Hi, I'm planning to apply to the 2009-2010 LL.M Program at HLS. Right now, I have two letters of reccomendation: one from the Dean of my Law School and the other from my ex-work supervisor. The first one, should cover my academic achievements and extracurricular activities while I was a student. The second one my capabilities and work as a professional (and also some academic achievements).I have to decide who to Irequest the 3rd letter of recommendation. I have two persons in mind: my professor of L&E who can attest my capabilities as a studend and who has commented two papers I have published or a partner of the law firm I work in today (which happens to be a HLS alumni) and that can comment further on my working experience.Who should I ask a letter of recommendation? Does HLS give more value to professional letters of recommendation or academic letters of recommendation?

My 2 cents as follows...

One crucial factor you need to consider is who will be able, and willing, to write you a glowing testimonial.

Assuming that all your potential recommenders are equal in this regard, I would pick your current law firm partner and the two professors. It is extremely useful to have a HLS alumni as one of your recommenders.

Having 2 work supervisors writing letters of recommendation may be a bit much. If your current work supervisor does a good job of your testimonial, I would think that there is little else your ex-work supervisor can add (although I accept that your circumstances may be unique). I think that HLS will be more interested in hearing from your current work supervisor than your former one as well.

Therefore, I think that you should drop your ex-work supervisor, and have your current supervisor and the two professors write your letters of recommendations.

Thank you very much for your comments! I agree that having 2 work supervisors might be too much. Specially considering that this isn't a job application. I think I will keep my ex supervisor and 2 professors. There are strong reasons why I picked my ex work supervisor instead of my curent: he is also a HLS alumni, I worked with him for almost 4 years and I have been his asistant professor and co professor at 2 law schools. He is also a good friend of mine. Thus, from all potencial recomenders he can write the most glowing testimonial.

Since your ex-supervisor is almost guaranteed to write a highly favourable testimonial, and is a HLS alumni, then his inclusion as one of your recommenders is a no-brainer.

Two professors and one work supervisor is a very good balance I feel -- that is exactly what I had and it served me well for HLS.

Best of luck in your application!

Mercury Man, thank you very much for your help! I really apreciate you taking the time to address my concerns. I'll keep you posted on my progess.

Hi paco and mercury man!

I'm a new meber to the LLM Guide website. A friend of mine introduce to this website since I'm planning to apply for LLM for the year 2009-2010 at the States. HLS is also one of my preferences.

Currently, I'm busy with works and planning on taking the TOEFL soon. I've heard that HLS has special requirement on application. Could you please advice me if there is a form on recommendation that the referees have to fill in or something like that? Also, the referees will have to send the letter of recommendation to HLS directly is that right? I know these are stupid questions, but, I would highly appreciate if you help me elaborate these questions.

Thak you very much in advance for you kindness!
Parie

I have a question with regard to "letters of recommendation" so if anybody has any insight on the same please be kind enough.
What counts more at Harvard, letter of recommendation from a glowing personality (like the judge of Supreme Court India) or to have a glowing recommendation letter from the professors of my law school and my current employer.


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Hey everyone. HLS is my first choice for LLM 2009-2010. Do you guys think it's better to submit two, three or four recommendations?

same query. the form asks for a minimum of 2, but only mentions that most submit 3. no max limit. if someone has an idea, plz help as to whether 3 or more recos are acceptable at HLS.

I'd recommend three references as ideal. I can think of few reasons to submit a more or less than that. That's what most applicants do, and there's no need to bombard the admissions board with excess references!

Hello all, i have recently submitted two letters of recomendation in support of my LL.M Application in Harvard, do i need to submit one more to make it 3 letters? If i submit one more i hope it will not seem that i am padding up my application. Kindly respond.
What are my chances of getting admitted i am an african, is there a preference for African trained LL.B since Harvard wants diversity