Explore a Winning Law School Admission Essay
Whether you are applying for a J.D. to launch your legal career or an LL.M. to specialize in a global practice area, your personal statement is your first "closing argument." At elite institutions like Harvard, Yale, and UChicago, the admissions committee isn't just looking for high LSAT scores or years of practice, they are looking for the clarity of thought, ethical depth, and analytical rigor required to excel in the law.
Explore our featured Law School Admission Essay Sample to see how we help applicants transform their unique life experiences or legal casework into a high-impact narrative.
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Before
Every time playing Guqin, the oldest musical instrument in ancient China, recognized as the Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity maintained by UNESCO, the nourishment for my mind, I perceive that every tiny difference like the strength I pluck the strings, or the speed I touch the surface board will make a significant difference of the melody. So do our life. An interview, a story, or a memorable experience will overwhelmingly change our life. So, I choose Law as my career, I pursue a corporate in-house counsel as my goal, and I decide to apply for your LL.M. program for further studying.
When studying in senior high school, I once occasionally interviewed the former CEO of ***** Foundation, which is dedicated to promote judicial reform to the legal system especially the protection of human right in trial process in Taiwan. I wondered why he gave up his former position where he gained a lot of fortune and reputation as partner of a law firm. He said he wanted to do something meaningful, though it’s tiny, what he had done must become significant someday. Thus, he initiated ******* Foundation and also took some cases for free. Affected by him, I started to audit various kinds of cases in the court, such as murder, theft, damages, divorce, and argument of ownership of companies. What observed in the court is what happened everyday everywhere, our real life, our real humanity, ourselves. Since human life is closely intertwined with law in modern society, I realized that if I also want to do something to this world, to help others to live better, devoting in the law area is undoubtedly the most direct way to achieve my goal. As a result, I decided to choose Law as my career.
I still volunteered in ******** Foundation in my first year in University. Once, the former factory director of a local beverage company in Taiwan came here to consult some legal questions. I recalled that when studying in elementary school their milk tea was my favorite beverage, also famous in Hong-Kong, but never be found in market anymore, which made me sad for a while then. As the factory director said, he and his brother started from scratch, from a small beverage factory to a large-scaled company in Taiwan, they successfully created the brand for their milk tea, causing a sensation in Taiwan and Hong-Kong. However, his brother invaded all the capitals in the company greedily, selling their brand to make profit, and finally escaped abroad. Except causing huge damage to public investors, the employees of that company, who struggled with them, devoting themselves to the company also lost their jobs and some of them faced difficulties to survive. While mentioning them, the factory director even cried, he felt that he should take responsibility for them because they count on him. I was shocked when hearing this tragedy since I have never profoundly considered that one individual’s behavior would influence a lot of people, even alter their life. At that time, except Law, I also double majored in International Business due to curiosity. Because of the job character of lawyer, they usually help others case by case, which can only help a limited number of people. I though that kind of tragedy might be avoided, the employees, their families, hundreds of thousands people would not face severe position if somebody do something before that happened like building a complete internal control system. I realized I could do something different by combining both of my professions as an in-house counsel. Then what I did, even though only a tiny thing, would influence hundreds of thousands people, make their families happiness, and make the society wonderful. Therefore, I decided to become corporate lawyer and pursue in-house counsel as my long-term career goal.
After graduating from university, I worked in commercial law firm as a lawyer, realizing that Taiwan’s company has many unsolved problems, like lack understanding of IP regulations and corporate governance. So I decided to pursue more proper and updated knowledge in the United State. The reason why I choose your school is not only prestige to Intellectual Property Law and Business Law area, but most importantly is my unforgettable memory eight years ago. I spent whole summer vacation in your school studying Business Communication and ESL courses. I was impressed with the various and liberal style of your school. The relaxed and direct interaction between teachers and students is hard to find in my country. I recalled that the day before I left, I especially took pictures with ******* and decided I would come back to this beautiful campus one day. Gazing the yellowing post card of ****** Tower in front of my desk, I think I am well-prepared to go back. My passion for studying law, my faith for helping others and my dream for making whole human beings happiness, accompanied with my dual background, my direct participation and observation in judiciary practice in Taiwan and my broad interests will make valuable contributions to your LL.M. program. In this meaningful year, the 100th year of your school, I sincerely hope I could become one member of your program in 2012.
