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The Veteran Professional

Helping you crush it after the military.

Military to Law School: The Law School Application Packet (Part 4/7)

The Law School for Veterans series was written by a friend of the site who is a current veteran student at a Top 10 Law School. Going from the military to law school can be a popular option for many veterans looking to take advantage of their GI Bill and this part of the series is all about the Law School Application.

Estimated reading time: 26 minutes

Today’s topic continues past the uGPA (if you don’t know what this is by now, head back to Part I ) and LSAT and into the rest of the contents of your law school application packet. But before we get started, I must reiterate that the uGPA and LSAT numbers are, in my opinion, 90% of what matters in your application.

What we are about to discuss is the remaining 10%. Do not be fooled into assuming that because uGPA and LSAT were covered in part III and the remainder is covered in part IV, they are given equal weight in this process. They are not. If your time is limited, focus on part III, not here.

For those of you who have your uGPA and LSAT in order, though, it’s time to consider the rest of your packet. I’ll start with a list of what a completed application packet consists of:

The Standard Form Application

• uGPA/LSAT Scores
• A Personal Statement
• At Least 2 Letters of Recommendation
• (Optional) A Diversity Statement
• (Optional) Other Essays
• (Optional) uGPA/LSAT Addenda
• (Optional) Character and Fitness Addenda
• The School Application Fee
• The CAS Fee

All of this is done through LSAC which you should be intimately familiar with considering you’ve already given LSAC hundreds of dollars for the pleasure of them compiling your grades and administering the LSAT for you. We’ll look into each piece of the application one by one, but first I want to speak a bit on the more holistic nature of your application.

Your application should tell a consistent story. That is, each part of the application should make sense when considered with the whole. No part should feel out of place. That much seems obvious.

But what many fail to see is that your application should also not be redundant. What do I mean by that? For instance: if your personal statement is simply a rehash of your resume, you haven’t made full use of your personal statement. Rather, you’ve annoyed the reader by making them read your resume twice.

Likewise, if you’ve chosen to write any of the optional essays and they’re simply a new take on the same angle you’ve taken in your personal statement, think again. You know how much you hate that boss who wastes your time? If you are saying the same things over and over in your essays, you’re wasting the time of the admissions officer reading your packet.

Rule 1 should be “Don’t piss off the admissions officer.”

I say again, each piece of the application should have its place in a story, should further some general theme, and none of it should be redundant. I’ll provide a few good examples of what I feel this looks like at the end of this entry once I’ve outlined each piece of the application packet.

This is the last step in the process (other than paying) and will be initiated through lsac.org when all your other documents are uploaded and ready for submission. The law school application form itself must be completed individually for each school. Once you complete the form, you attach all the other documents to the application and authorize LSAC to send it to the school for you. This is all fairly standard, and perhaps the least-stressful portion of the application process.

But I must caution you. One day, four years down the line, when you have graduated law school and are applying for the state bar in the state where you wish to practice, this application WILL be read again by a state official who has also conducted a third-party background check on you.

It’s essential that this application and that background check match. This includes information you provide on your application about: all schools attended, disciplinary records, criminal records, job history, and more. If your law school application and third-party background check do not match, you have a problem.

If you do not have evidence supporting why your application materials are correct and why the background check is incorrect, it casts doubt on your “character and fitness to practice law” and will likely be the impetus for further digging into your past. This could even result in administrative proceedings to ensure you aren’t a scumbag before they admit you. It’s not quite as intensive as an SF 86 for a TS/SCI clearance, but you would do well to fill out your applications as if they ARE an SF 86 just to avoid this trouble down the line.

When you are answering questions about whether you’ve been arrested or been subject to any academic discipline, you MUST be honest here. Do not think you’re going to sneak a DUI past the state bar and conveniently “forget” to list it on your application. You’ve been warned before. I warn you now. I will warn you again. Be honest.

In this case the cover up is far worse than the crime.

uGPA and LSAT Scores

These are already taken care of by LSAC through their Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and will be included with your application once you’ve completed the evaluation and paid the ridiculous (I think it was around $400) fee. This is the first thing you should focus on. But the law school application itself also asks you for individual scores to each test you took. List them honestly. Some applications even ask if you’ve taken the GMAT/GRE/MCAT. If you’ve taken those tests as well, you need to list those scores too. Simple stuff here, really. Part III gives you detailed information on how to make these scores (again, 90% of the strength of your application) as good as they can be.

Do NOT take your most recent OER/NCOER and convert it, word for word, to resume form. Most military bullets are too technical and obtuse for the average civilian to understand. You need to rewrite your resume in an industry-standard format and translate your skills into civilian language. I am not a resume expert, but some bullets are easier to convert than others.

Mark here. Here’s a helpful article from the site to get you started on your resume.

If you have any bullets that cover your responsibility for money, these are easy to convert. The civilian world understands you being responsible for money and not losing it or stealing it. If you were responsible for leading a team that trained OPFOR for pre-combat simulations, that one is much harder to convert.

Rule of thumb? Lean into the skill that potential lawyers would value and rewrite the bullet around that. Something like, “trained and led a team of 12 individuals in order to complete a series of high-intensity, last-minute directives” would be much closer to what you want that bullet to say. The “high intensity” and “last-minute” inclusions in the resume approximate exactly what lawyers think that they do, whether it’s true or not.

A good test for your resume is to hand it to someone you know with a white collar job and ask them if there’s any part of it that they don’t understand. If they are confused by anything, either rewrite those parts or throw them out. If you do choose to get professional help on creating your resume, I think that’s a decent investment to make. If you’re still on active duty, most education centers will help you with this for free. Also, check out Service2School . They have resources and dedicated law school students to help you.

One final note, you are not important enough for your resume to exceed one page. Brevity is the soul of wit. It’s also professional. Get everything listed on a clean one page.

The Personal Statement

This is the part of the law school application where you have the opportunity to give “voice” to everything else in the application. This is a two-page, double-spaced open-ended essay that is standard for every law school application. You will use the same personal statement for every school. You can literally write about ANYTHING you want. But the key here is to tell the school who you are and what you have done that makes you a complete person and ideal candidate for a professional school. It should usually shed some light on why it makes sense that you are applying to law school.

This can be done in so many different ways that it’s almost impossible to explain how to do it right. Instead, having read a ton of these and edited them for others, I’ll share with you the most common mistakes that military applicants make with their personal statement. If you can avoid these, you’re already well on the right track.

Mistake 1: “The Team” vs “I”

This is, by a factor of some magnitude, the most common mistake I see in military applicants’ personal statements. We were all taught to take the “I” out of our vocabulary in the military. In fact, those of us who went to a BCT or a Boot Camp of some sort weren’t even allowed to say the word. Because of that training, we only speak of our success in relation to our teams. And while that’s admirable and part of what makes you unique as an applicant, the law school is NOT ADMITTING YOUR TEAM AS A WHOLE and, as such, they need to hear about YOU, not the team.

This leads me to a bit of an aside. You need to get used to talking about yourself as an “I” as opposed to a “my team”. I realize this feels unsavory to most of you – it still feels that way to me and I’m four years into this process. But the bottom line in the legal world is that you are being hired for a technical position as an associate attorney and your employer wants to know that you can do the technical job.

Mark’s note: This is true for whatever you want to do in the civilian world.

Chances are that you never advance to the position where you have ownership over more than your own work product, so they don’t care at all about your ability to manage a team. Yes, this is to their detriment a few years down the line when they NEED small team managers to coordinate product, but law firms fire people all the time (“Right to Work” is code language for “Right to Fire You Whenever and for Whatever Reason”) and so leadership failure is just another landmine that, if you step on it, they use to justify letting you go.

They don’t particularly care if you’re a good team manager. They care if you can do the operative legal work. In the Army we called this the “dash 10” level. The operator. The bottom of the ladder. That’s what you are for a legal employer. That’s what you are to a law school. Save your leadership skills for ten years down the road when they’re useful to your employer. If you bring them out too early you look like someone who isn’t willing to start at the bottom and pay the dues everyone must pay.

Mistake 2: “Others” vs “I”

A cousin of mistake 1, you don’t want to spend precious space in your personal statement talking about the journey of someone else. Don’t talk about the plight of a local national worker on your COP in Afghanistan. Don’t talk about how your parents struggled to get you into the Academy. Don’t talk about your dog’s plight for health. This statement should be about nobody but you.

You need to talk about YOU.

If your personal statement doesn’t have a bunch of sentences that start with “I” then you’re probably doing it wrong. You want some sort of hook or story that leads with “I…” Then you want some sort of learning process that jives with that story where you talk about what “I” learned. Then you want some forward-looking goal which “I” am going to achieve, preferably one that necessitates law school. That’s the blueprint for what this should be.

Again, I know it’s disgusting to think about using “I” that much. But “I” is exactly who the readers of your application are interested in and you are a fool if you give them something, or someone, else.

Mistake 3: Poorly Written

This really should go without saying, but just to be safe, here it goes.

