<p>I'm applying to law schools in the fall, and I really want to pursue a public interest career. I've done a lot of work with immigrant communities through internships and volunteer work, and it has really persuaded me to pursue a legal career so that perhaps I can make a real difference in the future.</p>
<p>I'm starting to think about my personal statement though, and I want it to come through that I'm interested in a public interest career. However, I also don't want my essay to sound completely cliche. My guidance counselor suggested that I write about my thesis research, which is an action research project on immigrant social integration, but I'm just not sure if this will really display my interests clearly enough.</p>
<p>I would suggest purchasing the richard montauk boook. he covers this section very well and gives a few sample personal statements. Anna Ivey's book also addresses personal statements.</p>
<p>I was in a similar position. I read in some big advice book that nothing stands out more or 'smells worse' to law school admissions officers than false claims of "I want to change the world" and "justice for all." But if you're able to really connect your future goals with things you've already done and are doing, such as internships and thesis (big commitments!), then you can show that you're not just BS-ing. If you want to write about your past work/experience and how it connects to your future goals, then by all means, do so. The key word there, however, should be connects.</p>
<p>I'd also recommend looking at the type of book that sybbie recommends. I found it very helpful to see example essays, for they made me realize that law school essays allow for a great deal more freedom than I was giving myself.</p>
<p>Also, once you've written a draft (or a few), show it to people! Show it to some close friends, take it to a writing center, run it by your guidance counselor, whatever. Ask others whether your interest comes through or whether you sound shallow and cliche. Tweak as necessary :)</p>
<p>Student615 offers great advice. The goal is to "connect". Keep in mind that each admissions officer has to get through a stack of applications each night, and after a while, all the essays start sounding the same. Your goal is to make sure that your application/essay grabs the admissions officer's attention such that he/she remembers you when your name comes before the admissions committee. </p>
<p>In addition, the earlier you send in your materials, the more likely it is that the admissions officer will spend more time on your application.</p>
<p>I'd be more than happy to take a look at your essay when you're ready to send it off. </p>