How is the PS to be written and read? Is it a hook and description form of paper or is it a "Hi, name is so and so...". Are we wanting to intentionally grab the readers interest using literary devices or be as straightforward as possible (like a resume)?
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Echoing what others have said but taking it in the opposite direction - a personal statement is NOT a cover letter. A cover letter would be "Hi, name is so and so..." You'd then talk about your background, why you're applying for his job, why you're perfect for it, etc. With a PS, I want to know why you want to be a lawyer and go to law school. That's usually a task better suited for a narrative format.
@JacobBaska Thanks for the insight, I have been trying to balance a descriptive vs narrative approach.
It gets a bit trickier as the essay develops, a narrative approach can feel too heavily romanticized and missing key statement of facts. Blending the two can sacrifice the narrative structure, the problem I think comes from trying to fit too much information into the passage. The most difficult part is trying to encompass our life story while keeping a strong narrative voice. I am beginning to think it is more important to carry that narrative voice, than a literal recounting of life events.
What I am picking up is that our Personal Statement should read more like an introduction to a biography than an encyclopedia entry.
Typically they're narrative, focusing on one or two formative experiences and connecting them to your desire to pursue law school.
My best advice is to write a straightforward, reflective story that talks about what inspired you to go to law school. And whatever you do, don't turn it into this verbose, ornate mess. I remember last year Yale sent out example PS to some folks, and the LSA subreddit bashed them because they felt the writing was mediocre. I read through them again a few weeks ago and found that they were quite solid; the real problem is that many people confuse style with substance.
All of the ones I've heard are narrative and have a hook. Check out the 7Sage podcast and A to Z (University of Michigan). They read through essays and applications.