There is no excuse for typos in your personal statement.

You’re trying to prove that you’re a professional and that you’re suitable for a professional role that uses legal writing. If you can’t master subject/verb agreement in a two-page document, what hope do you have?

This essay is a proxy for how you will communicate professionally in the future. If it shows the editing care of a 7th grader, the admissions officer reading it will assume that’s also how you will communicate with potential employers. They don’t want their school’s name associated with a sloppy product. Yes, it’s branding. They are the brand. You, as a potential product, are an extension of their brand. The school wants to attract potential employers with polished students who are ready to bust their butts for the employers. If you’re not polished, you’re not wanted.

Mark’s note: I’m sorry? Are your feelings hurt? Oh great. Here’s a giant pile of “no one cares.” That’s the same you will get from the admissions committee. Read this to understand more.

Furthermore, beware of long sentences and the passive voice. I fully understand that this is hypocritical after you’ve spent an hour reading my musings. The fact is, simple sentences that draw logical conclusions from point A to point B are the crux of legal writing. Long-winded self-flagellating musings critiquing reason are better saved for master’s programs in creative writing and philosophy. You want your documents to be easy to read. If you don’t know what this means, find someone who does and have them proofread your essays.

While we’re on that topic, proofread, proofread, proofread.

Again, consider your audience. I’m not writing for a professional audience in this article, I just want to give you the 100% honest truth. That involves using language that isn’t necessarily professional. Guess what? I STILL proofread my work several times before I send it to the editor of this site for publishing. My job is not only to make this information accessible to you, but to make my editor’s job as easy as possible. Your writing should assume this level of professionalism. There’s nothing worse than reading material that hasn’t been proofread.

Editor’s note: And I proofread again. My best advice for your personal statement? Write it. Read it. Read it again OUT LOUD. Send it to others who will give you honest feedback.

If I’ve not made this clear by implication, I will now:

A personal statement is not something to crank out in a day.

I spent a month on mine, writing or editing for thirty minutes almost every day. I had other professionals who knew what they were doing read it and edit it. I took their notes and crafted it down to a solid two pages. Then I proofread it every day for a week making tiny changes. It took some real effort. But I’m proud of the product. I know that I couldn’t have written something better. That was good peace of mind.

Letters of Recommendation

This causes more consternation for military applicants than it should. Yes, most schools want academic letters of recommendation; most of applicants are coming directly from undergraduate studies. If you have a recent academic recommendation from a professor who knows you well, bully for you. Use it. If you don’t, and many of us don’t, you can still satisfy the LOR requirement by getting one letter from your direct supervisor and one letter from your commander. I did exactly this and it did not hurt me whatsoever.

The catch? You don’t get to read the letters before they’re submitted.

Here’s how that works:

You send LSAC the contact information for your recommenders. LSAC sends them the link for submission. They write the letter. They send it without showing it to you. That’s how it’s supposed to work. Once they’ve submitted it, it’s in the system. You then attach it blindly to each application.

Here’s the secret about letters of recommendation. If they’re good, they matter very little in this game. Almost every applicant has two letters of recommendation that speak to them in glowing terms. They’re usually on point and concern what makes the applicant an ideal candidate for law school.

So why are they even in the packet?

There’s a chance (a small one, admittedly) that your recommender actually writes you a BAD letter. Want to scuttle the rest of your packet past “the numbers”? Attach a bad letter of recommendation to your packet. Because you don’t get to see it before it’s submitted, you would never even know!

It goes without saying, then, that it pays to have an honest conversation with your potential recommenders about what you’re asking of them before you give their information to LSAC. If they are at all reticent about writing you a letter, just move on and ask someone else. It’s far better to have two boring, boilerplate positive letters from lower-level supervisors than to have a lame letter from someone with more power.

Most law school admissions officers don’t know a PFC from QVC. There’s no need to stress over this. This especially applies if you interned for a General or an Admiral and they barely remember your name. It shows poor judgment asking them to write you a letter when they can’t say anything specific about you. Instead, ask for letters from people who know you well and can speak to your potential as a law student.

Optional: Diversity Statement

If you grew up in a background that is underserved in the legal sphere, this is your chance to talk about how you would benefit the legal community by bringing your experience to the profession. The goal here is to add more nuance to your law school application and round yourself out as a person who the legal profession benefits from hiring.

Your same diversity statement will be included with each application to which you choose to attach it. The essay itself assumes the same structure as your personal statement, but it should not tell the same story . Some common situations that might warrant a diversity statement in your application include:

• You are an underrepresented minority group member (definitely write one)
• You are an immigrant (definitely write one)
• You are disabled (definitely write one)
• You grew up DIRT POOR (lean toward writing one)
• You are a first-generation college student (lean toward writing one)
• The military was your way out of a bad situation (50/50)
• Generic military experience (lean toward NOT writing one)

If you are a generic applicant, you lose NOTHING by choosing not to write a diversity statement. In fact, you stand to lose more writing one by demonstrating bad judgment.

If all your friends went to private school but your parents forced you to go to public school, that would be a POOR topic for a diversity statement.

You should not write one. If you don’t have an immediate hook for a diversity statement in your head, it’s probably best not to write one. Diversity statements should be so personal to your development that they influence your every day in some manner. If this is not you, just move on to the next section.

For those of you who do have that hook, however, it pays to follow the advice above for the personal statement. You have your initial story, your list of lessons learned, and your forward-facing mission. “I” statements are again crucial, but much easier to use here because the topic is usually so personal. Once again, cleanliness and professionalism rule the day. Even though this topic is more emotional, it does not absolve you from the need to write cleanly and clearly.

Optional: Other Essays or your Law School Application

Certain schools have optional essays that they want included. LSAC’s applications will have a checklist that will alert you to this information. You can also check it out by searching the applications portal for each school to which you want to apply for a checklist. Having said that, though there are some outliers (Yale, Stanford, and Georgetown come to mind), most schools will only really be interested in a “Why X School” optional essay. I recommend writing one of these statements for every school to which you apply. Is it overkill? Probably.

Can it help you? Possibly. Let me show you how.

Imagine you’re an applicant who took your preparation seriously and ended up with a 3.9 uGPA and a 172 LSAT. You are competitive for almost every school in the T14 including Harvard. But you want to go work as a prosecutor in Minneapolis. You’re tied there because your spouse can’t leave the area.

When you apply to the University of Minnesota, you 100% MUST include a “Why Minnesota” essay in your application. Why? Because Minnesota KNOWS that you’re competitive for Harvard solely based on your numbers, and without that essay they’re going to assume you will eventually go to Harvard or Penn or Virginia and so Minnesota won’t be rolling out the red carpet for you. They might even waitlist you! Why? Because if they admit you and you choose not to attend, it affects their “yield” metrics upon which they are judged by the bosses.

Don’t allow this to happen to you. Write a short, 1-page essay about why you want to attend their University. This will soften their fears and turn you from a “meh” into a “YES!” in their eyes.

For almost that same reason, you should write “Why X” for every school that isn’t Harvard, Yale, or Stanford. Those schools KNOW why you want to attend. They don’t need your extra BS. But the other schools want to know that if they admit you, you will attend. This essay helps prove that.

As for content? Keep it to one page. Keep it succinct. But also keep it true. You’re applying there for a reason. Tell the story of why. This goes without saying, but it shouldn’t be “you are a highly-ranked school.” That’s not enough, even if that’s 90% of the reason. It helps to talk with someone at that school before you apply and then name-drop them in this essay. That’s a nice easy way to get yourself a hook. Add that name drop to the school’s “ability to place you in your XYZ desired job” and you’ve got yourself enough for this essay. Don’t overthink it.

Optional: uGPA/LSAT Addenda

But BEWARE, these should be short sentences for a small paragraph that explain boring facts, not some grand story. For instance, a uGPA addendum might read like this:

“I am applying with a 3.19 uGPA. When I began my undergraduate education, I chose an engineering major for which I was uninterested and unsuited. After three semesters at a 2.5, I switched to political science, where I found much more success. During my last three semesters I earned a 3.93 GPA.”

If you have some sort of discrepancy between scores here, either in your undergrad record or the LSAT, it might make some sense to provide some color for your application that explains the discrepancy.That’s it. That’s the story. There’s no crying or begging, just information. It at least puts the thought in your head that you’re more than the 3.19 on your application, even though you will be a 3.19 in their metrics. An LSAT addendum might be even shorter:

“I mistakenly took the LSAT in February of 2019 without preparing properly. My score of 152 is a reflection of that lack of preparation. After preparing more diligently, I earned my current score of 168 in September of 2019.”

Boom. Simple. Total story. It takes away the shock of a reader seeing a 152 and a 168 in your score log. Since they only count the highest score in their metrics, this isn’t entirely necessary. But it does answer the obvious question.

One aside here: These addenda are almost never going to matter much in your law school application anywhere except in the margins. If a school suddenly needs to pull five applicants off the waitlist in June, they’re likely going to go with applicants who have provided a clear picture of who they are. This is just another way to help do that. Do NOT expect to addendum your way around bad numbers. Every school where your numbers are below both medians is an assumed reject no matter what you say in your addenda.

