Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) for Law School — The Expert Guide

A letter of continued interest can be a crucial factor for waitlisted applicants or those who have not yet received a final decision from their top-choice law school. Writing a strong letter allows applicants to reaffirm their enthusiasm for a particular law school, highlight new accomplishments, and demonstrate why they remain competitive applicants.

This guide provides a comprehensive, tactical approach to crafting an effective law school letter of continued interest law school applicants need to capture the attention of the admissions committee and strengthen an applicant’s chances of being admitted.

Read: How to Get Off the Law School Application Waitlist: Tips and Strategies for Admission

What is a Law School Letter of Continued Interest?

A letter of continued interest (LOCI) is a formal communication sent to a law school admissions office to express continued interest in attending the institution. It serves as an opportunity to provide relevant updates, such as higher test scores, new awards, or additional materials that strengthen an application.

Unlike the initial application, which outlines an applicant’s overall qualifications, a school letter of continued interest focuses on reaffirming commitment to the chosen school while demonstrating growth since submitting the original materials. This can be particularly important when competing against other schools’ waitlisted candidates or seeking admission to prestigious institutions like Harvard Law School.

Why is this Important?

• The admissions office at a top law school looks for candidates who are not only qualified but also genuinely eager to attend.
• A well-crafted letter of continued interest can make a waitlisted candidate stand out from other law schools’ applicants who may not have taken the extra step to communicate with the admissions team.
• Competitive candidates use the application process strategically, ensuring that each touchpoint with a particular school strengthens their case for admission.
• The law admissions committee plays a critical role in evaluating applicants on the waitlist, and a compelling LOCI can reinforce an applicant’s dedication and qualifications, increasing their chances of securing a spot.

Demonstrating commitment to a top law school, such as Harvard Law School, and distinguishing oneself from applicants to other schools, a well-structured LOCI can become a powerful tool in the law school admissions process.

Read: How to Get Into Law School: Advice from an Expert

Why Write a Letter of Continued Interest?

A letter of continued interest in law school serves multiple purposes beyond simply expressing enthusiasm. For many applicants, a well-crafted LOCI can make the difference between remaining on the waitlist or receiving continued consideration for admission.

Strengthen your standing with the admissions committee

For many waitlisted students, a genuine letter that emphasizes a strong interest in a desired law school can be the deciding factor between being admitted outright or being left in limbo. A well-written LOCI signals to the admissions officer that the applicant remains committed to attending if accepted and is actively taking steps to gain admission. Expressing dedication to the program and reinforcing a clear commitment can increase the likelihood of being selected over other candidates.

Provide new and relevant updates

Law schools expect continued interest examples that go beyond reiterating points from the initial application. Strong updates may include:

• Higher LSAT score or improved academic performance.
• New awards or outstanding internal reviews from professors or employers.
• Additional internships, work experience, or legal research that aligns with the law school’s mission.
• Concrete actions taken to enhance qualifications, demonstrating why the applicant deserves continued consideration.

Show why the law school is your top choice

Applicants should highlight what makes the law school unique to them—whether it’s a faculty member, a legal clinic, or a specific learning style emphasized in the curriculum. Personalization is key; the more tailored and specific the letter of continued interest, the stronger the impact on the admissions committee. A compelling LOCI not only shows enthusiasm but also reaffirms why the applicant is an ideal fit, reinforcing their determination to gain admission.

When to Send a Law School Letter of Continued Interest?

A law school letter of continued interest should be sent at key moments in the application process:

• After being waitlisted - Most waitlisted applicants send a letter of continued interest within a few weeks of receiving their status.
• If no decision has been made - If a final decision is pending and the applicant has received no updates, sending a LOCI at a later date—such as a month after the initial application—may reinforce their candidacy.
• After achieving a milestone - If an applicant has higher test scores or has earned new awards, these updates warrant immediate communication with the admissions office.

What to Include in a Law School Letter of Continued Interest

A strong letter of continued interest should be concise, persuasive, and professional, effectively reinforcing an applicant’s commitment while adding new and relevant updates. The goal is to demonstrate continued interest without being repetitive, ensuring that the admissions committee sees value in reconsidering the applicant. Below are key elements every law school letter of continued interest should include:

1. Express gratitude

Start by thanking the admissions team for their time and consideration. Expressing appreciation for the opportunity to be on the waitlist and for their continued review of your application leaves a positive impression. This small gesture reflects professionalism and signals strong interest in the law school.

