Best Law School Personal Statement Examples

A personal statement is the key part of your application. Writing a statement to supplement your application is not just a way for admissions officers to make your life difficult. It’s a chance for them to see through your grades and accolades to the core. A personal statement can help you show your character and secure a place in the school of your dreams, provided you get acquainted with law school personal statement examples and know what to write in yours.

In this post, we will share tips, hacks and common questions students get when writing their first law school personal statement example or draft. By the end, you’ll be fully equipped to write a winning statement of your own.

Why Is a Law School Personal Statement So Important?

You may find a bunch of articles claiming to give good law school personal statement examples, but why is it so important for a student to write it well? Let’s find out.

First, a personal statement is what tips the scale when two applicants have similar credentials, like GPA or test scores. Second, it’s a unique chance to display your background, goals and motivation before ever meeting the committee.

Now, let’s look at what makes a personal statement stand out.

What Makes a Winning Personal Statement

To craft a personal statement that gets you admitted, you have to show character and your personality without getting too familiar. It’s a fine line, but once you learn how to tread it, you’ll have no problem getting into your first-choice law school.

Here’s what you should focus on when writing a personal statement:

1. Attention-grabbing hook. Every piece of academic writing must feature a strong opening statement. Here, it’s more important than ever.
2. Personalized story. Explain why you want to get into this specific school, supporting this claim by personal experiences.
3. Tailored writing. You’re unlikely to learn who will be reviewing your application, but what you can do is research the school. Learn about their values, and try to reflect them in your writing.

Keep reading to find an example of personal statement for law school as well as common mistakes and tips for analyzing your statement.

Personal Statement Examples for Law School

Law School Personal Statement Example #1: First-generation student

After translating legal papers for my mother at a young age, I learned first-hand how convoluted the system can be for immigrants. Now, I want to help people like me and my family navigate the daily hardships with the knowledge and wisdom I hope to obtain in this school.

Why this works: This statement shows purpose and motivation, as well as expresses maturity. It’s personal without crossing a line.

Law School Personal Statement Example #2: Focused & determined

As a pre-law student for as long as I can remember, I can think of no school that would better guide me into the justice system. With a background in constitutional law and a political science major, I believe I am ready to step into the courtroom.

Why this works: This statement shows long-standing determination and a desire for academic and professional growth.

Law School Personal Statement Example #3: Social justice motivation

Seeing people wrongly accused or incarcerated made me realize at a young age that justice is not automatic. Now, I want to contribute to the system by ensuring that people get justice regardless of their skin color or background.

Why this is good: This demonstrates strong motivation, as well as empathy and commitment. This statement would work well for schools with civil rights programs, etc.

#4 Example of Law School Personal Statement: STEM background

My background in engineering helps me clearly see the logic and design in law. I want to apply my problem-solving skills to work with humans, not machines, and help build a fair and transparent system.

Why this is good: This personal statement explains the reason for switching fields and displays how qualities earned during prior education can help this student navigate the law.

Questions to Ask Yourself While Writing Your Personal Statement

Review each example of law school personal statement above and see what they have in common. If you have a personal statement draft already, compare it to the examples and see if it differs and how.

Here are some questions you should ask yourself to improve and deepen your personal statement:

1. Am I clearly stating my motivation?
2. Does this statement add to my application?
3. Does the writing flow?
4. Does this statement elicit feelings?

Writing a Personal Statement: Steps & Tips

The steps to writing a personal statement are not that different from other academic papers. However, the stakes are higher. Hence, you need to be more attentive.

• Brainstorm. Collect ideas on what you intend to write.
• Outline. Organize the results of your brainstorm and write them down.
• Write with integrity. Don’t try to paint a picture of a superhero.
• Review, proofread, and seek feedback.

Just like you wouldn’t submit an example of personal statement for law school, you should not attach your first draft to the application. Give it a few tries, get feedback from your teacher and keep working until you are confident in your statement.

Wrapping up: Personal Statement Do’s & Don’ts

Do:

• Write from the heart
• State your motivation clearly
• Reflect on your personal experiences
• Tailor the statement to align with the school’s values
• Review, revise, rewrite and get regular feedback

Don’t:

• Lie or exaggerate
• Overuse legal jargon to appeal to the committee
• Be too vague or redundant
• Restate your application without deeper reflection

Remember that the admissions officers admit students, not papers. Make sure that your paper shows enough personality while keeping the focus on what’s important. Read enough law school personal statement examples, get your paper reviewed by a pro and just keep writing and rewriting.