Optional: Character and Fitness Addenda

These are much trickier to write. The first hurdle to clear is whether you should write one at all. The standard form application will list a series of questions that, if you answer “yes” to them, you will need to add an addendum explaining that answer. If you have a few speeding tickets over the course of 5 years in your app as the only mark against your character and fitness, an addendum is not necessary, unless it’s specifically asked for. If you have a DUI, or you were ever suspended from college, you 100% need to write something explaining it.

Pretty simple, if you answer “yes” on the application, you write an addendum. Here’s how you do that:

• Describe the facts (uncolored) in as detailed a manner as possible.
• Take full, unqualified responsibility for your actions.
• Make sure you haven’t deflected any blame toward anyone else.
• Describe what you’ve learned from this situation and how it will never happen again.

For example:

            “In April of 2016, when I was a freshman in college, I was involved in a physical altercation at a party. The police were called, I was detained, and I spent the night in jail. Though charges were ultimately never filed, I learned that I must be more careful about the choices I make. Since that day I have steered clear of any other altercations and have invested in my own ability to de-escalate situations where others might show anger. I learned that I ultimately am responsible for my role in any future altercation and I am confident that, if faced with a similar situation, it would never happen again.”

This is a good C&F addendum, even if it is a little long. It addresses the situation noting the honest facts. It takes full responsibility for the individual’s actions. And it shows what that individual learned. Perhaps most importantly, it doesn’t deflect any blame. It doesn’t badmouth the police. It doesn’t discuss what the other person’s role was. It doesn’t even mention anyone else. Perhaps most importantly, your story of what you learned is believable since, presumably, you don’t have other addenda to share.

The school disciplinary addendum can be even trickier. If you have any sort of academic dishonesty in your background, this is a serious offense and must be addressed. Be careful of oversharing, though. Just the facts:

“During spring semester of 2018, I collaborated with a classmate on a physics homework assignment which was against the rules of the course. My professor noticed, and when confronted, I admitted fault. I received an F on the assignment and completed the class with a grade of C. I am still upset with myself for having done this. I made a stupid decision in a moment of stress that I regret to this day. Ultimately, I learned a harsh lesson about how breaking the rules is not the answer. I have never again broken the rules on an assignment and I never will.”

The most important thing in these addenda is taking individual responsibility. You will not “explain away” a DUI or academic probation. Take responsibility for it. Talk about what you learned. Explain why you remain confident that it will never happen again.

The Law School Application Fees

It costs somewhere between $40 and $140 to apply to a single law school. Luckily, many schools are moving away from individual school application fees. For the schools who still have application fees, you can typically get these fees waived by emailing their admissions office with your LSAC account number and a copy of either your DD214 (not recommended unless requested specifically) or your ORB/ERB (a lot less sensitive information in there).

The LSAC fee, unfortunately, is not so easily waivable. A good rule of thumb at this point is just to assume each law school application will cost $50 after you’ve sent your fee waiver requests. I applied to 26 (too many) schools when I went through this process. Even in 2018 that cost me about $1,200. Had I not used the process for soliciting fee waivers it would have been double that cost.

Law School Application Packet Examples

Having talked about each individual piece of the application packet, let’s look at a few hypothetical success stories.

Applicant 1:

26-year-old, white, male ROTC grad from rural South Carolina who was a Marine logistics officer. 100% GI Bill. He took the LSAT the maximum number of times in a year (3) and got a 152, 162, and 166. His uGPA is 3.8. He is applying to schools only in the D.C. area as he is married and his wife has a job on the Hill and they can’t move. He has one minor-in-possession (alcohol) charge from 6 years ago that was dismissed.

Applicant 1 writes his personal statement about learning how much the rules of logistics acquisitions are influenced by the different interpretations of those rules and how that has shown him that interpreting and drafting legislation is of great interest to him. He talked with a few lawyers his wife knows from her job and decided he wants to be a lawyer too. He now knows that the skills he learned in his logistics job have prepared him well.

That’s a great PS topic.

He does not write a diversity statement. He’s white and didn’t grow up poor. It would be in poor taste to write one about his service, he thinks. He writes both an LSAT addendum explaining his jump in scores as well as an addendum giving an honest account of his MIP citation. He applies to Georgetown, George Washington, UVA, William & Mary, and American. He writes a “Why X School” for each of these schools, explaining how he is tied to the area and cannot leave the vicinity because of his wife. He ties that to the opportunities he would have from each school. He sees that Georgetown also has an additional optional essay (he found it on their website) and he writes that too.

He has a long cycle but ultimately he gets into four of the five schools including both Georgetown and George Washington.

Applicant 2:

30-year-old, Iranian American, female USAF Academy grad who flew planes. She has a 173 LSAT (first try) and a 3.4 uGPA. Moved to America when she was 7, grew up in Chicago. Diagnosed with ADHD when she was 10. 100% GI Bill. She is applying to the entirety of the T14 plus a few “super regional” schools. She has four speeding tickets on her record but nothing else.

Applicant 2 has an interesting decision to make. She almost has too much to write about. Since it’s so much of her identity, she writes her personal statement about being an immigrant, and the lessons it taught her that have driven her toward law school. She then writes her diversity statement about having been a female at the USAF with ADHD and how she had significant challenges to overcome.

She adds a uGPA addendum explaining that her GPA as reflected at her institution in her major (engineering) is actually considered impressive. She knows it won’t boost “the numbers” but at least she can color it a bit for the reader. She does not write a C&F addendum for her speeding tickets. They didn’t rise to the level where she had to answer “yes” to any of the application’s C&F questions. She writes a “Why X School” addendum for each of the 17 schools she applies to giving honest reasons why attending those schools makes sense for her. It takes a long time.

In the end she gets 6 offers for admission and ends up at Northwestern.

Another success!

Law School Applications should be viewed both by their individual parts as well as the whole. For every piece of information you convey, ask yourself “does this contribute to the story I’m trying to tell?”

I’ll offer one last piece of advice: All of this takes time .

The reason I tell people to start LSAT prep so early is because the more corners you cut during preparation for each step of this process, the less likely you will be to succeed. Time is your best resource and the easiest one to mistakenly sacrifice. It is almost always better to sit out a cycle than to apply late. The sweet spot for applying is between September 1 and October 31. A complete, best-of-your-ability packet is still probably okay before Christmas. If you’re still not ready in January, start thinking about sitting out a year.

I’ll get into further detail about this timeline in Part V: The Application Cycle.

Next: Military to Law School: The Application Cycle (Part 5/7)

Related Articles:

Network Like a Boss: LinkedIn 101 For Veterans

Military to MBA (Part 1/7): Is It for You?

100 Things Veterans Should Know Before Leaving the Military

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

Inside the Black Box / Student Voices

Student Voices: Advice for Military Service Members

You may also find the Applying to HLS as a Military Service Member blog post from the J.D. Admissions team helpful in preparing your application.

So you’re wrapping up your military service and trying to think about what comes next. Over the protests from your fellow servicemembers applying for their two-year vacations — sorry, I kid my MBA friends — you’re looking at law school. Rest assured, you’re not alone. Hundreds of us make the same transition every year. Here are some tips as you navigate the application process.

Know that law schools want you

Make no mistake — you’re a hot commodity. Veterans bring a unique perspective to the table, and admissions staff recognize that. This is true for both enlisted servicemembers and officers . There are currently over 75 veterans enrolled at Harvard Law School. We have a fantastic Armed Forces Association and our members are active in every part of the law school, from student government to the Ames Moot Court competition to the Harvard Law Review. In the military, those transitioning to law school can be a rare breed. On this side of the fence, however, you will quickly find your community.

Treat this the way you would any military evolution

The military taught you to be prepared for whatever comes next. Now is not the time to forget those lessons. Applying to law school is absolutely doable, but your approach will affect your chances. Do your research. Know why you want to come to law school, what the application deadlines are, and the time commitments for hurdles like test prep and crafting personal statements. I have mentored dozens of veterans looking to come to law school; a surprising number take a lackadaisical approach to this process. Don’t be that person. Law school is a big step, so treat it with the seriousness it deserves.

Lean on the resources out there to help you

That’s not to say you have to go at this alone. The veteran community is extremely supportive of fellow servicemembers looking to transition to law school. As previously highlighted, our Admissions Team crafted an entire webpage dedicated to applying as a veteran that covers everything from unique application tips to questions on the GI Bill. There are also plenty of resources to help you make the jump successfully:

• Service to School partners you with current law students to provide free 1-on-1 application advice.
• Warrior Scholar Project hosts intensive, one and two-week academic boot camps for enlisted service members, with follow-on coaching for those interested in graduate school.
• Fellow Vets. Use LinkedIn to connect with vets currently in law school. Ask about their path, their experience, and what resources they used to get there. The three mentors I leaned on throughout my application process were the most valuable resources I had.
• The Armed Forces Association can also help you answer vet-specific questions you may have in your application process. Drop us a line via our website!