Example: "I sincerely appreciate the time and effort of the law admissions committee in reviewing my application. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to be considered for admission to [Law School Name]."

2. Reaffirm your interest in law school

Clearly state that the law school remains your top choice law school, and emphasize specific reasons why it continues to be your preferred institution. Avoid generic statements—instead, highlight unique aspects of the school that align with your goals.

Key points to mention:

• A particular professor, clinic, or legal program that interests you.
• The school’s alignment with your career aspirations or learning style.
• How the school’s culture, values, or mission resonates with you.

Example: "I remain committed to attending [Law School Name] because of its exceptional [program/clinic], where I hope to gain hands-on experience in [specific legal field]. The opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty, including [Professor’s Name], aligns with my long-term goal of practicing in [area of law]."

3. Provide new accomplishments & updates

A law school letter of continued interest should present relevant updates that strengthen your application. Admissions officers look for evidence of continued academic or professional growth.

What to Include:

• Higher LSAT score (if retaken).
• New awards or academic achievements.
• Additional coursework related to law.
• Internships, research, or work experience gained since the initial application.
• Personal connections with faculty, alumni, or students that reaffirm your decision.

Example: "Since submitting my application, I have taken additional coursework in [relevant subject] and achieved a higher LSAT score, which has further strengthened my analytical and reasoning abilities. Additionally, I recently completed an internship at [organization], where I worked on [specific legal project], further solidifying my passion for [area of law]."

Read: Top 30+ Free Resources for the LSAT

4. Demonstrate why you’re a strong fit for the school

Show the admissions committee why you are an ideal candidate for their law school. Explain how your skills, interests, and experiences align with the school’s mission and academic offerings.

How to Make This Section Stronger:

• Reference specific courses, clinics, or research opportunities that align with your goals.
• Highlight how your background and unique perspective would contribute to the law school community.
• Mention faculty members whose work resonates with you.

Example: "I am particularly excited about the [Legal Clinic/Program] at [Law School Name], as it would allow me to apply my experience in [specific legal work] to real-world cases. Given my background in [related experience], I believe I would contribute meaningfully to discussions on [legal topic]."

5. State your commitment to attend

If the law school is your top choice school, explicitly stating that you would absolutely attend if offered admission can reinforce your dedication. However, this statement should be sincere—only make this commitment if you are certain you would enroll if accepted.

Example: "If admitted, I would absolutely attend [Law School Name], as I firmly believe that its rigorous curriculum and outstanding faculty would provide the best foundation for my future in [legal field]."

6. Maintain a professional tone and formatting

A law school letter of continued interest should follow a formal business letter format while being clear and concise.

Formatting Guidelines:

• Keep it to one page—brevity shows respect for the admissions committee’s time.
• Use a standard font (Times New Roman or Arial, 11-12 pt).
• Maintain a polished and professional one throughout the letter.

Example Structure:

[Your Name][Your Address][City, State, ZIP][Your Email][Your Phone Number][Date]

Admissions Committee[Law School Name][Law School Address][City, State, ZIP]

Subject: Letter of Continued Interest – [Your Name]

Dear Admissions Committee,

[Opening paragraph expressing gratitude]

[Paragraph reaffirming interest in the school]

[Paragraph providing new accomplishments & updates]

[Paragraph demonstrating why you’re a strong fit]

[Paragraph stating commitment to attend (if applicable)]

Sincerely,[Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Strong Law School Letter of Continued Interest

Keep the Letter Concise and Focused

Admissions officers review hundreds of letters of continued interest, making brevity essential. A letter that is one page long, well-structured, and directly relevant will have the greatest impact. Applicants should avoid lengthy explanations or unnecessary details and instead get to the point quickly. Every sentence should add value, whether reinforcing continued interest, updating the admissions committee on new accomplishments, or demonstrating a strong connection to the law school. A well-organized LOCI allows the reader to easily grasp the applicant’s message without feeling overwhelmed.

Avoid Generic Statements

A letter of continued interest should feel personalized and intentional, not like a template sent to multiple other schools. Instead of vague statements such as "I love your law school," applicants should reference specific aspects of their top choice law school that align with their career goals and academic interests. Mentioning a particular program, professor, clinic, or research opportunity demonstrates that the applicant has done their homework and is genuinely excited about attending. Customizing the LOCI for each particular law school also signals to the law admissions committee that the applicant has a strong desire to be part of the institution.

