"I have done research and court filings, interviewed clients, sat in on depositions, and had the opportunity to become familiar with a wide range of legal documents and procedures. It is work that I love, even on the frequent occasions when it is tedious, frustrating, and anything but glamorous. I like trying to fit together pieces of a puzzle, doing the necessary analysis, facing the challenge that any case poses. I thrive on feeling productive. I find great pleasure in arguing a point, whether verbally or in writing, and am quite adept at doing this."

Note that she cites specific work in which she has been involved, while offering insight into both her skills and interests.

As always, the details you provide will make or break your discussion. But the strength of an Experiences in Law essay depends more than usual on the originality of your experience. The fact is that many people will have similar experiences and even perform the same level of duties. While such an essay can establish your competence, it will be unlikely to make you stand out. Less conventional experiences, however, are certainly worth highlighting. One successful applicant, for example, described his judicial role within an academic community. In discussing both his hands-on work and the philosophical concerns that he had explored, he revealed a perspective that is original and relevant.

Too often writers resort to a safe route, and it should be obvious why such an approach would prevent them from achieving the goal of uniqueness. The topic itself need not be revolutionary. Rather, the key to this and all other types of essays is simply to be specific and personal. Don't be afraid to give your readers a glimpse of who you really are.

This applicant describes his upbringing in the inner city as a way to offer insight into his current maturity: "I have a 19-year-old cousin who is an incarcerated gang member and an older cousin who has his own law firm. I know how to relate to and communicate with many different types of people, and I am interested not only in the possibility of pro bono work in my old neighbourhood but also in legally serving a full spectrum of clients."  He does not use his disadvantaged background as an excuse for anything, nor does he overstate its significance. Rather, he portrays his past honestly to show how it shaped his character and determination.

This applicant offers an in-depth account of a boot-camp experience: "I entered boot camp on June 18, 1989. That day, the Indian child who had chased cows and the American youth who had philosophized about physics died. It is written in the Bhagavad-Gita that in death, the body's attachment to materialism falls away from the soul like a worn garment. So did my delusions of grandeur slip from me." Note how his focus on a single experience can nevertheless convey a great deal about his character, because he has the space to offer concrete details. Depth is almost always preferable to breadth.

Finally, this applicant achieves uniqueness through his writing style. What makes the essay effective is not the specific topics with which he engages the reader, but the playful and inventive thought process he demonstrates: "This personal statement has been looming over me throughout this application process. I find myself unable to overcome the seeming impossibility of this exercise. How can I convey enough of myself in two pages? I act. I sing in the shower. I occasionally reread the collection of comic books I amassed during high school. I enjoy helping people, but I do it for myself. Lately I've been dressing a little sharper. I play hockey whenever I can. And I question everything, often in the hopes of effecting a change."

The above examples are meant to show you the boundless ways in which you can offer a unique portrait. It's not necessary to have come from a very diverse background or accomplished something extraordinary. These essays are effective because they offer honest portrayals and are grounded in specific, personal details. Law, although mentioned, is not the focus of any of these essays. In your own essay, you should stay focused on the topic you choose and explore it fully, making a connection back to law only if that seems natural.

Your purpose here is similar to an Specific Legal Areas essay, except that the issue need not be fundamentally related to law. Also, in an issue-based essay, you may spend more time engaging with the issue apart from your personal experience, thereby showing your reasoning skills at work.

This successful applicant focuses on her interests and goals in Third World development. To provide evidence of her personal engagement with this issue, she discusses her academic studies of Latin America, as well as her travel and exploration. With statements like the following, she shows the level of thought she has invested in the issue: 

"While working at the United Nations, I came to appreciate the importance of mutual respect within the context of multinational interaction; a country's dignity must not be overlooked. Keeping this in mind, I believe we must approach Latin American issues with a better understanding of Latin American perspectives." 

Finally, the discussion culminates in a statement of how her legal education will provide her with the tools she needs to continue her engagement: 

"I hope to use my legal education in conjunction with my interest in third world development to enhance Latin America's position in the world economic structure. Whether my future includes negotiating international trade agreements, challenging immigration legislation, or providing legal assistance to the Hispanic community, I look forward to being an advocate for 'el pueblo'-the people."

This applicant tackles the issue of discrimination, but again with a personal perspective. He describes stereotypes he has personally faced as an Asian-American. He then extrapolates to the bigger picture with the following:

"During the course of my studies, I became fascinated by the two perspectives on overcoming discrimination against African-Americans that emerged in the early twentieth century. One proponent, W.E.B. Du Bois, advocated civil rights with a strong political voice; another, Booker T. Washington, advocated earning respect through hard work and results. I firmly believe that Du Bois and Washington's ideas provide a good foundation for Asian-Americans in realizing our desire to overcome discrimination."

He goes on to discuss both his ideas in further detail and examples of work he has already done. The connection to law is natural and forceful: