Leland+ for Law School

Sample Redlined Optional Essay

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

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.

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.

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. We will talk about different essay prompts and how best to tackle them, why it makes sense to have two 'main' essays instead of just one, how to handle optional essays and the dreaded 'why' essays.

LSAT 101: Final Prep for October and November LSAT

​With the October and November LSAT dates just around the corner, now is the time to lock in your final prep. In this session, Leland coach Zack A., who has helped students achieve top LSAT results, will share strategies to maximize your performance in the weeks leading up to test day. ​You’ll learn how to fine-tune your study plan, strengthen your timing and accuracy, and avoid the last-minute mistakes that cost valuable points. Zack will also cover section-specific tactics and test-day best practices so you can walk in confident and ready. Whether you’re aiming for a score jump or maintaining consistency, this workshop will help you finish your prep strong.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Navigating Law School Character & Fitness

A resource that advises on how best to approach character and fitness disclosures in law school applications.

Do's and Don'ts of Personal Statements

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

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.

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.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

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

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.

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.

Addenda Final Editing Checklist

Surely editing my addenda should be simple? Think again! Editing is critical to showing your attention to detail, a critical lawyerly trait. Use this checklist to reach perfection.

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.

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.