The law school personal statement is the best opportunity for admission representatives to get to know you, since interviews are usually not part of the application process. You'll want to devote significant time to the essay. Overall advice includes:
Following each school's specific essay instructions that may include:
Answering any provided prompt. Many law schools leave the personal statement open-ended, but some do ask you to answer specific questions.
Following length guidelines (page number, word count, font size, double vs. single spacing, margins)
Avoid using creative writing styles. Unless asked for or permission is given, this essay is seen as a writing sample and a persuasive paper and not the place for a poem or other creative format.
Do not repeat your resume. Experiences mentioned on your resume (internship, study abroad, research experience) may become part of the essay you write . They needn't be repeated as evidence for your qualifications, but rather part of the narrative you are composing. For example, if you completed an internship, rather than writing about the job duties, consider writing about a particular experience, how the skills developed will help you succeed in law school, or why the internship was meaningful in this context.
Remember your audience. It could be comprised of admission representatives, faculty, deans or alums. Write in a tone that speaks to a variety of people. No need for "leviathan" words that require Googling the word's definition ("leviathan" means "big"). Using big words is a turn-off to most.
Avoid a chronological presentation. Especially if you are presenting a series of events, circumstances or experiences. Rather than writing a "beginning-to-end" story, weave the experiences into the essay's theme.
Show, don't tell. Instead of writing that you want to help people, write about experiences where you did help people. If you want them to know you have a strong work ethic, don't state this, but instead write about times where you put your work ethic into action. When writing about experiences, let the reader see insights or transformation(s) you had as a result.
Start with brainstorming, an outline/vision board, and start writing. Brainstorm topics you might like to write about. Start one and see where it leads you. Put different topics to paper, take a step back and review the topics. What possible themes do you see? Be prepared to write multiple drafts, which may also mean starting over from scratch.
Have multiple people read drafts. Someone who knows you well can tell you if you are presenting your true self. Someone who doesn't know you very well can talk about how you are presenting yourself to those outside of your inner circle (like admissions committees) and whether or not what your writing shows yourself in the manner you're trying to achieve.
In addition to getting to know you, admission representatives are interested in what is motivating you to attend law school. This is different than answering the question "Why do you want to attend law school?" Motivation can come from a variety of places and speaks to your skills, values, experiences and traits. People attend law school because they want to pursue law. What is your motivation for pursuing law? What was an experience, collection of experiences, reflections, etc. that taught you, changed you, solidified who you are or demonstrates something about yourself, your skills, values and interests?
⭐ Resource ⭐ 7Sage - View application components, average GPA, LSAT score, # of letters of recommendations and personal statement prompts* for the current application cycle. *Note: While they may not change extensively, statement prompts can change each year. Use the current year's prompts to help brainstorm ideas and topics and begin journaling or writing content.