How to get college letters?

Law School - How does someone out of college for a while get letters of recommendation?

• I don't feel that I can go to my employer for a letter because I fear that I will lose my job when they find out I'm attempting to go back to school. I currently have a great deal of responsibility and I don't think my boss will keep someone around who seems like they're looking to leave at some point in the future. My old college professors barely remember me. What to do?

• Answer:

  Typically people who've been out of school for a while ask for letters of rec from employers instead of professors, especially if it is a long time out. If there is a professor that may not remember you that much, but you feel that you would like for them to write a letter, you could pay them a visit, refresh them as to who you are, give them an update on what you've done since, and that may give them enough to write a letter. Some will let you write the letter yourself and they will just sign it. Also look to former employers if you left with good standing. It really would be best if you got one from your current employer because when thye look at your file they may wonder if something is going on, that you didn't get a letter of rec. You don't have to get letters of rec in until the last point of the application process - if you have or are taking the LSAT soon, and applying for fall 2007, if your aps are ready for early admissions in October you should ask for your letter in September, or if you are applying later, make sure to give it a month before deadlines to get it written and for them to process. You will have to tell your boss eventually, and they will probably appreciate being given notice. You can also go to friends with whom you have a professional relationship - if one of your former coworkers you still know went on to a bigger, better job, or if you have a family friend who works in law, etc. The important thing is that these people know you on a level where they have observed the qualities in you that would make you successful for law school - not just someone you have a few drinks with. Even if you were in a club with someone in college and you worked on a project, so long as that person has moved on to a career, they can reference that work done together as evidence of your strengths. Keep in mind, that although schools require letters of rec, they usually aren't the thing that gets you in, unless it is at a school like USC that weighs alumni connections more heavily. If you have an excellend LSAT score, GPA, and resume, they generally won't look a whole lot further into your file before they send you an acceptance. (Ivy league schools, however, will poor over every corner of your file, but there are plenty of excellent, lower ranked schools as well that are a little more lenient). Good luck!