Fill out your application completely and read all instructions pertaining to writing your personal statements. These instructions may differ slightly by school. Make a note of any style guidelines. For example, a school may require MLA-style formatting versus Chicago style, or it may specify word counts, spacing and whether to include a title page.
Research each prospective school and tailor your statement toward that particular program. Explain why you are interested specifically in that school. Recruiters know when your personal statement is "cookie cutter." They look for candidates who have the best qualifications as well as a passion for the school.
List every reason you wish to attend law school, leaving no stone unturned. For example, you may have been inspired by a professor in school, or you may have overcome adversity in your own life with help from the justice system.
Outline a second list, describing the reasons why you would make a good lawyer, the attributes you have to offer society in a legal capacity and how you believe a law school education will strengthen any skills you already possess.
Read sample personal statements to familiarize yourself with a range of styles and voices. There are many great resources to find samples of law school personal statements on the Internet, including Top Law Schools and Accepted.
Write a compelling introductory statement that will set your statement apart from your competition's. The statement may or may not have anything to do with the law or legal studies -- you are forming a narrative to draw your reader into your entire essay. For example, if you want to specialize in family law, your essay could begin, "Ben was my best friend until he unexpectedly moved away halfway through 3rd grade. I missed him so much, and I couldn't believe my eyes when I ran into him at mall a year later. I didn't recognize the family he was with. Ben said they were his 'foster family.'" From there, describe how that experience got you interested in working with kids from broken homes.
Add a paragraph explaining a bit about who you are. Include pertinent information about your personal interests, academic and work experiences, and future career goals.
Continue writing, using the lists you compiled earlier. Limit yourself to one theme -- such as a childhood memory that started your interest in law school -- and use each subsequent paragraph to back up your argument. Make sure the essay has smooth transition sentences between paragraphs as well as a strong closing paragraph that summarizes your previous points.
Enlist several people with editing or writing experience to read your personal statement and provide feedback. Edit your work if needed. Proofread a final time before sending it in.