Highlight Your Employability

In a September 2024 episode of LSAT Demon Daily, an anonymous listener asked how they could use their family connections to boost their law school applications. 

The listener has a 3.4 GPA, and their father is the managing partner of a major law firm in the Pacific Northwest. They also have two uncles who run mid-sized firms. They were keen to know whether these connections could improve their chances of getting into top law schools, even with a less-than-ideal GPA.

This article will answer this question, examining how you can leverage your family connections when applying for law school. 

The Importance of Applying Broadly

The short answer is to apply broadly. There's no downside to submitting applications to a wide range of schools, including the very best. The cost of applying is relatively low, and the potential outcomes—admissions offers and scholarships—can be significant. 

Applicants compete with one another to get into the best schools and get the best scholarships. But don’t forget, law schools compete with one another over the best applicants. If a school admits you, the school will usually try to convince you to attend with a scholarship. By applying broadly, to a minimum of ten schools, you’ll learn how much you’re worth to these schools, and you can make an informed decision to either attend, or wait a year.

How to Use Family Connections to Your Advantage

Regarding how to use family connections, it’s important to note that law schools are very focused on employment outcomes. Having a clear career path—such as, in anonymous’ case, working for your father’s firm—could make you a more appealing candidate. 

Admissions teams know that graduates with guaranteed jobs will boost the school's employment statistics. If you're planning to work at a top law firm post-graduation, mentioning this in your application, particularly in your personal statement, could help.

But don’t go overboard in highlighting your family background. You don’t want to come across as entitled. A simple, direct mention in your application or personal statement can suffice. So, if anonymous has worked or interned at their father's firm, they should include that experience on their resume. If not, it’s still worth mentioning their intent to join the firm after law school.

Takeaway

In summary, leverage your family connections, apply broadly, and don’t shy away from applying to top law schools. If you have great family connections, you’re in a strong position, and there’s nothing to lose by casting a wide net.