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

A law school letter of continued interest (LOCI) is an essential tool available to waitlisted candidates or applicants awaiting a final decision from their top-choice program. It can mean the difference between staying on the waitlist and getting admitted. In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a compelling, personalized, and professional letter of continued interest that might actually make a difference.

TL;DR: A strong letter of continued interest is your chance to reaffirm your commitment, showcase new accomplishments, and make a strong case for why you’re an ideal fit for a particular school. Done right, it can show the admissions committee you’re both qualified and actively invested.

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

What is a Law School Letter of Continued Interest?

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

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

Why is this Important?

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

Real applicants say a LOCI can "absolutely tip the scale," particularly at schools that value demonstrated interest. With law school waitlists growing more competitive in the 2026-2027 admissions cycle, standing out matters now more than ever.

The admissions committee is still evaluating the applicant pool post-deadline. A thoughtful letter reminds them you're engaged, improving, and genuinely interested in attending.

When Should You Send an LOCI?

The right moment to send in an LOCI is ideally after a meaningful status change and before the school finalizes its class, which usually means the window between waitlist notification and late spring/early summer.

Here’s a quick rundown of what this might look like.

1. After You’re Waitlisted (or Deferred)

This is the most obvious use case. Schools typically expect an LOCI here. Admissions committees actively use them to gauge yield risk and serious intent. In other words, they want to know if you really want to attend that program. Send your first LOCI within 2-3 weeks of the decision, soon enough to signal engagement, but late enough to be thoughtful.

2. When You Have a Real Update

A LOCI without new information is weaker than one with some kind of improvement in your application. Potential ideas include: 

• A semester GPA increase, completed degree
• A promotion, new job, or leadership role
• A major award, publication, or LSAT change
• A clarified, school-specific reason the program is your top choice
• Admissions decisions

Also, if one of these occurs after your initial LOCI, a brief follow-up can be appropriate. Check the website of your target school to double-check.

3. Before Major Waitlist Movement

Most law schools see meaningful waitlist activity from late April through July. Your LOCI should land before this period peaks (ideally April-May) so it’s there when decisions are actively revisited.

One great LOCI is usually enough. Multiple letters without substantive updates can backfire. You don’t want to annoy or overwhelm the admissions office. Send a LOCI when it reduces uncertainty for the AdCom about your interest, your readiness, or your fit. If it doesn’t do at least one of those, it may be better to wait.

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

What to Include in a Law School Letter of Continued Interest

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

1. Express gratitude

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

Example: "Thank you for reviewing my application and for placing me on the waitlist. I’m truly honored to remain under consideration for the upcoming class at [Law School Name]."

2. Reaffirm your interest in law school

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

Key points to mention:

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

Example: "[Law School] remains my first choice, and I would absolutely attend if admitted. It's [specific clinic, program, or professor] deeply aligns with my passion for [legal field]."

3. Provide new accomplishments & updates

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

What to Include:

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

Example: "Since submitting my application, I earned a 172 on the February LSAT (up from 166), and began clerking at a local immigration nonprofit…"

Read: LSAT Prep & Study Guide: Best Practices & Free Resources (2026)

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

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

How to Make This Section Stronger:

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

Example: "Given my background in restorative justice and my work with formerly incarcerated youth, I would bring a unique perspective to [School]'s Criminal Law Clinic and courses on sentencing reform."

5. State your commitment to attend

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

Example: "If offered admission, I would absolutely attend [Law School]. Thank you again for your continued consideration."

Formatting Your LOCI

Follow a standard professional format:

• Keep it one page
• Use standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, 11–12 pt
• Submit as a PDF unless otherwise instructed by the admissions office
• Label it clearly (e.g. "LastName_LOCI_LawSchool2027.pdf")

Example Structure:

• [Your Name][Your Address][City, State, ZIP][Your Email][Your Phone Number][Date]
• Admissions Committee[Law School Name][Law School Address][City, State, ZIP]
• Subject: Letter of Continued Interest – [Your Name]
• Dear Admissions Committee,
  • [Opening paragraph expressing gratitude]
  • [Paragraph reaffirming interest in the school]
  • [Paragraph providing new accomplishments & updates]
  • [Paragraph demonstrating why you’re a strong fit]
  • [Paragraph stating commitment]

Sample LOCI Template

Dear Admissions Committee,

Thank you for continuing to review my application. I am grateful to remain under consideration for admission to [Law School Name], my top choice. I am writing to reaffirm my strong interest in attending and to share recent relevant updates to my candidacy.

