Self-study
I was browsing through the core curriculum and read through some of the LOR modules and one of them said that if you don't have at least one academic LOR, most admissions committees will pass on you. This worries me for a couple of reasons: 1) I've been out of college for almost 7 years now; and 2) when I was in school, I was the student who didn't really participate in class, just listened and took notes and aimed to do well. I did not go to office hours or TA sessions or anything like that, many of my classes were medium-large seminars, and so I'm worried none of my old college professors would even remember me, even with a refresher. The one professor I would maybe consider wrote a LOR for me when I applied in 2020, so I don't even know if it's wise to ask her for another LOR for round 2 of applying. I currently work in a large law office where the learning curve has been pretty steep and I believe there are quite a few attorneys/supervisors/mentors in my office who would be able to speak to my learning ability, critical thinking skills, and rigor better than an old college professor who may or may not remember me and my academic abilities. TL;DR: Do I absolutely have to have a LOR from an old college prof? Out of college 7 years, didn't stay in touch with any professors, quiet in college, and I think my work colleagues would be able to recommend me better than old college professors.
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4 comments
it cant hurt to ask. i've been out of undergrad for 7 years also, and had the same concern that they might not remember me but the prof responded right away and agreed to write me one. but i agree with everyone else- likely not necessary and you're probably okay submitting them from supervisors or attorneys. i'd say mentors could potentially be biased so maybe not the best lor...
I am also about 5 years out of school and definitely don't have any relationships with my professors from 2020 still. I was planning on having my LOR written by the attorneys that supervise me at my current Paralegal job.
I'm a millennial looking for a career change, therefore all of my LOR's are from previous supervisors/managers that have worked with me directly. In the LOR's they talk about my intellectual capacity and commitment/rigor etc. that you mention above. My impression overall is that law school applications are looking for you to be the most honest, so I'm assuming that whatever environment reflects you as an individual most appropriately would be the environment that is closest to you in time and scale.
The previous comment mentioned that having a professor LOR is mainly recommended if you are coming from college/university, and I have read/heard the same thing.
Sounds like you are on the right track. I have watched several youtube videos from admissions panels and they state similar suggestions, so I believe you are on the right track.
Best of luck on your journey!
Hi,
I am just a fellow LSAT student (this is not legal advice), and I have listened to numerous podcasts about this topic and attended some law school conferences where they discussed it. I am also sure that people will correct me if I am wrong.
Essentially, it is only really a MUST for those who are coming straight from uni.
Based on everything I found out, they (Law Schools) would like to see LOR from an academic institution, as they are themselves academic institutions. But the longer you have been out of school and in the workforce, the LESS of a burden you have to prove certain qualities from your old Uni. Especially given the fact that you have been working in some law-related field, which will go a long way to show: you are ABOUT THIS life, you are serious, and committed..... etc.
As far as letters of rec from your current employers go, make sure that it is someone that can be considered your boss, not just a coworker becasue while they want it to be someone who knows you well, they don't want it to be your friend.
So don't sweat it much, and treat what I have said and other peers as just voices of friendly forest goblins and eventually reach out to schools or advisors to make sure.