How to Write a Statement of Purpose for MLS Programs
When applying to a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program, most schools will ask you to submit a statement of purpose as part of your application materials. If you've never written one before, though, you might feel uncertain of where to begin.
What Is a Statement of Purpose for an MLS Program?
Before you start drafting a law school statement of purpose, it’s first essential to understand exactly what this aspect of your application entails and why it matters to admissions teams.
SoP Definition
Specifically, a statement of purpose (SoP) for an MLS application is a written essay that explains an applicant’s professional background, career goals and reasons for pursuing legal studies as a non-lawyer.
Why the Statement of Purpose Matters
A statement of purpose is a crucial piece of any legal studies application because it provides an opportunity for applicants to detail why a specific program aligns with their goals, interests and professional aspirations. In many ways, a well-written SoP can tell admissions teams whether a prospective student is the right fit for a program.
Key Components of a Strong MLS Statement of Purpose
When it comes to formatting a statement of purpose, you’ll want to have a few central components in place that most admissions teams will be looking for.
Introduction (Professional "Hook”)
Ideally, a law school statement of purpose will open with a statement or hook that captures your audience’s attention. This professional “hook” should set the tone and directly address why you’re interested in the program.
Ultimately, admissions committees may have hundreds of SoPs to sift through — so this is your chance to craft something memorable.
Background Information and Experience
Another important part of your SoP should cover your relevant background and experience, detailing what you learned from previous research, work experience and related projects. Be as specific as possible with your examples here; it’s your one true chance to speak to your academic and professional backgrounds.
Your Goal(s) (The “Why”)
Next, it’s time to connect your personal interests and experience to your long-term professional and/or academic goals. Why are you interested in going into a law-adjacent field of study? What do you plan on doing with your degree, both in the short-term and long-term?
Program-Specific Fit ("Why Choose Them")
Be sure, too, that your statement of purpose addresses why you’re the right fit for the program itself. Here, you might name specific faculty members whose work you are interested in or topics within the curriculum that you look forward to studying.
Conclusion: Future Career Goals
In the conclusion of your SoP, briefly summarize the previous sections while reiterating your readiness for the program. Keep this section brief, aiming for no more than a couple of sentences.
Step-by-Step: How to Write a Strong MLS Statement of Purpose
If you’re still seeking more guidance regarding how to write a statement of purpose for law school, here’s a step-by-step, how-to list to walk you through the process:
Step 1 — Start With a Clear Professional Narrative
Even if your program requires you to submit a resume with your application, you’ll still want to include a professional narrative (and details about relevant professional experience) in your SoP. Before you even begin writing, then, take the time to list out relevant academic and professional experiences that you can weave into your SoP.
Step 2 — Explain Why Legal Knowledge Matters in Your Career
A Master of Legal Studies program is typically designed for non-lawyers who work in law-adjacent fields and, thus, could benefit from a more robust legal understanding. As part of your SoP, make clear connections between the work you currently do (or wish to do) and how the foundational legal knowledge gained in an MLS program could support that.
Step 3 — Clearly Answer “Why an MLS?”
Additionally, your statement of purpose should clearly answer the question of why you’re pursuing an MLS as opposed to other related graduate degrees in the field. This should also demonstrate to an admissions committee that you’ve done your “homework” and understand what the curriculum and learning outcomes of an MLS program look like.
Step 4 — Connect the MLS to Your Career Goals
Part of your SoP should also detail how an MLS degree could act as a bridge that connects to your professional aspirations. Get as specific as you can, especially if you're pursuing a particular role or advancement opportunity.
Step 5 — Demonstrate Fit With the Program
As closely as possible, your statement of purpose should be tailored to the specific MLS program to which you’re applying. In other words, the SoP should not be so generically written that it could be used to apply to any MLS program. Take time to reference courses, faculty members or other aspects of the program that are unique to the particular school as you write.
Step 6 — End With a Strong, Forward-Looking Conclusion
Lastly, spend some time polishing your conclusion to leave a lasting first impression. In addition to simply summarizing your SoP, your conclusion should end with a strong statement that clarifies what you'd like to contribute to the program and the field as a whole.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you shape your statement of purpose for an MLS, try to avoid certain mistakes, including:
- Simply repeating or listing out the information that's already in your resume. Remember, this is your chance to get creative and leave an impression.
- Getting overly personal with your SoP. Some personal information is fine, but don't go overboard at the risk of veering into unprofessional territory.
- Making any proofreading or spelling errors. This demonstrates a lack of attention to detail.
- Being too generic. Admissions committees will read dozens of SoPs, so you want yours to stand out.
- Confusing MLS goals with outcomes from a Juris Doctor (JD) program.
- Lacking clear career direction. Admissions teams want to know exactly how you'll use your MLS education to advance in (and contribute to) your field.
How to Make Your SoP Stand Out
Seeking some last-minute application tips to make your statement of purpose stand out from the rest? Keep the following in mind as you craft your SoP and hone your admissions strategy:
- Show, don't tell. Use as many examples as possible to make your points.
- Connect with current trends. Demonstrate your knowledge of the field by making clear connections between your own experience/knowledge and emerging trends.
- Be specific and tailored. Make specific references to your chosen school and program whenever possible, including MLS courses, faculty members and resources.
- Show initiative. Make it clear to your admissions committee that you are committed to the program and motivated not just to earn a degree — but to make a difference in your field.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have lingering questions about how to write a statement of purpose for law school, find answers and additional application guidance below.
How long should an MLS statement of purpose be?
Always refer to your program’s specific admission/application requirements for the answer to this question, as this can vary from one program to the next. Generally, however, an SoP for graduate school tends to hover between 500 and 1,000 words (or about one to two pages). Admissions committees may check to ensure that your SoP meets its length requirements as a means of assessing your ability to follow instructions, so don’t take this lightly.
What should I include in an MLS statement of purpose?
In general, a statement of purpose should open with a strong introduction before delving into the applicant’s professional/academic background, long-term goals and specific fit for the given program before concluding with a brief, forward-looking summary.
How is an MLS statement different from a JD personal statement?
An MLS SoP differs greatly from a personal statement for a JD program because the latter is meant to demonstrate why someone wants to be a licensed, practicing attorney. An MLS degree is a law-adjacent program that does not prepare students to practice law, so the focus is more on how legal knowledge will benefit somebody in a law-adjacent field rather than the applicant’s interest in legal practice.
Can I reuse my statement for multiple schools?
Your statement of purpose should be specifically tailored to each school/program to which you apply. This includes referencing specific coursework, professors and other unique attributes of an MLS program that stand out to you. While some aspects of your SoP may be more generic and transferable to other SoPs, you certainly won't want to reuse any statement of purpose in its entirety.
What do admissions committees look for in MLS applicants?
Admissions committees for an MLS program typically assess whether an applicant has followed all instructions and requirements for admission — including not just submitting an SoP but also letters of recommendation and other documentation. In the SoP specifically, admissions teams are often seeking a clear explanation of what the applicant wants to do with the degree and what makes them the right fit for the school's program.
Final Thoughts: Positioning Yourself as a Strong MLS Candidate
MLS programs can be competitive, but a compelling statement of purpose can be an optimal way to set yourself apart from other applicants and strengthen your overall application. From there, you may be able to increase your chance of being accepted into your ideal program and take your career to the next level.
Still looking for an MLS program that’s right for you? The Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law is proud to offer a Master of Legal Studies program with concentrations in:
Get in touch to learn more about our MLS program and specific admissions criteria — or take the next step by starting an application today.
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