Leland+ for Law School
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The Path to Law School: What It Takes to Stand Out
Law school admissions is more competitive than ever, and standing out requires more than just strong grades and test scores. From crafting a compelling personal statement to highlighting unique experiences and securing strong recommendations, every part of your application plays a role in shaping your story. In this session, you’ll hear from Megan N., Akua A., and James W., who will share what top programs are really looking for and how to position yourself as a standout applicant. Whether you’re just beginning to explore law school or preparing to hit submit, this session will give you practical tools and insights to approach the process with confidence.
Do's and Don'ts of Personal Statements
A quick guide to help law school applicants write compelling personal statements.
Stop Sounding Generic: How to Write a Standout Law School Personal Statement
Crafting a personal statement that truly stands out is one of the most important—and challenging—parts of the law school application process. In this session, expert Leland coach and Harvard Law alum Dylan M. will provide an overview of how to draft a strong, compelling statement and share common challenges applicants face. You’ll learn how to convey your unique story, highlight meaningful experiences, and avoid pitfalls that can make essays feel generic or forgettable. By the end, you’ll have practical guidance and actionable strategies to make your law school personal statement memorable and impactful.
Red Flags on Law School Applications
Even strong law school applicants can unintentionally raise red flags that hurt their chances of admission. In this workshop, Conor A.—a Harvard Law graduate with seven years of admissions coaching experience—will break down the most common mistakes applicants make and how to address them effectively. Having helped students gain admission to every T14 law school, Conor will share strategies for handling GPA dips, LSAT retakes, character and fitness disclosures, and other sensitive application issues with professionalism and confidence. Whether you’re just starting your application or polishing your materials, this session will help you anticipate potential concerns and turn weaknesses into strengths.
Strong Diversity Essay Samples
Reading examples will help generate ideas for topics, content, and structuring
How to Develop Compelling Short and Long-Term Goals for UC Law School Applications
Crafting authentic and specific goals can make or break your UC Law School application. In this session, Brian B.—a seasoned law school admissions expert with 10+ years of experience reviewing thousands of applications—will walk you through how to articulate your career vision with clarity and purpose. Together, you’ll explore what “Clarity of Purpose” really means in the admissions context and how to translate it into your essays and interviews. Learn how to write convincingly about the type of law firm, government agency, or non-profit you aspire to join, and how to frame your long-term professional impact in a way that feels both ambitious and authentic.
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.”
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.
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.
Sample Redlined Optional Essay
Seeing red? Good! This example shows you how even short optional essays need thorough editing and revision.
Supplemental Essays and Law School Admissions: Which Ones Should You Write?
When it comes to law school admissions, supplemental essays can make or break your application—but how do you know which ones are worth writing? In this workshop, Liz C.—a law school admissions expert with nearly a decade of experience, including eight years at the University of Houston Law Center—will break down the most common supplemental essays and how to approach them strategically. Drawing on her experience reading thousands of applications, Liz will share insider advice on optional essays, diversity statements, and addenda—helping you decide when to write, what to include, and how to make each piece count. Whether you’re applying to T-14 programs or regional schools, you’ll leave this session knowing how to tailor your essays to stand out authentically.
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.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Watch this guide to ensure you don't steer off course while drafting your experience/perspective essay
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.
Sample Addenda
Examples will help you understand how to approach tricky topics and strike the right tone
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.
Diversity Essay That Earned T-14 Results
A concise, authentic diversity statement exploring race, class, and belonging, resulting in T-14 admissions.
Additional Essays: Case Study Worksheet
Practice crafting a stellar additional essay for your law school application.
Additional Essays: Case Study
Case study for understanding how to craft a stellar additional essay for your law school application
Standout Personal Statement Example
See how to write a compelling personal statement that showcases your unique story, highlights your strengths, and gets you accepted to your dream program!
