Hi,

I would appreciate some information on letters of recommendation for LL.M aplications. What should they contain, etc...

Thanks

Research potential and ability to work to a publishable standard. I think everything else is ancillary skills and abilities required to complete an LLM - after all, they are interested in talent, capacity, determination, and an ability to have things published thereby promoting their universities name and further enhancing its reputation.

Next, some academics say they like to see contribution to the community, professional experience etc etc.

However, as I said, research potential and ability to complete the LLM should be the underlying theme and central to the letter.

Then you need something to "individualise" yourself. Volunteer work? Legal experience? Publications? Prizes? etc etc. It also helps to address the specific research strengths of the university to which you wish to apply and inform your referees that you are interested and have certain demonstarted strengths in those area's.

Lots of talent out there. So, you would need to certainly make yourself a diamond in the rough, so to speak.

Good luck!!!

May I ask, to which universities do you wish to apply?

Sorry, please forgive the poor use of language and misplaced words above - its pretty late.

I am considering University of Amsterdam. Probably European Union Competiton Law. Haven't really decided yet.

Should I compose my letter of recommendation myself, and then only have it signed by my professor?

No. Your professors must write the letters themselves and send it to the university. Alternatively, they write it themselves and give it to you in a sealed envelope.

For various reasons, you have no input and cannot see what they write. Such letters are confidental; the contents of which are intended to be known by your professor and the selection officer(s) only.

Give your professors hints about your interests, give them a resume and a list of any other achivements. Reiterate certain points ("I love EU competition law ...) -thats all you can really do. They may include it, they may not.

Good luck with it all -

I am considering Uppsala, Stockholm, Lund, Oslo, Leiden, Utrecht Amsterdam or Leuven.

Normally, professors request the aplicant to prepare a draft which can then be edited accordingly. The final output is, of course, confidnential and must have the full imprimatur of the professor but that is not to say you cannot have any hand in its preparation. When you ask a professor to be your reference, you could offer to provide them with a draft or at least your CV so that they'll have an idea of what you're all about outside the classroom.

Your achievements are a testimony to your previous university's caliber so any kind of professional or educational improvement on your part is highly encouraged. Most professors are enthusiastic to up your chances of getting into your target universities so don't be afraid to provide them with ammunition. Hope this helps!

Thank you guys for your help!

Well, I have graduated with an LL.B degree and I am actually working as a legal expert in a governmental institution. Should I still, ask for letter of recommendation from my professors or I could ask my boss to write it?

if you graduated earlier that 2000, you can send in professional recos.

More persuasive I think if the drafter of the letter has an LLM or Phd and works in legal research and academia. ie: a professor.

the problem with that is between you and your professor - you know yourself better. plus it underestimates the writing prowess of the applicant. phd does not equal to better writer. my take on it is that a draft by the recommendee would be very in-depth and then pack that extra punch after it has been edited/ enhanced by the professor. that's what i think would result in the most powerful letter. but that's me! to each his/her own! do what you think is best for you!