Don’t Repeat Information from the Initial Application

The admissions office already has the applicant’s personal statement, resume, and original application materials. The law school letter of continued interest should not be a rehash of previous content. Instead, it should provide relevant updates, such as higher LSAT scores, new awards, academic achievements, legal work experience, or additional coursework. The LOCI is an opportunity to show growth and commitment, not to restate past qualifications. If there are no significant updates, the letter should focus on reinforcing why the applicant remains deeply committed to attending and how they would contribute to the law school community.

Be Professional Yet Personable

A law school LOCI should strike a balance between professionalism and authenticity. The tone should be polite, formal, and respectful while still allowing the applicant’s enthusiasm to come through naturally. Avoid robotic or overly formal writing, as well as exaggerated statements that seem insincere. Including a personal connection—such as a visit to the school, a conversation with a faculty member, or engagement with current students—can make the letter more compelling. A sincere and genuine letter shows that the applicant is truly invested in the school and nis ot just sending a LOCI as a formality.

Follow Up If Necessary

If a law school letter of continued interest is sent and there is no response, a polite follow-up email to the admissions officer can reaffirm commitment and demonstrate continued interest without being pushy. The email should be brief, professional, and appreciative of the admissions team’s time. Applicants should wait a reasonable amount of time before following up, typically a few weeks after sending the letter. Persistence can be beneficial, but over-communication can be counterproductive. A well-timed follow-up can remind the law school admissions office that the applicant remains highly interested while maintaining a respectful and professional approach.

How Top Law School Coaches Can Help Maximize Your Chances of Admission

A letter of continued interest is a strategic tool that can help waitlisted candidates remain competitive in the law school admissions process. By demonstrating continued interest, providing relevant updates, and expressing a strong desire to attend, applicants can significantly increase their chances of gaining admission. However, crafting a persuasive, well-structured, and impactful LOCI requires more than just enthusiasm—it demands strategic writing, careful timing, and a personalized approach to truly stand out.

For many applicants, working with top law school coaches can provide a critical advantage in refining their law school letter of continued interest. Expert admissions consultants help candidates articulate their updates effectively, tailor their letters to each school’s expectations, and avoid common pitfalls that weaken an applicant’s case. These professionals understand the subtleties of law school admissions and can provide personalized feedback to ensure that every word in the LOCI strengthens the applicant’s profile.

Additionally, law school admissions coaches can assist with broader application strategies, including crafting a compelling personal statement, addressing weaknesses in an application, and preparing for interviews with the admissions committee. Their insights can help applicants position themselves as strong candidates in an increasingly competitive law school admissions landscape.

Read next:

• How to Nail the Law School Academic Transcripts: Tips and Strategies
• How to Nail the Law School Optional Essays/Statements: Standing Out from the Crowd
• Crafting a Winning Diversity Statement for Law School: Essential Tips
• How to Nail the Law School Character and Fitness Disclosures: Honesty and Integrity

FAQs

How should I address my letter of continued interest?

• It's important to address your letter directly to the admissions committee or a specific admissions officer if a contact is provided. Using a personalized salutation demonstrates attention to detail and genuine interest in the school.

Is it appropriate to mention other schools in my letter?

• Generally, it's advisable to focus solely on the school you're addressing. Mentioning acceptances or waitlist statuses at other institutions can divert attention from your commitment to the specific law school and may not strengthen your case.

Can I send multiple letters of continued interest?

• Yes, you can send more than one letter if you have significant new information to share, such as updated grades, new test scores, or recent achievements. However, ensure that each letter provides substantial updates to avoid redundancy.

What is the ideal length for a letter of continued interest?

• Aim to keep your letter concise, preferably one page or less. Admissions committees appreciate brevity and clarity, so focus on delivering your message succinctly.

Should I include additional materials with my letter?

• Only include supplementary materials if they provide meaningful new information that enhances your application. Unnecessary attachments can clutter your file and may not be reviewed.

How soon should I send a letter after being waitlisted or deferred?

• It's advisable to send your letter promptly after receiving notice of your waitlist or deferral status. This demonstrates proactive engagement and sustained interest in the program.