I graduated from undergrad 4 years ago and have been working at the same company since then. I have two people at my company who are willing to write me letters of recommendation - both of whom oversaw my work there (general counsel & president of government affairs). I'm wondering if I should try to get an academic letter of recommendation as well. I haven't been good about keeping up with my professors and it feels unlikely that they will recall my participation in their class 4 years ago. Is it worth it to get one academic letter even if it's not the strongest representation of my academic work?
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From the admissions perspective, I'm not really expecting to see academic letters of rec once you reach the "3-4 years out of college" mark. That's especially true in your case where you've been at the same job this whole time! So I'd say that there's no need to try and rustle up an academic letter.
If/when you bump up against a school whose application instructions indicate a preference for at least one academic letter (and Duke is an example), do feel free to call up their admissions office and explain your situation. My guess is that they'll tell you that it's fine to submit two professional LoRs. They should have the same mindset as you - why make you jump through the hoop of obtaining a letter that doesn't really tell us a lot about what you'd bring to our classroom and community versus the two letters that you'll already be submitting?
I hope that helps!
I'm in a similar boat, I graduated in 2023. Two Judges I work for and my direct admin supervisor agreed to write letters for me. I based my decision on the quality of the letters. I know that the professional letters will more accurately depict my capabilities. I don't keep in touch with my former professors either, so it would feel like a stranger is writing my LOR if that makes sense!
i would suggest perhaps reaching out to your alma mater and asking if its acceptable to reach out to profs even after some time. Or perhaps talking to your ideal law school’s submission specialist if LORs in this kind of scenario are fine too.
I had maintained a great relationship with some of my professors and they’ve said its fine to reach out to them even later for a LOR. Or even sending an email now to your profs just slightly inquiring if they remember you; you won’t know if you don’t ask. But even with your extensive work history, I’m sure those LORs are great to have in your application!
I hope this helped and goodluck again 💪