Since submitting my application, I have [insert brief new update #1] and [insert update #2]. These developments have further strengthened my commitment to pursuing a legal education at [Law School Name], particularly because of its outstanding [mention program, clinic, or professor] that aligns closely with my interests in [area of law].

If admitted, I would absolutely attend. I remain deeply enthusiastic about joining the incoming class and contributing to the [Law School Name] community. Thank you again for your time and continued consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Tips for Writing a Strong Law School Letter of Continued Interest

Keep the Letter Concise and Focused

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

Avoid Generic Statements

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

Don’t Repeat Information from the Initial Application

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

Be Professional Yet Personable

A law school LOCI should strike a balance between professionalism and authenticity. The tone should be polite, formal, and respectful while still allowing the applicant’s enthusiasm to come through naturally. Avoid robotic or overly formal writing, as well as exaggerated statements that seem insincere. Including a personal connection, such as a visit to the school, a conversation with a faculty member, or engagement with current students, can make the letter more compelling. A sincere and genuine letter shows that the applicant is truly invested in the school and not just sending an LOCI as a formality.

Follow Up If Necessary

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

How Top Law School Coaches Can Help You Beat the Odds

A letter of continued interest (LOCI) is one of the most underrated tools for waitlisted law school applicants. Done right, it can significantly boost your chances of admission by reaffirming your interest, sharing new achievements, and reinforcing your fit. But writing an effective LOCI takes more than enthusiasm; it requires strategy, precision, and school-specific insight.

That’s where top law school coaches come in.

Elite admissions consultants help you:

• Frame updates that actually matter to the committee
• Strike the right tone—confident, not pushy
• Tailor your LOCI to each school’s values and voice
• Avoid common mistakes that weaken your case

They also help with broader strategies: refining your personal statement, addressing gaps in your application, and prepping for interviews. In a hyper-competitive landscape, that level of support can be the difference between staying on the waitlist and getting in.

Work 1:1 with a Leland law school admissions coach, many of whom are former AOs or T14 admits who know exactly what works. Also, join our law school application bootcamp and free law school events for more strategic insights!

See: The 10 Best Law School Coaches: Who to Hire and Why

Read next:

• Harvard Letters of Recommendation: How Many, Who, Tips, & Why They Matter
• GRE vs. LSAT for Law School – Pros & Cons, Difficulty Level, & Which is Right for You
• LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS): What it Is and How It Works for Law School Applications
• How to Write a Powerful Personal Statement for Your Law School Applications
• How Many Law Schools Should You Apply To?
• How to Get Into Law School: Advice from an Expert
• LSAT Prep & Study Guide: Best Practices & Free Resources

FAQs

Can a LOCI actually change my chances of getting admitted to law school?

• Yes, especially at schools that track demonstrated interest. A strong, timely LOCI can move you from the waitlist into serious consideration, especially if spots open after deposit deadlines.

Do top law schools like Harvard or Yale even read letters of continued interest?

• They do. While ultra-competitive schools may not weigh demonstrated interest as heavily, admissions committees still review LOCIs for significant updates and signs of genuine fit.

What’s the difference between a LOCI and an update letter?

• A LOCI expresses continued interest and often includes updates, while an update letter focuses only on new accomplishments or changes without explicitly reaffirming interest. Many applicants combine both into one LOCI.

Will sending multiple LOCIs annoy the admissions office?

• Not if each one adds value. Schools typically expect one well-timed LOCI, and maybe a second if there’s a meaningful new development. More than that, without substance can hurt more than help.

Is it better to email my LOCI or upload it through the school’s portal?

• Follow the school’s instructions. If they allow uploads through their application portal, do that. If not, email it directly to the admissions office. Either way, keep it professional and clearly labeled.