Leland+ for Law School

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.

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.

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.

Sample Addenda

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

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.

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.

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 Redlined Optional Essay

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

Diversity Essay That Earned T-14 Results

A concise, authentic diversity statement exploring race, class, and belonging, resulting in T-14 admissions.

Harvard Law Transfer Personal Statement

A powerful transfer statement linking real-world tech policy experience to concrete goals in platform governance and law.

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 Make Your Law School Application Stand Out

​Applying to law school is competitive—and crafting an application that truly captures your strengths and story can be challenging. In this session, expert Leland coaches and law admissions specialists Anna G. (Harvard Law School), Kevin P. (Duke Law Grad), and Conor A. (Harvard Law School) will walk you through exactly what top law schools are looking for and how to position yourself as a standout candidate. ​You’ll learn how to craft a compelling personal statement, highlight meaningful experiences, and present a cohesive application that showcases your unique strengths. By the end, you’ll have actionable strategies to make your law school application memorable and maximize your chances of admission.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Compelling Law School Personal Statements

A resource for law school applicants seeking to draft compelling personal statements.