Highlight more than just your veteran status

The Admissions Team looks to build a diverse community with each admitted class. Unfortunately, an “I survived boot camp and it was hard” personal statement might not fully demonstrate your unique contributions to that community. Dig deeper to find something about your military experience that gives you a distinct perspective, and make sure to reflect that throughout your application. Did your military experience change how you viewed yourself? Did you find a unique community within the military that impacted you? Did something happen on deployment that stuck with you? Our veteran community here is diverse, with a wide array of interests and experiences that they bring to the table. Try to go beyond the cliché military experiences when crafting your application.

“Semper Gumby” still applies

Unless you’re one of those lucky folks on their sunset tour with nothing to do past 1500 every day, I don’t need to tell you that your schedule can be unpredictable. Preparation and flexibility are key here. Below are some common hurdles that may arise, and how to overcome them:

• Recommendation Letters: Your commanders face the same time constraints and unpredictable schedules as you. Sit down with them early to discuss whether they would be willing to write one for you and give them time to craft something meaningful. Also, a friendly reminder that a recommendation letter to a law school should look different than a military end-of-year fitness report. You can also look here for further recommendation letter tips from the Admissions Team.
• Tests . In 2021, my ship surge deployed a month early, which killed my hopes of applying with an LSAT score. I wound up studying for the GRE on deployment and took it during a two-day port call. Try to front-load as much as possible to avoid any last-minute chaos, but also be willing to think outside the box as things arise!
• Interviews. Interviewing for law school from a ship or a FOB can be daunting, but can be done. Be flexible and do not be afraid to ask the Admissions Team for accommodations. A quick e-mail may help get you a more convenient time slot or a more appropriate communication method!

–Brian Henson,   ’25

Filed in: Inside the Black Box , Student Voices

Contact the J.D. Admissions Office

Website: hls.harvard.edu/jdadmissions

Email: [email protected]

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10 Tips for Getting into Law School After Military Service

5 reasons law schools will love your military service.

• You’ve been a leader and, more importantly, a follower . In law school, you will be trained  to lead , but you will also be expected to  listen .
• You understand what it means to commit.  Enlisting in the military may have been your introduction to the legal world when you signed your enlistment contract. Unlike more traditional applicants whose experience may be limited to their undergraduate education, you have already made a major life commitment—of time and finances—and this shows law schools that you’re in it for the long haul.
• Diversity!  The military is not a homogenous entity— far from it ! In the military, you’ve learned to work together with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Law schools are always looking to build  diverse cohort s that will engage and challenge each other in the classroom. Not only are you used to working with different people; your military service also enhances the cohort.
• Your experience isn’t theoretical.  Most applicants to law school are  under the age of 24  and fairly recent graduates. As such, their experience in the so-called “real world” is limited. Military experience, even without combat duty, is very real. Stakes and consequences are high, and your ability to successfully navigate your service is proof of competency in itself. Use that to your advantage.
• Your maturity and focus.  Military veterans getting into law school tend to be older than most applicants, and some may already have spouses and children. Veterans have seen and experienced things a newly-minted college grad simply has not.

5 tips to make law schools want you even more

• There could be an “I” in “Team.”  In the military, you’ve focused so much on the collective, that it can be a challenge to separate your personal achievements from your unit’s. Find the contributions you’ve personally made, and highlight them on your law school application. Remember that “I” is not a dirty word. Law schools want to learn about YOU. And remember that military experience IS work experience. Don’t downplay it.
• Get rid of the jargon!  Most law school admissions officers are civilians with little to no experience with military terms. There are many  resources  available to help you “translate” your resume and experience into civilian terms.
• Law school is school.  If there is a significant time gap between your undergraduate education and your application to law school, you will need to show that you are ready for the academic rigor of a legal education.  Letters of recommendation  from academic sources are great, but you also need to  dominate the LSAT  to demonstrate your critical thinking and reading skills.
• Research, research, research.  You’ll be doing a ton of research in law school, why not start now by looking into military-friendly law schools? Many law schools take steps toward making their application and  admission process  military-friendly. From having a veteran read through applications, to having additional support in place for veteran students, to contributing to the  Yellow Ribbon  program, there are many schools out there telling you they want you.
• Make it personal.  Your  personal statement  is your chance to highlight what you’ve learned in the military and tie it back to your plans for law school. Don’t shy away from your military experience; instead, tell a good story!

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How to Apply to Law School as a Veteran: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're a veteran looking to apply to law school, this comprehensive guide has got you covered.

Posted May 12, 2023

Featuring Machmud M.

AMA: Law School Application Process

Starting sunday, august 11.

11:00 PM UTC · 45 minutes

Table of Contents

If you're a veteran considering law school, you may be wondering where to start. The process of applying to law school can be overwhelming, but with proper guidance, it can be a straightforward process. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know to apply to law school as a veteran. We'll cover the benefits you're entitled to as a veteran, how to prepare for law school, and strategies for navigating the application process. So let's dive in.

Why Law School May Be a Good Option for Veterans

Law school may be a good option for veterans for several reasons. First, the legal field emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking, all traits that the military instills in its service members. Additionally, law school can provide a sense of structure and purpose that veterans may be craving after leaving the military. Finally, the law can be a powerful tool for positive change, and many veterans are drawn to careers in public service.

Another reason why law school may be a good option for veterans is the potential for financial stability. The legal profession is known for its high earning potential, which can provide veterans with a stable income and financial security. Additionally, many law firms and organizations offer benefits and support for veterans, making the transition to civilian life smoother.

Furthermore, law school can provide veterans with a platform to advocate for issues that are important to them. Many veterans have firsthand experience with the challenges faced by military personnel and their families, and pursuing a legal career can allow them to make a difference in areas such as veterans' rights, healthcare, and employment. By using their legal skills and knowledge, veterans can become powerful advocates for positive change in their communities and beyond.

Understanding the Benefits Available for Veterans Applying to Law School

As a veteran, you may be eligible for several benefits when applying to law school. The GI Bill can cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Additionally, many law schools offer veteran-specific scholarships and resources. You may also be eligible for job placement assistance after graduation through programs like the Department of Justice's Honors Program. Be sure to research all available resources before applying.

It's important to note that some law schools also have dedicated veteran support services, such as counseling and networking opportunities. These resources can be invaluable in helping veterans navigate the unique challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life and pursuing a legal career. Don't hesitate to reach out to these support services and take advantage of the resources they offer.

Preparing for Law School as a Veteran: What You Need to Know

Law school is an intensive and demanding experience, and proper preparation is essential for success. Before you apply, make sure you have a solid grasp of legal concepts and practices. This can include taking practice LSAT exams, working with a tutor or mentor, or enrolling in specialized programs like the Marshall-Brennan Fellowship.

As a veteran, you may also want to consider utilizing your military benefits to help finance your legal education. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover up to 100% of your tuition and fees, as well as provide a monthly housing allowance and stipend for books and supplies. Additionally, some law schools offer special scholarships and programs for veterans.

It's also important to consider the unique challenges that veterans may face in law school, such as adjusting to a new academic environment and balancing coursework with other responsibilities. Many law schools have resources and support systems in place for veterans, including veteran-specific student organizations and counseling services.

Choosing the Right Law School Program for Your Needs as a Veteran

Choosing the right law school program is crucial for a successful experience. Factors to consider include location, program structure, cost, and the availability of veteran-specific resources. Additionally, be sure to research the faculty and alumni network, as these connections can be valuable throughout your legal career.

As a veteran, it is important to also consider the level of support and understanding the law school has for military service members. Look for schools that have a designated veterans affairs office or offer resources such as counseling services and networking events specifically for veterans. It is also worth researching if the school has a student organization for veterans, as this can provide a sense of community and support during your time in law school.

Navigating the Application Process as a Veteran: Tips and Strategies

The law school application process can be complex and time-consuming, but with a few strategies, it can be manageable. First, start early and stay organized. Develop a timeline for the application process and keep track of deadlines and requirements. Second, leverage your connections. Reach out to alumni networks, legal professionals, and career counselors for guidance and advice. Finally, be prepared to tell your story. Highlight your experiences in the military, and emphasize how they have prepared you for a career in the legal field.

As a veteran, you may also be eligible for certain benefits and resources that can help you navigate the law school application process. For example, the GI Bill can provide financial assistance for education and training, and the Department of Veterans Affairs offers counseling and support services. Additionally, many law schools have programs and initiatives specifically designed to support veterans and their unique needs.

It's important to do your research and explore all of the options available to you. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek out assistance when needed. With the right resources and support, you can successfully navigate the law school application process and achieve your goals as a veteran in the legal field.

Highlighting Your Military Experience in Your Law School Application

Your military experience can be a significant asset in your law school application. Be sure to highlight your leadership roles, teamwork experience, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, discuss any specialized training you received, such as cultural sensitivity or conflict resolution training. Finally, emphasize your commitment to public service and your desire to make a positive impact on the legal profession.

