"Applications to law school offer many opportunities to write about experiences through personal statements, short answer responses and supplemental essays. However, you may also need to explain aberrations in your candidacy. You can proactively address potential red flags by submitting an addendum as part of your application.
Addenda should be short pieces – typically one to three paragraphs – that provide objective explanations for any anomalies. You want law school admissions committees to spend the bulk of their time reviewing your personal statement, resume, letters of recommendation and other materials that showcase your success, rather than lengthy addenda.
Without listing excuses or justifications, you should state the topic and note the point you are trying to convey. The purpose of the addendum is twofold: to acknowledge the irregularity and to account for the context in which the situation arose. This is your chance to succinctly explain why a particular issue in your application should not adversely affect your candidacy.
Here are four common addenda topics and do’s and don’ts for each." …