... Not the Lord of the Rings :) but the dreaded, time consuming, obnoxiously long process of collecting letters of recommendation for LLM in Fall 2007. Its about time to gear up folks - those interested in applying this year...

Veterans and those successfully admitted, those who may have been disappointed (but then God always has a plan for each one of us - so cheer up), and those planning to apply - I appeal to all of you for help:

Is it ok to collect LORs now in August for applying in Nov-Dec 2006 - the accompanying LOR forms to be filled up by those writing them are the real problem - is it ok to use the ones currently available (the ones which dont mention the year of application on them; for instance Chicago does) and get on with the procees, or is it simply too early in the day... Any help/suggestions will be greatly appreciated, especially if based on experience.

Thanks...

My first question is why would you want to collect them now? I think there are couple of reasons for asking them later on, besides forms. First of all you might change your plans still: want to apply for a different law schools, or study different subject. Secondly, I presume your essays are not finished yet. I believe your LOR's should correspond to a certain extent with your essays. If you state that you want to study at Stanford Law School, because they have a strong IP-program, your LOR should somehow indicate that you have shown previous interest in the field, or are working in the field etc. This is not mandator, of course, but I think it's helpful. For that reason you might want to tell your recommender what things you are emphasizing in your application/essays, so he can "synchronize" his/her letter of recommendation. When I applied last year I just told my recommenders in August that I will approach them come November, and ask for their letters. In November, then, I sent them the forms. It was convenient for both sides.

Tmalmine many thanks for the response.

I wanted to take 1 of the recommendations now (and the rest later from my law professors) from a person I did legal research work for, while in law school; he might be taking off for "several months" starting from August is what he has told me, without being specific. He wanted me to take the LOR now.

My only concern: will the LOR be current for purposes of the admission process, coming in August? I will be sending out the admission forms between Nov. 1 - Dec 15. I am pretty clear about the broad area of law I want to study, as that is the law I currently practice. I don't think the person would like to post-date the LOR considering his senior position.

Would be grateful for any help received on solving this one...
Thanx

Well, I guess the best way to solve the problem would be to ask directly from the law school in question. Just send an email to graduate admissions office, explaining your situation and asking them whether it would be okay. I don't think they will have anything against it.

... A nice and elegant solution. But no time I am afraid. He wants me to come tomorrow and collect it. What can I do? I will take the few which don't require LOR forms to be attached, and for the rest I'll have to see later. Many thanx :)

B/w does Columbia require a LOR form to be filled up? Last year there was none I believe. Could anyone confirm that please. Thanx.

I remember every law school I applied to required it, including Columbia. But I might be wrong.

Actually, now that I think of it, I can't remember which schools used forms and which didn't. Hopefully someone can help you.

Columbia did not require a LOR form to be filled in. I remember that quite clearly. I , however sent them by mistake Harvard's LOR form which was quite funny...although i wouldn't recommend it to anyone who seriously wants to get admitted.

Many thanx... Mirikastiko :)