Another important aspect to highlight in your law school application is your ability to work under pressure. The military often requires individuals to perform under high-stress situations, and this experience can translate well into the legal field. Be sure to provide examples of how you have handled pressure in the past and how you plan to use this skill in your legal career.

Furthermore, if you have received any military awards or commendations, be sure to include them in your application. These awards can demonstrate your dedication, hard work, and leadership abilities. They can also set you apart from other applicants and show that you have a proven track record of success.

Crafting a Strong Personal Statement that Stands Out to Admissions Committees

Your personal statement is an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and experiences. Craft a personal statement that is concise, engaging, and appeals to the admissions committee's values. Share specific examples of your experiences, and be sure to tie them back to your desire to pursue a legal career.

One important aspect to keep in mind when crafting your personal statement is to avoid cliches and generic statements. Admissions committees read hundreds of personal statements, so it's important to make yours stand out. Instead of using overused phrases, try to be specific and authentic in your writing.

Another tip is to have multiple people review your personal statement before submitting it. This can include professors, advisors, or even friends and family members. Getting feedback from others can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your personal statement is polished and effective.

Securing Strong Letters of Recommendation from Military and Academic Sources

Strong letters of recommendation can be essential to a successful application. Seek out letters from professors, supervisors, or colleagues who can speak to your character, work ethic, and leadership qualities. Additionally, consider seeking letters from military officers or other veterans who can speak to your experiences in the military.

It is important to give your recommenders enough time to write a strong letter. Reach out to them at least a month before the application deadline and provide them with all the necessary information, such as the application requirements and your resume. You can also offer to meet with them in person or over the phone to discuss your goals and experiences, which can help them write a more personalized and effective letter.

Maximizing Your GI Bill Benefits to Cover the Costs of Law School

The GI Bill can be a valuable resource for covering the cost of law school. Be sure to fully understand your benefits and how they can be applied to law school expenses. Additionally, consider seeking out additional resources like scholarships, grants, or work-study programs to supplement your benefits.

Connecting with Other Veterans in Law School: Resources and Support Systems

Connecting with other veterans can be a valuable support system throughout your law school experience. Seek out veteran-specific resources on campus, such as organizations, mentorship programs, or affinity groups. Additionally, consider joining legal organizations that focus on veterans' issues to expand your network and make a positive impact on the legal profession.

Overcoming Common Challenges Faced by Veteran Students in Law School

While law school can be challenging for all students, veterans may face unique obstacles. These can include adjusting to academic culture, navigating bureaucracy, or managing mental health challenges. Seek out resources like counseling, tutoring, or peer support networks to overcome these challenges.

Exploring Career Opportunities for Veterans with a Law Degree

A law degree can open up a wide range of career opportunities for veterans. Consider exploring careers in public service, government, or private practice. Additionally, seek out career development resources like job fairs, internships, or mentorship programs to build your network and gain valuable experience.

Making the Most of Networking Opportunities as a Veteran in the Legal Field

Networking can be a valuable tool for building your career in the legal field. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, and seek out mentors or sponsors who can provide guidance and advice. Additionally, leverage your military background as a unique selling point in your networking efforts.

Finding Work-Life Balance as a Veteran Student in Law School

Law school can be demanding and time-consuming, but finding a balance between work and personal life is essential. Prioritize your physical and mental health, make time for hobbies and relaxation, and seek support from friends, family, and professional resources as needed.

Applying to law school as a veteran can be a daunting process, but with the right resources and support, it can be a transformative experience. Use this comprehensive guide as a starting point, and be sure to reach out to veteran-specific resources on campus and in the community throughout your law school journey.

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Misconceptions About Applying to Law School as a Veteran

• November 12, 2013
• Reviewed by: Matt Riley

It’s a small thing we can do here on the LSAT blog, but we’d like to take this opportunity to provide advice to those servicemen and women who will pursue a career in the legal field after their time in the military.

So let’s clear up some misconceptions about which I’ve been asked:

1) “My service might say something about my personal politics, so I should downplay that.”

I hear this a lot from conservative members of the military, worried that the liberal-dominated world of law school will look down on their views, or their service.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

First, most liberals view members of the military with respect. Second, law professors want interesting people in their classroom, and not just those who agree with them. Which brings us to number three – most law schools have a dearth of conservatives, so being on the right of the political spectrum might actual add to your value to the class.

2) “I can’t think of anything but military experience to include in my résumé/write my personal statement about. That’s a problem, right?”

Think about it from the other angle – most law school applicants only have academic experience (i.e. being a student) to include in their résumé, yet most don’t view that as a problem.

Outside of a high GPA and LSAT, military experience is the best thing to have in your background during law school applications. The characteristics that allow someone to function in the military are invaluable in the study and practice of law. You don’t want to shy away from it in your law school application. You want to highlight it.

3) “I want to write my personal statement about something other than military service, since doing that will show a lack of depth.”

It won’t show a lack of depth – it will show focus.

By centering your law school application around your military career, you’ll be doing two things. First, you’ll be highlighting what is, most likely, the strongest “soft” (i.e. non-number) factor you have. Second, you’ll be creating an application package that reinforces itself, since your résumé will focus on your experiences in the military and you most likely have a letter of recommendation from a CO.

Additionally, I’ve had the pleasure of working on many law school personal statements for members of the military. Every single story they have to tell is more interesting than any story I have to tell. Believe me, after an admissions officer reads the 50th personal statement about Spring Break with Habitat for Humanity, your personal statement will be a welcome change of pace.

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Law School Personal Statements

Your personal statement is an opportunity to highlight your writing ability, distinct personality, and diversity of experience. Think of it as a written interview during which you get to choose the question. Your answer should be a story that demonstrates (perhaps implicitly) why you will succeed in law school. The story could describe a single experience, or a series of related experiences transpiring over the course of many years. What’s crucial is that your personal statement provides insight into who you are.

Write Well Law schools are looking for strong writers, and admissions committees view your personal statement as a writing sample. Show them that you can be articulate, persuasive, and engaging. This will likely require you to draft multiple versions and proofread each one carefully. Grammatical or mechanical errors are inexcusable.

Follow Directions Read the law school application carefully. Most law schools allow you to choose a topic, but some may require you to address a specific question. Follow whatever instructions the law school provides.

Tell a Personal Story Focus on a concrete experience (or related series of experiences) from your life, and the impact it has had upon you. Do not write someone else’s story, as compelling as it may be. This is one of those rare situations in life when it’s all about you. Similarly, do not write a detached opinion piece on a topic that is important to you, but not you. If analysis is your strong suit, analyze yourself!

Be Yourself Above all, be who you are, and not an imaginary person you think law schools want. As Nkonye Iwerebon, the Dean of Admissions at Columbia Law School says: “It is fairly obvious to us when an applicant tries to be someone or something s/he is not, which is not only off-putting, but can also cast a shadow of doubt on other parts of your application.”

You Must Not:

Do Not Address Low Grades/Scores in a Personal Statement Your personal statement is not an apology; rather, it is an opportunity to highlight strengths. If you struggled with a debilitating illness during college, or worked twice as hard as your classmates because English is not your first language, you might tell those stories in your personal statement to demonstrate resilience. If those experiences negatively affected your GPA, save that explanation for an addendum. Emphasize the positives in your personal statement.

Do Not Write about What You Hope to Study Instead of Yourself The most common mistake that applicants make on the personal statement is to write about a topic instead of themselves. Don’t write about the field of law you want to study. Don’t write about the school. Write about you.

Do Not Write Your Entire Life Story Resist the urge to tie together all of your life experiences, or mention every accomplishment on your resume. Essays that try to say too much end up saying nothing at all.

Draw on Military Experience in Law School Essays

U.S. News & World Report

November 12, 2017, 7:00 PM

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There is no magic formula that guarantees anyone admission to law school . Admissions committees look at many factors when deciding to extend offers to applicants.

LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs matter, but law schools are increasingly looking beyond numbers to assess candidacy. For military veterans who aspire to become lawyers, their service distinguishes them from the majority of law school applicants and has armed them with critical skills that are predictive of success in law school and a legal career.

Veterans can use their personal or diversity statement to highlight how their background and skills equip them to contribute to the incoming class. Here are four ways prospective law students with military experience can distinguish themselves from other military and civilian applicants.

[Learn how to polish the personal statement for a law school application. ]

1. Don’t shy away from your military background: Serving in the military is no easy feat. In all likelihood, your strength and commitment have been repeatedly tested.

Civilians may not have a clear understanding of military service, but they likely have at least a general concept of the tremendous dedication the U.S. armed forces require.

Embrace these accomplishments. Law school can be a challenge, but you know firsthand about challenge and you understand what it means to commit to a greater purpose, having already made a major life commitment by serving your country.

Without self-aggrandizing, emphasize the commitment and dedication your military service exemplifies. Use the writing opportunities in your law school applications to convince admissions committees that you have the strength to withstand the rigors of a legal education.

