Reference Letters

Reference Letters

How many reference letters does Western Law require?
Two.

  • If you are a first-year applicant, one must be academic (from a university professor who taught you). The second letter may be academic or non-academic.
  • If you are a Mature applicant you may submit two non-academic references if you cannot obtain an academic reference.
  • If you are an Ivey internal combined-degree student, one must be from your Ivey section head.
  • If you are an upper-year applicant, the two references must be from law professors.

Who is a suitable non-academic referee?
Examples include an employer, coach, volunteer supervisor, etc. Avoid letters from family members, friends or peers, as they are not perceived to be objective.

Can I provide more than two reference letters?
OLSAS permits this, but if you submit more than two, we will only read two. You cannot “rank” your referees to direct us to which two you wish us to read. 

How are reference letters submitted?
Your referees will submit their letters directly to OLSAS through a secure online process. Detailed information about the submission of references may be found in the Referees section of the Application Guide.

When are reference letters due?
November 1 for first-year applications and May 1 for internal combined-degree applications and upper-year applications. Contact your referees early to give them sufficient time to meet this deadline.

What should my referee include in the reference letter?
While this is entirely up to your referee, we suggest your referee mentions how they know you, for how long and in what capacity. Academic referees can discuss how your academic performance compared with other students they have taught; your strengths and specific evidence of those strengths based on personal observation; personal knowledge of your personality, character or work ethic that demonstrate skills, habits or qualities that would be helpful in legal study. Non-academic references can touch on similar themes, depending on your relationship with them. Guidance is provided to referees on the OLSAS Confidential Assessment Form.