Best Recommenders

We strongly prefer letters from at least two faculty members who know your academic work directly. Professors who have worked with you on an individual basis—such as a senior thesis adviser or an honors adviser—are usually the best sources. Letters from employers are also acceptable, particularly for applicants who have been out of school for several years. Additional letters from college deans, chaplains, summer employers, and colleagues may be helpful, but we are most interested in letters from people who can realistically assess your academic potential.

Best Way to Submit Letters

We prefer to receive all letters through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. You may use this service even when the recommender wishes to write specifically about your qualifications for study at Yale Law School rather than for the study of law in general.

Bear in mind:

• Please do not send duplicate letters to LSAC and Yale; this will delay consideration of your application.
• If your recommenders prefer to send your letters directly to Yale, give a copy of the Recommendation Form to each person you ask to write a recommendation. If you do not sign the waiver, you should make it clear to your recommenders that the letters will be available for your inspection.
• If you wish, and if your recommenders or credential service agree, you may submit letters of recommendation with your application materials. If you choose this method, please ask your recommenders (or an authorized person at your credential service) to place the letter in an envelope, seal it, sign it across the seal, and return it to you. Please leave the letters sealed.
• Yale Law School does not require a dean’s certification form.