement
• Troitsky Settlement
• Shchapovskoye Settlement

• Country subdivision task force (Russia)

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To calculate the distance between VKO and DME, the place names are converted into coordinates (latitude and longitude). The respective geographic centre is used for cities, regions and countries. To calculate the distance the Haversine formula is applied.

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