Depending on the admission stream you are applying for UVic Law, you may be asked to provide reference letters. I am going to speak here about some effective ways to do that (“dos and don’ts”).
DO:
- Have a list of people you can go to.
Reference letters will likely be needed throughout your life and career for a variety of reasons. Just like learning to network to keep your job opportunities open, maintaining and nurturing relationships with people who are willing to write you references is important. This is a life skill, whether you decide to attend law school or become an actor, honestly. Stay in touch with the professors whose classes you enjoyed and did well in. Stay in touch with former employers. Make sure you have a conversation with them every once in a while to ensure they know what you are up to.
- Know who you asked.
Whether these are academic or professional references, it is a good idea to have a review of the relationship you have had with this person. What does the history look like? Do they have a favourable opinion of you? It is surprising to us how many references we get for people that simply…aren’t positive. A reference will not leave a positive mark on your application (or for other aspects of your life) if they cannot refer you without hesitation or reservation.
- Make sure they know you and what you are doing.
We get references addressed to the wrong law school, the wrong school type, that use the wrong name for the applicant or misgender them. We understand that you are not in control of what someone else writes, and that honest mistakes happen. However, it doesn’t speak to how well someone know you if they get basic facts wrong.
Ensure that the person writing the letter understands what name you like to go by and how to spell it properly. Ensure they know what pronouns you use. Ensure they know what your goal with the letter is and who their audience is. I know this sounds like basic advice, but especially for professors who taught you during the (very dark and gloomy) COVID online times, making sure they have their basic information correct is important.
- Meet with them in person, if possible.
How do you avoid the pitfalls in #2 and #3 above? One of the best ways is to meet with the writer in person. Buy them a coffee or lunch, if possible. Not only is it a nice gesture, but it’s a great way to transfer information. It’s also a great way to get a sense of what they will actually write and whether it will be glowing. Further, you can ensure they are up to date on everything in your life. This helps them better understand you for the task at hand.
- Make them a package.
Just like anything else in life, people can only be expected to do what they are prepared for. And, especially if they are very busy, and ESPECIALLY if you are asking something of them, it is your job to ensure they have all of the information they need.
Ask them what the best way for them to receive and store this information is. Would they like you to email them, share files on a drive, drop papers off with a batch of freshly baked cookies? This is important because you need them to have the information in a way that is meaningful to them and that they will not have trouble accessing. Remember that you are asking them a big favour, so it’s important that you remain flexible with how you do things.
When you send your documents, make sure they are organized and properly named so that the reference can easily find information they need. Documents should be named with your name and what you are sending, including the version (i.e. Dynamite, Napoleon Resume August 2025). You want to make this as easy and clear for them as possible.
Clearly set out what the request is in writing. This should include what they are writing, when it is due, where they send it, to whom they address it, how they need to deliver it, and why you are asking them to do this (for example, this admission stream requires an academic reference).
The request should be accompanied by any information they need to complete their task. What does this mean? This means your resume and directions from the destination (for us, this means the text from pertinent parts of our website, along with perhaps blog posts on what we are looking for) at the very least. While you don’t want to overload them with material, if they want (and you care to share), you can share other things like parts of your personal statement, other papers you’ve written, or a recap of a conversation you have had. You are also welcome to remind them of what it is you are hoping the letter will convey. While it’s not okay to coach them, it is really important to make sure they have the right material.
- Review what it is that you want from them, and what your expectations are.
Once you have sent the information, it’s a good idea to just follow it up with a phone call. The first thing out of your mouth should be thank you. Remember that you have likely asked a very busy person who owes you nothing in this life to take a considerable amount of time vouching for you personally, professionally, or academically. The second thing you talk about should be whether they have any questions. You can review the information, summarizing what you sent them, and make sure the goas are clear.
- Establish boundaries for frequency of letters and how you are to follow up.
Reference fatigue is real. If you are planning to use a reference multiple times, make sure you have spoken to them about it. Make sure they will be okay with writing letters to five schools in as many weeks. Make sure you talk about whether or not they are willing to write letters in the future.
Equally important is talking about how they want you to follow up. People who write references are often busy, which we know. Some of them will want you to remind them or their assistant if it’s not done by xx date. Some of them will just want you to leave them alone to get it done.
- SAY THANK YOU!
A handwritten card can go a long way.
DON’T:
- Have family write letters.
Some people can be too close to give an unbiased account of your skills or character. These would include family members (especially spouses) and long-time family friends. If your references cannot speak about you in an academic or professional capacity, they are not worth using, even if they hold a high position in government.
- Go for the overzealous reference.
Sometimes we get a reference letter that goes overboard. Again you cannot control what your reference writes, but try and pick someone who will speak glowingly about you professionally or academically. If the letter is going to be 10 pages and include footnote references about why you are more deserving than anyone else that ever lived of getting into law school, you might think twice about asking that person. If it’s more of an amicus brief than a reference, it just doesn’t sound sincere.
- If you have to substitute, make sure it’s acceptable and that you approach wisely.
If you last attended classes 30 years ago, you legitimately might not have an academic reference. For a variety of reasons, you might not be able to produce what is requested. If you would like to substitute a professional reference for an academic reference, for example, make sure you a) ask first and b) ask if an additional explanation in writing would be helpful.
- But I’m famous!
Choose someone that you know, rather than choosing them for their job title. A famous author and professor who can only say “they were in the top 15% of my class” is not as impactful as someone who can speak to your engagement in class, your insight, your ability to complete quality work…you get the point. If someone is writing a reference letter that talks mostly about themselves, their career, or who they know, they’re maybe not your best choice.
- Send extras
While I cannot speak for future employers or other schools, we at UVic Law are just as busy as the people writing your references. It does not give you bonus points if you send extra references beyond what was asked. We will not read them.
Instead, please make sure you read the instructions about what is required and do those things as well as possible. Following the instructions well is generally preferrable to extra work that is half-good.