For example, you could write a personal statement about your perseverance during basic training and how this experience reflects your determination to stay the course in the face of daily challenges.

[Explore law school options for nontraditional applicants. ]

Law schools actively seek to create diverse student bodies, and your experience alone makes you distinct . Indeed many law schools provide financial benefits to applicants who are veterans.

Institutions like Georgetown University , the University of Chicago and the University of California–Berkeley , for example, offer fee waivers for military service members and veterans, while many law schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program , which provides scholarship funding for veterans that the Department of Veterans Affairs matches dollar for dollar.

If you are concerned that your military service reflects your political views and that you should avoid politics at all costs, particularly in today’s charged climate, consider that the majority of American citizens view military service members with respect, regardless of their political stance.

That said, take pride in your military background without making a political stump speech. Focus instead on how your service positions you for success in law.

2. Point out and reflect on concrete experiences: In your admissions or diversity essay, tell stories about your life in the military.

Many law school applicants have purely academic experiences to write about. Some have professional experiences and related reflections they can share as well.

However, most applicants have not had the experiences you and fellow veterans have had. And even your peer service member applicants may be apprehensive about writing about their military experience.

Differentiate yourself by sharing what you’ve done in service of your country and, more importantly, your thoughts about these experiences. What did your experiences teach you about yourself or your goals? How did serving in the military shape you as a person? In what ways did your military service influence your decision to pursue a career in law?

Your specific experiences and reflections on those events will make compelling essays that are likely to captivate admissions committees.

[Learn how military service gives students an edge paying for grad school. ]

3. Avoid potential pitfalls: One pitfall to avoid in your essays is using military jargon. Don’t assume admissions committee members will understand military-specific language or acronyms. Such jargon may be off-putting or distracting.

Another pitfall to be wary of is the potential to dramatize events and experiences. Remember that law school personal and diversity statements are essays — not screenplays. Even if the stories you are telling involve dramatic events, focus more on what you learned and what you think about the experience, rather than putting the reader in the middle of the action.

4. Connect your military experience to the law: Be sure to tie your military experience to law. One way to do this is to talk about specific skills you perfected during your service that will position you for success in law school.

For example, you could draw a connection between your military service commitment and the commitment you plan to display in your legal education. You could draw similar connections for other attributes, such as discipline.

Another approach is to explain how your military service solidified your interest in law as a career path. Perhaps your experiences have honed your interest in foreign or military policy, and a J.D. will maximize your career opportunities in these fields. Perhaps you wish to continue your military involvement by becoming a judge advocate lawyer .

Whatever strategy you choose, leave no doubt that a legal education is a natural next step for you. Your military background sets you apart from the majority of other law school applicants, so use it to your advantage and write proudly and compellingly about your experiences.

More from U.S. News

Law School Reapplication, LSAT Target Score Strategies

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Master Law School Admissions as a Second-Career Applicant

Draw on Military Experience in Law School Essays originally appeared on usnews.com

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University of Virginia School of Law

Navy Veteran Charts Course for Law School

Ryan Pearson served two tours of duty in the U.S. Navy before entering law school. Photo by Julia Davis

In his five-year stint in the Navy, Ryan Pearson had to earn qualifications as a ship driver, a combat systems officer and an engineering division officer.

“You’re always studying, you're always learning, you’re always bettering yourself,” he said.

Pearson, who climbed to the role of lieutenant, believes that initiative will pay off again this month as he starts classes at the University of Virginia School of Law.

The Richmond, Virginia, native earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2019 from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was captain of the varsity men’s basketball team.

Pearson said education was prioritized in his house growing up. His mother is an assistant commissioner at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and his father owns and manages the family’s funeral home business.

His parents told him, “‘If you don’t take care of your work in the classroom, you won’t be able to play sports.’ So that was high motivation for me,” Pearson said. “They also have ensured that my faith in God remains the pinnacle of my core values.”

Pearson said he was interested in attending an institution such as a service academy not only to grow as an athlete and a student, but as a person, so that he could take what he learned and apply it anywhere he went.

“Confidence is bred through competence, so I wanted to make myself as competent as possible, and I thought that going to the Naval Academy, being able to play Division I basketball, going to a leadership institution all coupled together just made for a great opportunity for my future,” he said.

During his first tour of duty, Pearson served as the main propulsion officer and then assistant chief engineer aboard the USS San Antonio, for which he received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Although Pearson did not have a background in engineering, he said he embraced the challenge and enjoyed his roles aboard the ship, working on diesel platforms, managing personnel and helping maintain equipment.

“My goal for picking my second tour was to try to do something that was completely different from that and see if I enjoyed that, and I had the same experience,” he said.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 2023 and named the USS Leyte Gulf’s anti-submarine warfare officer. On a typical day in port, Pearson assigned work orders and other duties to his division of roughly 15 sailors while he did administrative tasks, spot-checked maintenance jobs, managed shifts and held meetings with contractors.

When the ship was at sea, Pearson would stand watch for two three-hour rotations per day, either serving as an officer of the deck, reporting directly to the commanding officer on the safety and navigation of the ship, or serving as the surface warfare lead, who manages and oversees weapons and helps report on the ship’s safety.

“I learned some new systems, got to deal with some different enlisted rates within the Navy and different personalities, but all the same, we were just one team working toward the same objective and goal,” he said. “I found that to be very fulfilling. ... I like to learn and challenge myself in different ways.”

As an officer supporting his sailors, Pearson said he started thinking about going to law school when he realized he couldn’t help them with questions about the law.

When he began researching where to begin his legal studies, he found UVA’s academics, faculty and reputation for camaraderie appealing. Though the Law School is competitive, it “wasn’t the type of place where it’s people stepping on each other,” he said. Pearson plans to use his degree to go into sports and entertainment law or transactional law.

“The opportunities that are afforded to UVA graduates cannot be overstated, but all in all, it was just the environment that really attracted me to UVA,” he said.

Pearson said he appreciated that his military service offered him a chance to grow into becoming a leader early in his career, and is now ready for new responsibilities. 

“Upon commissioning, I was 22 years old, and as soon as I got to my first ship, I was the person in charge, and that came with a lot of growing pains, and I had to practice a lot of humility,” Pearson said. “But when responsibility is higher, it breeds that competitive edge to better yourself.”

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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/fact-checking-tim-walzs-past-statements

Looking back at Tim Walz’s record and past statements

This fact check originally appeared on PolitiFact .

Vice President Kamala Harris has tapped Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, capping a historically compressed vice presidential search.

Walz rocketed up the list of finalists on the strength of his folksy relatability, gubernatorial experience and congressional record representing a conservative-leaning district.

READ MORE: Harris selects Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as running mate

“I am proud to announce that I’ve asked @Tim_Walz to be my running mate,” Harris posted on X Aug. 6. “As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his. It’s great to have him on the team. Now let’s get to work.”

Walz rose to the rank of command sergeant major over 24 years in the U.S. Army National Guard and worked as a teacher and football coach. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives by ousting a Republican incumbent in a heavily rural district in 2006. Walz was elected governor in 2018 and was reelected in 2022.

“He’s a smart choice if they deploy him in two specific ways,” said Blois Olson, a political analyst for WCCO radio in Minneapolis-St. Paul. “Send him to rural areas to counter the polarization and the idea that only Republicans can win there. And have him keep the deep left base satisfied, which could be an issue with a very moody voting bloc.”

Olson said Walz’s rural experience and regular-guy vibes might be able to shave 2 to 4 percentage points off GOP electoral performance in rural Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — three states considered crucial to a Democratic victory in November.

WATCH LIVE: Harris holds first rally with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz after choosing him as running mate

“The most recent Survey USA poll taken last month for KSTP-TV had Walz’ job approval at a healthy 56 percent,” said Steve Schier, a political scientist at Carleton College in Minnesota. “That said, Minnesota is quite a polarized state, and Republicans in the state despise him. He initially campaigned as a moderate in 2018 but has governed as a progressive.”

Walz was one of several potential vice presidential options floated since President Joe Biden announced he’d cede the nomination and endorsed Harris. Other frequently cited names were Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Now that he is Harris’ running mate, we are on the lookout for claims by and about Walz to fact-check — just as we are for Harris and former President Donald Trump and his vice presidential pick, Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio. Readers can email us suggestions to [email protected].

READ MORE: Fact-checking JD Vance’s past statements and relationship with Trump

Republicans have already begun to question Walz’s handling of the rioting following the murder of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody. Walz clashed with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over how to handle the unrest, but he sent the Minnesota National Guard to aid local law enforcement.

Who is Tim Walz?

Walz grew up in Nebraska but moved with his wife, Gwen, to Minnesota in 1996 to teach high school geography and coach football; his teams won two state championships.