After
The law is a system of rules and regulations that codify the morals of society. Its effect is pervasive. Law influences politics, economics, marriage, and how we live. I find the law fascinating as it has the power to transform Taiwan into a modern economy that can be successful in a competitive global environment.
I believe that a person must live for their passion, and my passion is to gain an international education from the University of *******’s LL.M. program to help improve my native country. I do this at tremendous risk. I have spent half my life studying the law and 10 years building my law practice. However, I must follow my passion. Even though an international education will be expensive and demand great sacrifice, I willingly make this commitment to achieve my career and personal objectives.
I first became initiated into the law by my Citizenship Education teacher during junior high school. He gave me a “Six Codes” book. This book outlines the six primary legal codes that comprise Taiwanese law. I was so enthralled that I literally could not stop reading. It was as exciting as a novel, but also provided practical solutions to societal problems. I read the entire thousand pages in one night. Although I did not understand the intricacies of the legal concepts, I did realize their importance in shaping society.
During senior high school, one of my favorite extracurricular activities was to observe real-life court cases in the district court. The cases ran the gamut of civil and criminal law including cases that involved murder, larceny, divorce, property rights, and contract law. I was fascinated by court procedure, rules of evidence, and even the litigation strategies employed by opposing attorneys. Everyone had a distinct role. The judge, the plaintiff, the defendant, the defense attorney, and the prosecutor all combined to create a “show” that involved intrigue, anger, disgust, and tears. It made me realize the pervasive nature of law which has the potential to affect all aspects of society. While law has always been my passion, I am also concerned by international economics. Taiwan is an emerging country that must compete in a global environment that features established countries like the United States and nations in Europe, as well as the growing power of China.
Therefore, I decided to major in International Business at ******* University, the best department of the best college in Taiwan. After succeeding in the challenging management courses, I decided to double-major in Law, Economic and Financial Law. This did require a sacrifice on my part which included the time and cost of completing an additional 80 credits, but I felt spiritual contentment in combining my passion with my interests in helping my native Taiwan.
Despite my busy academic schedule, I found it critical for my overall education to participate in extracurricular activities. I volunteered for the ******** Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting human rights in Taiwan, especially in helping indigent people navigate the legal process.
Following graduation, I accepted another challenge. I could have been like several of my business classmates and found a good position with a good salary at an international enterprise like Proctor & Gamble or Johnson & Johnson. Instead, I attended a “cram school” to prepare for the difficult bar exam in Taiwan; the pass rate ranged from 2% to 8%. Unfortunately, I failed. I tried again, and missed passing by just 0.2 points. However, I still did not give up my dream -- and persevered to try for a third time, and I finally succeeded. My persistence was evidence of my passion.
After passing the bar exam, I accepted a position in a commercial law firm, and soon discovered several problems in Taiwan’s legal system. While Taiwan is an emerging country, its growth is being inhibited by a lack of sophistication in laws governing corporate governance and intellectual property. Even though I could easily have stayed in my current job with a comfortable salary -- I have resigned my position willingly to gain an international education to learn United States’ legal principles to help transform and modernize Taiwan’s legal system.
I am already familiar with the University of ******** community. Eight years ago, I attended your school during summer vacation and took Business Communications and ESL courses. I fell in love with this incredible campus, and its international student body. The sunlight on my skin, the fresh atmosphere, the squirrels running through trees, and the smiles of teachers are contained in my most vivid memories. The day before I left, I took pictures of ******* and vowed that I would one day return.
My passion for studying law, my dedication to legal principles, my persistence in overcoming difficulties, and my willingness to sacrifice everything to help transform Taiwan’s legal system will make me a valuable member of the Berkeley community. If given this wonderful opportunity, I am confident that I will substantively contribute to your LL.M. program, and I am excited about helping you celebrate the school’s upcoming 100 year anniversary.