The personal statement should provide information about yourself that you consider significant to our evaluation of your file. We are interested in learning about the qualities that you would bring to the legal profession, the law school classroom, and the community. For example, you may wish to describe service you provided to your community, contributions you made to causes that are important to you, or describe a significant experience in your life. Alternatively, you may wish to discuss your interest in or motivation for attending law school. Your statement will be evaluated for writing ability as well as the content. Do not treat your personal statement as a narrative of your resume.

Your personal statement must be no more than 2-3 pages, double-spaced, with normal margins, and no smaller than a 10-point font.

This section is optional.

Non-Montana residents are required to submit a brief statement of interest explaining why they wish to attend the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana.

Montana residents may optionally submit a brief statement of interest explaining why they wish to attend the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana.

This section is optional.

You may describe any other factors you wish the admissions committee to consider that relate to your likelihood of success in law school. You may offer an Addendum in explanation of your undergraduate GPA and/or LSAT. You may choose to describe economic, cultural, or social factors that have presented obstacles you have had to overcome that you wish the Admissions Committee to consider in evaluating your application.

Addendums should be no longer than 3 pages and should not address topics discussed in your personal statement.

Please attach a personal résumé.

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

If you answer "Yes" to any of the Character and Fitness questions, you must submit an explanation in an electronic attachment.

1. Have you ever been dropped, suspended, warned, placed on scholastic or disciplinary probation, expelled, requested to resign, allowed to resign in lieu of discipline, otherwise subjected to discipline, or requested to discontinue your studies by any school, college or university?

2. Have you ever been

(1) cited for, arrested for, charged with, pled guilty to, or convicted of any violation of any law at or after age 18 or

(2) convicted of a felony prior to age 18?

Note: When answering include matters that have been dismissed, expunged, subject to a deferred imposition of sentence, a diversion or deferred prosecution program, or otherwise set aside. Omit traffic violations..

3. Have you ever been cited for, arrested for, charged with, pled guilty to, or convicted of (1) any alcohol or drug related traffic violation other than a violation that was resolved in juvenile court, or (2) of any moving traffic violation during the past ten years? When answering include matters that have been dismissed, expunged, subject to a deferred imposition of sentence, diversion or deferred prosecution program, or otherwise set aside. Omit parking violations.

4. Have you ever been disciplined by a professional regulatory body for violating standards of conduct, or have you ever been disciplined, terminated, or allowed to resign in lieu of termination by an employer for an employment offense (such as stealing, falsifying records, or abusing intoxicants or drugs or similar concerns).

This section is optional.

If you identified as an enrolled American Indian/Alaska Native tribal member, use this section to upload a copy of your enrollment document(s).

This section is optional.

This section is required if you identified as a Montana resident. Please upload each of these supporting documents, and be sure the date of issue on each document is prior to August 26, 2024. If a document was issued after August 26, 2024, please also include the expired version to show that you have been a resident for 12 months prior to the first day of school 2025:

(1) Montana driver's license,

(2) voter registration if you are registered to vote (go to the SOS Voter Information Lookup and take a screenshot),

(3) Montana vehicle registration if you own or operate a vehicle, even if the vehicle is not yours,

(4) first page of a Montana tax return.

Generally all of these documents are required for a final residency determination. If any documents are missing when you turn in your application, your application will be considered; however, you will be classified as an out-of-state resident until you provide full documentation.