He was 42 when he ran for Congress, a decision sparked by a 2004 incident at an appearance by President George W. Bush. “Walz took two students to the event, where Bush campaign staffers demanded to know whether he supported the president and barred the students from entering after discovering one had a sticker for Democratic candidate John Kerry,” according to the Almanac of American Politics. “Walz suggested it might be bad PR for the Bush campaign to bar an Army veteran, and he and the students were allowed in. Walz said the experience sparked his interest in politics, first as a volunteer for the Kerry campaign and then as a congressional candidate.”

Walz’s ideological profile is nuanced. The other highest-profile finalist for Harris’ running mate, Shapiro, was pegged as somewhat more moderate and bipartisan than Walz. An Emerson College poll released in July found Shapiro with 49 percent approval overall in his state, including a strong 46 percent approval from independents and 22 percent from Republicans.

When he was elected to Congress, Walz represented a district that had sent Republicans to Washington for 102 of the previous 114 years, according to the Almanac of American Politics. Representing that constituency, Walz was able to win the National Rifle Association’s endorsement and he voted for the Keystone XL pipeline — two positions that have become highly unusual in today’s Democratic Party.

During his first gubernatorial term, Walz worked with legislative Republicans, which produced some bipartisan achievements, including $275 million for roads and bridges, additional funds for opioid treatment and prevention, and a middle-income tax cut.

In 2022, Walz won a second term by a 52 percent to 45 percent margin. Democrats also flipped the state Senate, providing him with unified Democratic control in the Legislature. This enabled Walz to enact a progressive wish list of policies, including classifying abortion as a “fundamental right,” a requirement that utilities produce carbon-free energy by 2040, paid family leave and legalizing recreational marijuana. He also signed an executive order safeguarding access to gender-affirming health care for transgender residents.

After Harris’ announcement, the Trump campaign attacked Walz’s legislative record in a campaign email: “Kamala Harris just doubled-down on her radical vision for America by tapping another left-wing extremist as her VP nominee.”

Olson noted that Walz “only has one veto in six years. He doesn’t say ‘no’ to the left, after being a moderate. That’s a reason he’s now beloved by the left.”

Democrats have controlled the Minnesota state Legislature’s lower chamber during Walz’ entire tenure. However, Republicans controlled the state Senate for his first four years in office.

Walz’s meteoric three-week rise on the national scene stemmed after calling Trump, Vance and other Republicans in their circle “weird.”

In a July 23 interview on MSNBC, Walz predicted that Harris would win older, white voters because she was talking about substance, including schools, jobs and environmental policy.

“These are weird people on the other side,” Walz said. “They want to take books away. They want to be in your exam room. That’s what it comes down to. And don’t, you know, get sugarcoating this. These are weird ideas.”

Days later on MSNBC , Walz reiterated the point: “You know there’s something wrong with people when they talk about freedom. Freedom to be in your bedroom. Freedom to be in your exam room. Freedom to tell your kids what they can read. That stuff is weird. They come across weird. They seem obsessed with this.”

Other Democrats, including the Harris campaign, amplified the “weird” message, quickly making Walz a star in online Democratic circles.

Walz also attracted notice for being a self-styled fix-it guy who has helped pull a car out of a ditch and given advice about how to save money on car repairs . He staged a bill signing for free breakfast and lunch for students surrounded by cheering children .

Schier said he expects Walz to be a compatible ticket-mate who won’t upstage the presidential nominee. “Walz will be a loyal companion to Harris,” Schier said.

One thing Walz does not bring to the table is a critical state for the Democratic ticket. In 2024, election analysts universally rate Minnesota as leaning or likely Democratic. By contrast, Shapiro’s state of Pennsylvania is not only one of a handful of battleground states but also the one with the biggest haul of electoral votes, at 19. Another finalist, Kelly, represents another battleground state with nine electoral votes, Arizona.

Fact-checking Walz

We have not put Walz on our Truth-O-Meter. However, days after Floyd’s murder, we wrote a story about how a false claim about out-of-state protestors was spread by Minnesota officials, including Walz, and then national politicians, including Trump.

At a May 2020 news conference, Walz said he understood that the catalyst for the protests was “Minnesotans’ inability to deal with inequalities, inequities and quite honestly the racism that has persisted.” But there was an issue with “everybody from everywhere else.”

“We’re going to start releasing who some of these people are, and they’ll be able to start tracing that history of where they’re at, and what they’re doing on the ‘dark web’ and how they’re organizing,” Walz said. “I think our best estimate right now that I heard is about 20 percent that are Minnesotans and about 80 percent are outside.”

The statistic soon fell apart.

Within hours, local TV station KARE reported that Minneapolis-based police tallies of those arrested for rioting, unlawful assembly, and burglary-related crimes from May 29 to May 30 showed that 86 percent of those arrested listed Minnesota as their address. Twelve out of 18 people arrested in St. Paul were from Minnesota.

Confronted with these numbers, the officials walked back their comments that evening or did not repeat them. In a news conference, Walz did not repeat his earlier 80 percent assertion. KARE-TV wrote that Walz said the estimate was based in part on law enforcement intelligence information and that the state would monitor developments.

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Attacks on Walz’s Military Record

By Robert Farley , D'Angelo Gore and Eugene Kiely

Posted on August 8, 2024 | Corrected on August 9, 2024

Este artículo estará disponible en español en El Tiempo Latino .

In introducing her pick for vice presidential running mate, Kamala Harris has prominently touted Tim Walz’s 24 years of service in the Army National Guard. Now, however, GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance and the Trump campaign are attacking Walz on his military record, accusing the Minnesota governor of “stolen valor.”

We’ll sort through the facts surrounding the three main attacks on Walz’s military record and let readers decide their merit. The claims include:

• Vance claimed that Walz “dropped out” of the National Guard when he learned his battalion was slated to be deployed to Iraq. Walz retired to focus on a run for Congress two months before his unit got official word of impending deployment, though the possibility had been rumored for months.
• Vance also accused Walz of having once claimed to have served in combat, when he did not. While advocating a ban on assault-style weapons, Walz said, “We can make sure that those weapons of war that I carried in war, is the only place where those weapons are at.”
• The Republican National Committee has criticized Walz for misrepresenting his military rank in campaign materials. The Harris campaign website salutes Walz for “rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major.” Walz did rise to that rank, but he retired as a master sergeant because he had not completed the requirements of a command sergeant major.

A native of West Point, Nebraska, Walz joined the Nebraska Army National Guard in April 1981, two days after his 17th birthday. When Walz and his wife moved to Minnesota in 1996, he transferred to the Minnesota National Guard, where he served in 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery.

“While serving in Minnesota, his military occupational specialties were 13B – a cannon crewmember who operates and maintains cannons and 13Z -field artillery senior sergeant,” according to a statement released by Army Lt. Col. Kristen Augé, the Minnesota National Guard’s state public affairs officer.

According to MPR News , Walz suffered some hearing impairment related to exposure to cannon booms during training over the years, and he underwent some corrective surgery to address it.

On Aug. 3, 2003, “Walz mobilized with the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery … to support Operation Enduring Freedom. The battalion supported security missions at various locations in Europe and Turkey. Governor Walz was stationed at Vicenza, Italy, during his deployment.” Augé stated. The deployment lasted about eight months.

“For 24 years I proudly wore the uniform of this nation,” Walz said at a rally in Philadelphia where he was announced as Harris’ running mate on Aug. 6. “The National Guard gave me purpose. It gave me the strength of a shared commitment to something greater than ourselves.”

Walz’s Retirement from the National Guard

In recent years, however, several of his fellow guard members have taken issue with the timing of Walz’s retirement from the National Guard in May 2005, claiming he left to avoid a deployment to Iraq.

Vance, who served a four-year active duty enlistment in the Marine Corps as a combat correspondent, serving in Iraq for six months in 2005, advanced that argument at a campaign event on Aug. 7.

“When the United States of America asked me to go to Iraq to serve my country, I did it,” Vance said. “When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, you know what he did? He dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him, a fact that he’s been criticized for aggressively by a lot of the people that he served with. I think it’s shameful to prepare your unit to go to Iraq, to make a promise that you’re going to follow through and then to drop out right before you actually have to go.”

In early 2005, Walz, then a high school geography teacher and football coach at Mankato West High School, decided to run for public office. In a 2009 interview Walz provided as part of the Library of Congress’ veterans oral history project, Waltz said he made the decision to retire from the National Guard to “focus full time” on a run for the U.S. House of Representatives for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District (which he ultimately won in 2006). Walz said he was “really concerned” about trying to seek public office and serve in the National Guard at the same time without running afoul of the Hatch Act , which limits political speech by federal employees, including members of the National Guard.

Federal Election Commission records show that Walz filed to run for Congress on Feb. 10, 2005.

On March 20, 2005, Walz’s campaign put out a press release titled “Walz Still Planning to Run for Congress Despite Possible Call to Duty in Iraq.”

Three days prior, the release said, “the National Guard Public Affairs Office announced a possible partial mobilization of roughly 2,000 troops from the Minnesota National Guard. … The announcement from the National Guard PAO specified that all or a portion of Walz’s battalion could be mobilized to serve in Iraq within the next two years.”

