Leland+ for Law School

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.

Do's and Don'ts of Personal Statements

A quick guide to help law school applicants write compelling personal statements.

Sample Successful Personal Statements

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

The Personal Statement That Changed My Cycle

My tech-focused personal statement that earned multiple T-14 offers—model for narrative clarity and an authentic “why law.”

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!).

Things You Need to Know Before Submitting Your Law School Application

​As deadlines approach, it’s essential to make sure every piece of your law school application tells a cohesive and compelling story. In this panel, expert Leland law school coaches will share insider tips on how to polish your materials, avoid last-minute mistakes, and approach submission day with confidence. From personal statements and addenda to letters of recommendation and timing strategy, you’ll learn what admissions committees are really looking for in the final stretch. ​Whether you’re putting finishing touches on your application or preparing for future cycles, this session will give you the clarity and tactical guidance to submit with confidence. ​Meet Your Panelists ​Yaseen E. – Law school admissions coach with a track record of helping students gain admission to top programs through strategic storytelling and strong LSAT preparation. ​Margo K. – Former admissions professional with years of experience guiding applicants in crafting standout essays and identifying best-fit law schools. ​Ruthie S. – Law school coach specializing in personal statement development, application strategy, and helping students find their authentic voice in the admissions process.

Sample Redlined Optional Essay

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

Sample Addenda

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

Don’t Blow Your Law Interview: Ask a Stanford JD Anything

Law school interviews can be intimidating—but they don’t have to be. In this interactive session, Machmud M.—a Stanford JD, Rhodes Scholar, and Knight-Hennessy Scholar—will share candid insights on how to prepare for and excel in your law school interviews. From common pitfalls to powerful storytelling techniques, you’ll learn how to communicate your values, experiences, and goals in a way that truly resonates with admissions committees. Drawing on his diverse background across public policy, corporate law, and government—including time at the White House and on the Biden 2020 policy team—Machmud will answer your toughest questions about what law schools are really looking for. Whether you’re prepping for T-14 interviews or your first conversation with an alum, this session will help you approach your interview with confidence, clarity, and authenticity.

Deciding Where to Apply to Law School

Choosing where to apply to law school is one of the most consequential decisions you’ll make—and Leland coach Machmud M. is here to help you approach it strategically. In this session, he’ll break down the factors that actually influence your career trajectory, from employment outcomes and geographic placement to culture, curricular strengths, and long-term fit. You’ll learn how to separate signal from noise, evaluate programs through the lens of your personal goals, and build a school list that maximizes both opportunity and alignment. If you want to make confident, well-informed application decisions, this workshop is a must-attend.

Your Law School Applications: Why Starting Now Can Make a Difference

Applying to law school is more competitive than ever—and timing can be a major advantage. In this session, you’ll learn directly from Indrani S., former Associate Director of Admissions at Stanford Law School, who has reviewed thousands of applications and knows exactly how top programs evaluate candidates. She’ll break down why early preparation matters, how to craft a compelling narrative beyond your GPA and LSAT, and what steps you should take now to strengthen your essays, recommender strategy, school list, and overall positioning. Whether you're aiming for T14 programs or navigating the process with less-than-perfect numbers, this workshop will help you build a clear, strategic plan.

How To Write Outstanding Law School Application Essays

​​Your law school application essays are arguably the most important aspect of your law school applications. To have the best outcomes and plenty of options at the end of the process, you need to craft compelling essays with solid narratives that paint a picture beyond your numbers. ​​Join Indrani S., former Stanford Law School Admissions Officer, for this session focusing on topics such as different essay prompts and how best to tackle them, why it makes sense to have two 'main' essays instead of just one, and the dreaded 'why' essays.

Navigating the Big Load of Big Law Recruiting

Big Law recruiting moves fast, feels intense, and can overwhelm even the strongest candidates if they’re not prepared. In this session, top Leland coach and lawyer Shayna R. will break down how the process really works, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage. By the end, you’ll have a clearer, calmer path through one of the most demanding recruiting cycles in professional careers.

From Meh to Memorable: Law School Personal Statements

A strong law school personal statement can be the difference between blending in and standing out. In this session, top Leland coach and Harvard Law alum Dylan M. will break down what separates forgettable essays from memorable ones and why many applicants miss the mark. You’ll learn how to craft a clear narrative, highlight your motivations for law, and avoid common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications.

How to Optimize Studying for the LSAT

Studying for the LSAT is about more than putting in hours—it’s about studying smart. This session is designed to help you build an effective, sustainable LSAT study plan that maximizes improvement. In this event, you’ll learn how to structure your study time, prioritize question types, and use practice tests strategically. We’ll also cover common study mistakes, how to track progress, and how to adjust your approach as your score improves. Whether you’re just getting started or trying to break through a score plateau, you’ll leave with practical strategies and clearer direction.

Law Week Kickoff 2026

Join us for the kickoff to Law School Week, a comprehensive introduction to the law school admissions process. This session will set the stage for the week by walking through the full application journey, from school selection and timelines to personal statements, LSAT strategy, and interviews. You’ll learn where to focus your time, what mistakes to avoid, and how the sessions throughout the week fit together to help you build a strong, competitive application. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your approach, this kickoff will give you a clear roadmap for the week ahead.

Securing Excellent Recommendations for Your Law School Application

Strong letters of recommendation can significantly strengthen your law school application—but only if they’re done right. This session is designed to help you secure thoughtful, compelling recommendations that support your candidacy. In this event, you’ll learn who to ask for recommendations, how to approach potential recommenders, and how to provide them with the right materials and guidance. We’ll also cover timing, common mistakes to avoid, and how admissions committees evaluate recommendation letters. Whether you’re early in the process or finalizing your application, you’ll leave with clear next steps and greater confidence in your recommendations.

Law School Admissions: What You Can Do When You Are Waitlisted

Join Indrani, former Associate Director of Admissions at Stanford Law School, as she goes over strategy to help deal with the uncertainty of being put on law school waitlists. She will go over: how the process works, what it means when you are waitlisted, moving the needle, Dos and Don'ts, and the waiting game. At the end, there will be ample time for questions and answers! Almost everyone is waitlisted somewhere, and this session will help you manage the situation.

Tips for succeeding in a very competitive law school admissions cycle

Law school admissions are more competitive than ever—but with the right strategy, you can stand out from even the strongest applicant pools. In this workshop, Hillary M.—a law school admissions expert with nearly 20 years of experience advising hundreds of applicants—will share the key insights, strategies, and mindsets needed to gain an edge in today’s application cycle. A graduate of Brown University and Boston College Law School, Hillary has helped students earn acceptances and scholarships at top programs nationwide. She’ll walk you through how to tailor your personal statement, highlight your unique strengths, and navigate the evolving admissions landscape with confidence. Whether you’re applying this year or planning ahead, this session will help you maximize your chances of success. Space is limited, so RSVP to secure your spot. We’re excited to be on the law school journey with you! And don’t forget to sign up for a free Leland account to stay in the loop for more free events, discounts, and law school resources.