How to write an LPC personal statement (with example)

Updated 13 April 2023

If you follow the traditional academic pathway to qualify as a solicitor, you're likely to complete the legal practice course (LPC). A routine part of an application for this course is to write a personal statement. Knowing the best way to distinguish yourself in this statement can improve your chances of gaining entry to an LPC and progressing in your career. In this article, we describe how to write an LPC personal statement, including tips and an example statement to guide you in writing your own.

How to write an LPC personal statement

When considering how to write an LPC personal statement, it's helpful to understand what this document is. A personal statement is part of the application process to undertake the LPC. In this document, you can provide details of your motivation for entering the legal profession and the skills you possess. The course is a necessary stage in the traditional route to becoming a professional solicitor, and you can learn basic skills to succeed as a legal professional. Consider following these steps when writing a personal statement:

1. Introduce yourself

Begin your statement with a short paragraph introducing yourself. This introductory paragraph is your opportunity to attract the reader's attention. You can instantly give the reader an understanding of what draws you to the LPC and a legal career generally. Avoid giving a quick overview of all your academic and professional motivations. Instead, begin your statement with a personal anecdote. Tell a short story that shows what it is about the legal profession that has a personal meaning for you.

2. Provide background

Give additional background information on your personal and academic journey. Discuss your studies and any relevant experience you have, such as work experience. State what you've done and give an insight into your achievements and how they can help your future legal career. You may want to describe your motivation for choosing a law degree. Use your statement to take the reader through your journey and the decision to submit an LPC application.

Related: How to become a solicitor

3. Describe your skills and how you use them

Showcasing your skills or specialities can help make your application competitive. Mention any competencies and strengths you have that others may not, and discuss practical examples of how you use them. For example, if you're a strong verbal communicator, you can strengthen this skill by participating in the university's drama society. Or, when performing mock trials as part of your course, your communication skills allow you to outperform your peers. Provide details and include practical examples of their usefulness.

4. Discuss why you're a suitable candidate for the course

Expand the description of your abilities and background and specify how you can manage the challenges of the LPC. Mention aspects of the course content, such as the high volume of study materials and how you can take these on. For example, if the specific institution you're applying to attracts you, mention why you might fit in well with its culture. Write a short paragraph highlighting your strengths as a candidate before your statement's conclusion.

5. Conclude the personal statement

Summarise your statement with a brief paragraph. Restate the motivation for your LPC application, your passion for the legal profession and why you can be a valuable addition to the course. When concluding, avoid introducing any new information. Instead, refer to what you've written. Linking your conclusion to the anecdote in your introduction can give your document a professional structure.

Tips for writing an LPC personal statement

Here are some tips to consider that may help you improve the overall quality of your personal statement:

Be personal

A personal statement is a chance to show more about yourself beyond basic information. Capitalise on the opportunity to reveal the person behind the academic transcript. Show personality in your writing but without becoming too informal. Personal anecdotes are an effective way to demonstrate your motivation for pursuing a legal career through the LPC. If it feels natural to include amusing stories, do so. Display the same character in your written statement as you would if you were in a face-to-face conversation with an admissions team member.

Establish a narrative

A personal statement serves to describe what led you to pursue an LPC. It details your decision to study law and your career ambitions. Consider structuring it as though you're telling a story. Explore the option of giving your statement a narrative. For example, consider writing chronologically from your first interest in studying law to the point of your LPC application. You might like to experiment with the structure of your narrative. Try to ensure your statement impacts the reader and determine the best way to achieve a positive result.

Make the statement specific

You might write multiple LPC applications to different universities or law schools. Try not to use a generic statement for these. Instead, adapt your information for each application. For example, mention what attracts you to a specific institution. Research the course, faculty staff and other details about the university and refer to these distinctions. Using a definitive personal statement shows university admission staff that you're genuinely passionate about attending their institution.

Example of an LPC candidate's personal statement

Here is an example personal statement an LPC candidate may write, following the steps above, that you can use as a guide when creating your own:

Dear Admissions Board,

I'm sure you're likely to read many personal statements discussing the desire to be a solicitor as a lifelong passion. This isn't one of those statements. My story begins as a school student with no idea what to do with my life, leaving it too late to choose a work experience placement. So, someone chose it for me.

I met some of the most impressive, intelligent and charismatic people after completing two weeks of work experience at a local solicitor's firm. I saw people navigating this fascinating, living infrastructure that is the law. After just two weeks, there was a definite direction in my professional life.

To become a solicitor, I knew that the first requirement was excellent exam results. I focused on achieving A and A* grades in my exams. I worked diligently for four A-Levels, all grade A and above, with the ultimate being an A* in law and obtaining the top law mark in my college.

Please don't think of me as someone who only studies to get good grades. On the contrary, I have enjoyed the university lifestyle. I've been sure to join as many societies as possible, most notably the debating society. This strength in debating might be a valuable skill for an aspiring lawyer.

I owe my prowess in this regard to my childhood passion for drama and acting. I have a particular strength in arguing and presenting facts as a narrative. It's easier to help people understand and, by extension, to persuade them of your perspective if you offer important information as part of a story. As part of my degree studies, my class conducted mock trials, and I'm proud to say I excelled. Without realising it, I was preparing for a career in law during those drama classes as a child.

Clearly, it's my ambition to be a solicitor, one way or another. This university is the first I'm sending my application to for a place in the LPC. The university's reputation for academic excellence and its culture has helped me make this decision. In addition, the university embraces learning as a noble pursuit. On a personal note, my work experience supervisor from many years ago completed his law training at your institution. This coincidence also attracts me.

I am ready for the intensity of the LPC course. All my accomplishments since my work experience placement have been preparing me for a legal career. I am ready to close my academic chapter as I prepare to venture out as a professional. My preference is to take that next step at your university. Thank you for considering my application.

Kind regards,
Norman Parker

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How to write an LPC personal statement (with example)