LOR from an Alumnus

[Clearbluewater33]

Does having a LOR from an alumnus of the University you're apply to (but not the law school) give you any sort of an edge?  I'm applying to joint M.Div/JD programs and one of my recs has his m.div/phd from one of the schools (Chicago) and my other rec has her PhD from the history program at the other school Im applying to (Emory). I will probably get another letter of rec from one of my coworkers who is a graduate of Emory's theological school.  Is that going to help or is just an interesting side note?

[Ninja1]

I'm always inclined to say side note with these sorts of things.

I've seen a fair number of people get LoRs from attorneys that attended whatever school they're applying to. In every case I can recall, the alumni letter didn't really seem to help any.

[Gone]

It won't hurt (unless of course you go to someone just BECAUSE they are an alum of the school and then they write a poor rec....that can hurt)

[MatchbookTrick]

It won't hurt (unless of course you go to someone just BECAUSE they are an alum of the school and then they write a poor rec....that can hurt)

What about in regards to a targeted/general LOR? For example, one of my old English professors who's writing me a recommendation is an alum of one of the schools where I'm applying. Since he's not in the legal field, would it matter if he wrote me a targeted letter?

[snarkygirl]

i think if they know you well and it's a good letter, it is an asset.  it also depends on the school.  i think there are some schools that like this sort of thing.