According to the release, “When asked about his possible deployment to Iraq Walz said, ‘I do not yet know if my artillery unit will be part of this mobilization and I am unable to comment further on specifics of the deployment.’ Although his tour of duty in Iraq might coincide with his campaign for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional seat, Walz is determined to stay in the race. ‘As Command Sergeant Major I have a responsibility not only to ready my battalion for Iraq, but also to serve if called on. I am dedicated to serving my country to the best of my ability, whether that is in Washington DC or in Iraq.'”

On March 23, 2005, the Pipestone County Star reported, “Detachments of the Minnesota National Guard have been ‘alerted’ of possible deployment to Iraq in mid-to-late 2006.”

“Major Kevin Olson of the Minnesota National Guard said a brigade-sized contingent of soldiers could be expected to be called to Iraq, but he was not, at this time, aware of which batteries would be called,” the story said. “All soldiers in the First Brigade combat team of the 34th Division, Minnesota National Guard, could be eligible for call-up. ‘We don’t know yet what the force is like’ he said. ‘It’s too early to speculate, if the (soldiers) do go.’

“He added: ‘We will have a major announcement if and when the alert order moves ahead.’”

ABC News spoke to Joseph Eustice, a retired command sergeant major who served with Walz, and he told the news organization this week that “he remembers Walz struggling with the timing of wanting to serve as a lawmaker but also avoiding asking for a deferment so he could do so.”

“He had a window of time,” Eustice told ABC News. “He had to decide. And in his deciding, we were not on notice to be deployed. There were rumors. There were lots of rumors, and we didn’t know where we were going until it was later that, early summer, I believe.”

Al Bonnifield, who served under Walz, also recalled Walz agonizing over the decision.

“It was a very long conversation behind closed doors,” Bonnifield told the Washington Post this week. “He was trying to decide where he could do better for soldiers, for veterans, for the country. He weighed that for a long time.”

In 2018, Bonnifield told MPR News that Walz worried in early 2005, “Would the soldier look down on him because he didn’t go with us? Would the common soldier say, ‘Hey, he didn’t go with us, he’s trying to skip out on a deployment?’ And he wasn’t. He talked with us for quite a while on that subject. He weighed that decision to run for Congress very heavy. He loved the military, he loved the guard, he loved the soldiers he worked with.”

But not all of Walz’s fellow Guard members felt that way.

In a paid letter to the West Central Tribune in Minnesota in November 2018, Thomas Behrends and Paul Herr — both retired command sergeants major in the Minnesota National Guard — wrote, “On May 16th, 2005 he [Walz] quit, leaving the 1-125th Field Artillery Battalion and its Soldiers hanging; without its senior Non-Commissioned Officer, as the battalion prepared for war. His excuse to other leaders was that he needed to retire in order to run for congress. Which is false, according to a Department of Defense Directive, he could have run and requested permission from the Secretary of Defense before entering active duty; as many reservists have.”

“For Tim Walz to abandon his fellow soldiers and quit when they needed experienced leadership most is disheartening,” they wrote. “When the nation called, he quit.”

Walz retired on May 16, 2005. Walz’s brigade received alert orders for mobilization on July 14, 2005, according to the National Guard and MPR News . The official mobilization report came the following month, and the unit mobilized and trained through the fall. It was finally deployed to Iraq in the spring of 2006.

The unit was originally scheduled to return in February 2007, but its tour was extended four months as part of President George W. Bush’s “surge” strategy , the National Guard reported. In all, the soldiers were mobilized for 22 months.

Responding to Vance’s claim that Walz retired to avoid deploying to Iraq, the Harris-Walz campaign released a statement saying, “After 24 years of military service, Governor Walz retired in 2005 and ran for Congress, where he was a tireless advocate for our men and women in uniform – and as Vice President of the United States he will continue to be a relentless champion for our veterans and military families.”

Walz on Carrying a Weapon ‘in War’

Vance also called Walz “dishonest” for a claim that Walz made in 2018 while speaking to a group about gun control.

“He made this interesting comment that the Kamala Harris campaign put out there,” Vance said, referring to a video of Walz that the Harris campaign posted to X on Aug. 6. “He said, ‘We shouldn’t allow weapons that I used in war to be on America’s streets.’ Well, I wonder, Tim Walz, when were you ever in war? What was this weapon that you carried into war given that you abandoned your unit right before they went to Iraq and he has not spent a day in a combat zone.”

In the video , Walz, who was campaigning for governor at the time, talked about pushing back on the National Rifle Association and said: “I spent 25 years in the Army and I hunt. … I’ve been voting for common sense legislation that protects the Second Amendment, but we can do background checks. We can do [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] research. We can make sure we don’t have reciprocal carry among states. And we can make sure that those weapons of war that I carried in war, is the only place where those weapons are at.”

But, as Vance indicated, there is no evidence that Walz carried a weapon “in war.”

As we said, Augé, in her statement, said Walz’s battalion deployed “to support Operation Enduring Freedom” on Aug. 3, 2003, and “supported security missions at various locations in Europe and Turkey.” During his deployment, Walz was stationed in Vicenza, Italy, and he returned to Minnesota in April 2004, Augé said. There was no mention of Walz serving in Afghanistan, Iraq or another combat zone.

In the 2009 interview for the veterans history project, Walz said he and members of his battalion initially thought they would “shoot artillery in Afghanistan,” as they had trained to do. That didn’t happen, he said, explaining that his group ended up helping with security and training while stationed at an Army base in Vicenza.

“I think in the beginning, many of my troops were disappointed,” Walz said in the interview. “I think they felt a little guilty, many of them, that they weren’t in the fight up front as this was happening.”

In a statement addressing his claim about carrying weapons “in war,” the Harris campaign noted that Walz, whose military occupational specialties included field artillery senior sergeant, “fired and trained others to use weapons of war innumerable times” in his 24 years of service.

Walz’s National Guard Rank

The Republican National Committee has criticized Walz for saying “in campaign materials that he is a former ‘Command Sergeant Major’ in the Army National Guard despite not completing the requirements to hold the rank into retirement.”

Walz’s biography on the Harris campaign website correctly says that the governor “served for 24 years” in the National Guard, “rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major.” 

Walz’s official biography on the Minnesota state website goes further, referring to the governor as “Command Sergeant Major Walz.”

“After 24 years in the Army National Guard, Command Sergeant Major Walz retired from the 1-125th Field Artillery Battalion in 2005,” the state website says. 

Walz did serve as command sergeant major , but Walz did not complete the requirements to retire with the rank of command sergeant, Augé told us in an email. 

“He held multiple positions within field artillery such as firing battery chief, operations sergeant, first sergeant, and culminated his career serving as the command sergeant major for the battalion,” Augé said. “He retired as a master sergeant in 2005 for benefit purposes because he did not complete additional coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.”

This isn’t the first time that Walz’s National Guard rank has come up in a campaign. 

In their 2018 paid letter to the West Central Tribune, when Walz was running for governor, the two Minnesota National Guard retired command sergeants major who criticized Walz for retiring before the Iraq deployment also wrote: “Yes, he served at that rank, but was never qualified at that rank, and will receive retirement benefits at one rank below. You be the judge.”

Correction, Aug. 9: We mistakenly said a 2007 “surge” strategy in Iraq occurred under President Barack Obama. It was President George W. Bush.

Editor’s note: FactCheck.org does not accept advertising. We rely on grants and individual donations from people like you. Please consider a donation. Credit card donations may be made through  our “Donate” page . If you prefer to give by check, send to: FactCheck.org, Annenberg Public Policy Center, 202 S. 36th St., Philadelphia, PA 19104. 

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Where Tim Walz Stands on the Issues

As governor of Minnesota, he has enacted policies to secure abortion protections, provide free meals for schoolchildren, allow recreational marijuana and set renewable energy goals.

• Share full article

By Maggie Astor

• Aug. 6, 2024

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, the newly announced running mate to Vice President Kamala Harris, has worked with his state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature to enact an ambitious agenda of liberal policies: free college tuition for low-income students, free meals for schoolchildren, legal recreational marijuana and protections for transgender people.

“You don’t win elections to bank political capital,” Mr. Walz wrote last year about his approach to governing. “You win elections to burn political capital and improve lives.”

Republicans have slammed these policies as big-government liberalism and accused Mr. Walz of taking a hard left turn since he represented a politically divided district in Congress years ago.

Here is an overview of where Mr. Walz stands on some key issues.

Mr. Walz signed a bill last year that guaranteed Minnesotans a “fundamental right to make autonomous decisions” about reproductive health care on issues such as abortion, contraception and fertility treatments.

Abortion was already protected by a Minnesota Supreme Court decision, but the new law guarded against a future court reversing that precedent as the U.S. Supreme Court did with Roe v. Wade, and Mr. Walz said this year that he was also open to an amendment to the state’s Constitution that would codify abortion rights.

Another bill he signed legally shields patients, and their medical providers, if they receive an abortion in Minnesota after traveling from a state where abortion is banned.

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