Dean's Certification Forms

What is a Dean’s Certification Form?* 

There are several ABA-Approved law schools require a Dean's Letter (also known as Dean's Recommendation, Dean's Certification, or College Questionnaire) as part of the J.D. application process for entering first year students. Many of these schools are located in the Northeast.  Only seven ABA-Approved law schools require a dean’s letter as part of the J.D. application for all first year applicants. Seven additional schools require a dean’s letter at the time of submitting the J.D. application if the applicant answers "yes" to questions involving academic or disciplinary action. Twelve schools require a dean’s letter for all matriculating first-year students.  The primary purpose of this requirement is disciplinary clearance, although some forms also include questions about the applicant's academic performance, leadership, motivation and character.

In addition, on most law school applications, an applicant is asked to provide information about prior disciplinary, judicial, or academic history, whether or not a dean's certification is required.  The question is often something like "Have you ever been subject to disciplinary action for scholastic or other reasons?"  This question is broader than that answered by college officials, who typically respond in a dean's letter based upon a check of the records, not personal experience or knowledge.  It is advisable for the applicant to answer such questions truthfully and completely, disclosing information even when records have been expunged or sealed.  Failure to disclose can trigger severe consequences in the admissions process and later in the bar admission process.

Some law schools require a dean's certification for transfer students, but not for entering first year students.  It is important to note that a law school application is a "continuing" application; it must be updated if the initial response becomes inaccurate or incomplete.

Which ABA-Approved Law Schools Require a Dean's Certification Form?*

Dean’s letter required for all First Year JD applicants:

Brigham Young University
Brooklyn Law School
University of Connecticut
Howard University
University of Richmond (admission decision can be made prior to receipt of dean’s letter)
Stanford University
University of Washington

Dean's letter required for First Year JD applicants who answer "Yes" to academic/disciplinary action questions on the law school application:

Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Columbia University
Cornell University

Duke University
New York University

University of Southern California

Southern Illinois University

Dean's letter required for accepted First Year JD applicants who pay seat deposit:

Boston University
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Columbia (see also above)
Cornell University (see above)
Georgetown University
Harvard University

New York University (see above)
University of Pennsylvania
Stetson University
Suffolk University

University of Richmond (see above)

Wake Forest

*As borrowed from a handout prepared by Heather C. Struck, Assistant Dean and Pre-Law Advisor, College of Arts and Sciences, Cornell University

What is the process for completing a Dean's Certification Form at Hopkins?

First, you are responsible for obtaining the Dean’s Certification Forms from each individual law school to which you apply which requires same.  When you have done so, forward them here, to the Office of Pre-Professional Programs & Advising, Attn: Ana L. Droscoski, Esq. for completion.  Note that you do not need to furnish a stamped envelope addressed to each law school.

Second, in order for this office to complete the form, we must have on file for you the following items:  

1) a copy of your transcript
2) a completed Applicant's Questionnaire, and
3) a completed Dean’s Report form 

The Dean's Report form is different from the Dean’s Certification Form required by law schools.  The Dean’s Report form was developed by our office and can be found online at http://web.jhu.edu/prepro/law/Pre Law.Forms.WordDocs/forms.html.  Be sure to complete the top portion of the Dean’s Report form and submit it to Dean Dorothy Sheppard.  The forwarding instructions for the Dean's Report form can be found on the form itself.  Dean Sheppard will complete the Dean’s Report form and forward it to our office. 

Note that all three items listed above must be completed and on file for you prior to completion of the Dean's Certification Form(s).