Dean’s Letters

Some - - not many - - law schools require you to submit what are known as “Dean’s Letters” or Dean’s Certifications. These are basically letters which testify that you are in good academic standing, etc. At Loyola, the Dean’s Letters are handled by Carrie McLaughlin, Director of Student Life. Give the items noted below to her, and she will take it from there, send it in, etc.

• the form (on which you have entered all the required information and have signed) from the law school and
• a stamped envelope, addressed to the law school, not to LSDAS.

Dean’s letters indicate whether the applicant is in good academic standing, has already graduated, is on probation, or has been the subject of disciplinary action.

Addenda

If you have been subject of disciplinary action, you should attach an Addendum to your law school application explaining the circumstances, the action taken, and the effect on you. Minor infractions are ordinarily nothing to be overly concerned about. Major infractions you should be more concerned about, and a pattern of infractions is cause for pronounced concern. For these kinds of things, go by the following guidelines in writing your Addendum:

• Be completely honest and above board. If you can’t do this, it’s pretty simple - - - you should not plan on becoming a lawyer. A lawyer is entrusted with clients’ money, fate, and future. Honesty is not negotiable.
• Be succinct in your Addendum. Don’t volunteer irrelevant stuff, but answer their question and address their concerns fully.
• Staying truthful, note that the disciplinary action (e.g., attending counseling, attending sensitivity training, whatever) enlightened you and helped you adjust to college life (often these things, e.g., underage drinking, happen during the freshman year) and that the behavior was not repeated.
• Discuss this with the Pre-Law Advisor as needed.