References

Your referee must be familiar with your legal academic work, preferably from the institution at which you have recently studied/currently study. If you have graduated prior to or during 2003 you can provide a legal employment reference. In both situations, the referee should state:

• The length of time and the capacity in which the applicant has known

• Academic abilities:

  • Present performance

  • Future potential

  • If available, student's ranking in class

  • Does he/she consider the applicant's degree classification a true reflection of his/her abilities (please comment on or forecast any examination results)

  • If the referee is the applicant's present or former employer, include an outline of responsibilities and an appraisal of competence and initiative

• Suitability for the programme in terms of:

  • Personal factors: eg independence of mind, creative ability

  • Motivation

• Power of expression:

  • Comment on the candidate's ability to express himself/herself orally and in writing

  • Interests

  • Refer to the candidate's contribution to the life of the community of your organization

  • Other relevant information to the candidate's application not covered by the above

The reference letter should be on your referee's organisation's official headed paper, signed by the referee with his/her title, name and position. The letter must be in a sealed envelope and signed across the seal to ensure confidentiality.