Career Strategy

References & Recommendations

Many employers---especially Judges---ask candidates to provide "references" or "recommendations" in support of their application. It may take time to develop the rapport and relationship necessary for the most effective recommendations and references. By preparing in advance, you will be ready to supply high quality references or recommendations promptly, ensuring the employer can act quickly on your candidacy.

"References" vs. "Recommendations": Understanding the Terms & Their Purpose

1. "References"

• Definition

Typically means a list of individuals who can be contacted by the prospective employer and who can recommend your qualities as a future legal professional and colleague.

• Best Format

  Not on resume, but a separate sheet with your name and contact information (as found on your resume or cover letters) and a heading that reads "References for Sally S. Student." List each reference in whatever order you prefer. For each reference, provide all contact information as if for business correspondence (i.e., complete / formal name, current job title & organization (if applicable), address, telephone, fax, e-mail). Also, include 1-3 sentences concisely summarizing how you and this reference are / were connected.

• How Many

Sometimes an employer will specify the number.  Most often, you must use your own judgment about including a reference list at all and/or how many references to include on the list.  The purpose of the list is to give the employer names of people they can reach to discuss your qualities as a candidate.  Thus, we recommend that you always list more than one and almost never more than five.  More than one so the employer has more than one prospect should one of your recommenders be unreachable in the urgent "crunch time" when decisions get down to the wire.  Not more than five usually, lest the list seem overwhelming and unfocused.

2. "Recommendations"

• Definition

Usually referring to a letter of recommendation from an individual who can recommend your qualities as a future legal professional and colleague.

• Best format

Ideally, the recommendation letter is addressed specifically to the prospective employer, sealed from your view (often w/their signature or stamp on back), and included (sealed) in your full packet.  This assures the employer that they have a complete packet from you and that the letter is a genuine, candid expression from the recommender directly to the particular employer.  You can make it easier for your recommender(s) by providing them with full contact data, especially in mergeable file format, so they can easily prepare addressed letters and envelopes.  However, we know that the ideal isn't always feasible.  So, if you encounter any difficulty with the "ideal" approach, here are some other options:  (1) have the recommender(s) prepare many "Dear Employer" letters in sealed envelopes and give them to you to include as needed in your packets; (2) forego the envelopes and sealing and get either multiple original "Dear Employer" letters, or one original of same that you have permission to copy and include as needed; (3) have the recommender send the letter directly to the employer under separate cover.  Should you go with option (3), we suggest that you include a reference list in your packet and indicate clearly that a letter from XXX will be arriving under separate cover, and provide full contact information should the employer need to reach that person in the meantime.

• How Many

As with names on a reference list, usually this is a judgment call you must make yourself under the totality of the circumstances.  Occasionally, an employer will specify the number of letters they desire.  Usually, the decision to include letters and, if so, how many is up to you.  This is especially common in judicial clerkship applications (particularly federal) and other direct marketing/targeted outreach campaigns.  Thus, we suggest that if you decide to submit a letter in support of your candidacy, you strive for at least one and almost never more than three.  Remember that one excellent, well informed, and enthusiastic letter is far superior than three lackluster, lukewarm, and impersonal letters just to bulk up the file.

Whom to Ask

In most cases, the most effective recommendations or references come from people who:

• Have direct and positive experience with your legal analysis, research & writing, oral presentation, and commitment to subject matter;
   
• Have observed your skills in legal practice settings (employment, clinics, externships, pro bono, etc.);
   
• Possess a good sense of your dependability, work ethic, teamwork, and interpersonal abilities;
   
• Know something about you as a person (i.e., your background, your interests, your goals);
   
• Have absolute confidence in your integrity and trustworthiness.

Usually, those in the best position to provide these insights about your candidacy are:

• Law school professors, including those teaching clinics, writing, and other skills-based courses;
   
• Former legal employers or externship supervisors-especially judges;
   
• Other former employers, particularly where you shouldered significant operational or professional responsibilities.

As a law student, law school professors will likely be your primary source of recommendations or references. When deciding which professors to approach, keep the following in mind.

• Usually--but not always--professors who have given you your best grades are more likely to serve as the strongest recommenders.
   
• A professor who has gotten to know you well through class participation or other contact may often provide a stronger recommendation than a professor who gave you a higher grade but who does not know you as well.
   
• Don't assume that a "better known" recommender will advance your candidacy further than a recommender who knows you well and can provide detailed analysis of your abilities as a future professional.

How to Ask

Individuals are usually happy (and flattered) to be asked to serve as a reference. However, never forget that your recommender is volunteering valuable time and energy to assist you. To ensure a strong recommendation and a continued positive relationship, treat all recommenders with great care and courtesy by following these tips.

• Provide as much lead-time as possible to your potential reference-especially if you will need a letter of recommendation.
   
• Ideally, you should approach your reference in person wherever possible-especially if your reference is a professor or judge. Even if your first contact is by e-mail or letter, always follow up in person, especially if you do not receive a response.
   
• Supply your reference with your current resume, transcript, and any other information such as career goals or special circumstances that provide a fuller picture of you as a candidate.
   
• Remind your reference of the courses, employment, projects, or other experiences that motivated you to ask for his or her recommendation.
   
• Ask your reference whether he or she would be able to provide a positive and specific recommendation (either by recommendation letter or orally as a reference).
   
• Ask your references if they are familiar with the employer(s) in question. If not, offer to provide background materials or other information so they can tailor their remarks accordingly.
   
• If you are asking for a letter of recommendation, be sure to ask your recommenders what information and materials they need (and in what format) from you to make the letter process go smoothly. Remember-a letter of recommendation is a favor, not an entitlement. Be prepared to supply complete and accurate address data on disk, for example, or take any other steps that will alleviate any clerical burden on your recommender.
   
• If you are supplying a list of references, tell your recommenders who may be contacting them and when. Keep them up to date each time you supply their name to a prospective employer.

If a Proposed Reference cannot Follow Through

For a variety of reasons--many having nothing to do with your merit--a proposed reference may not be able to accommodate your request. For example, some professors may limit the number of recommendation letters they submit to the same judge (or court) so their letters retain strong credibility. In other instances, your recommender may not be in a position to complete the task in the required time frame. Occasionally, a recommender may have reservations about your candidacy-but may be uncomfortable saying so directly. Conversely, some recommenders may attempt to discourage you from pursuing the employer(s) in question.

If you encounter apathy or resistance from a potential recommender, do not give up or lose hope. Talk with an attorney-advisor in the Career Strategy Office. We can help you assess the situation and take appropriate steps to readjust your strategy where needed.

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