Leland+ Content Library

Telling Your Story: A 101-Guide to a Successful Personal Statement

This video provides a quick overview of what you will need to accomplish in your personal statement and how to get started

Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholar Letter of Rec

Sample letter of rec for military vet selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.

Personal Statement: Tips on Getting Started

Use the brainstorming prompts in this PDF to start putting pen to paper. There are no bad ideas! This is a time to reflect, think broadly, and be creative.

How to Craft a Powerful Introduction

In this exercise, you'll try drafting several different introductions using the provided models. Find which style works best for you.

Sample Successful Personal Statements

Examples can spark ideas for style, structure, and content. Just remember, no two personal statements ever look the same.

Knight-Hennessy + Stanford Law Admit [2-pg resume]

Military veteran with 5+ years professional experience, 2-page resume (admitted to SLS, HLS)

UVA Admit Sample Resume [no legal work experience]

This applicant was admitted to several top law schools, including their Michigan, Duke, and UVA. Untraditional background/no legal experience.

What is an Experience/Perspective Statement and Do You Need One?

Start with this PDF to learn why law schools ask about your unique (i.e., diverse) experiences and perspectives.

Sample Redlined Personal Statement

Not sure how much editing you need? Here is an example of one (of many) rounds of editing with a client.

Law School Addendum Submission Checklist

Finished drafting? You're not done yet! Make sure to run through this checklist to ensure your addenda helps rather than hurts your application package.

Getting Started: When & How to Use Addenda

Optional addenda can be used for a variety of purposes. This guide will help you figure out if you need to include one or more optional essays.

Comprehensive Personal Statement Editing Checklist

The checklist is thorough for a reason. Perfection isn't easy, it takes time. Use this checklist to guide you on your journey.

How am I Unique? Brainstorming Topics

This aid will help you identify topics for your statement based on unique perspectives you would bring to a law school community

Sample Redlined Optional Essay

Seeing red? Good! This example shows you how even short optional essays need thorough editing and revision.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Watch this guide to ensure you don't steer off course while drafting your experience/perspective essay

Sample Addenda

Examples will help you understand how to approach tricky topics and strike the right tone

From Good to Great: Editing 101

Editing is way more than rereading your draft. This guide will walk you through the process (pro-tips and all!).

Strong Diversity Essay Samples

Reading examples will help generate ideas for topics, content, and structuring