🔹 Introduction
The LSAT Writing Sample is a critical component of the law school admissions process. While it is not scored, admissions committees review your essay to evaluate clarity, reasoning, and communication skills. In this guide, we provide 10 official-style practice prompts along with model essays to help you craft persuasive, structured, and logical responses. Each essay demonstrates how to analyze both options and justify your choice—skills that are essential for law school success.
By practicing with these prompts, you’ll gain confidence in writing under timed conditions, learn how to balance clarity with analysis, and ensure your writing stands out in your application.
LSAT Writing Sample Batch 1: Prompts & Model Essays
Prompt 1 – Internship Decision
You are offered two summer internships:
- Firm A: High salary, limited mentorship.
- Firm B: Lower salary, strong mentorship program.
👉 Write an essay choosing one option and justify your decision.
Model Essay:
I would select Firm B because mentorship offers long-term benefits that outweigh immediate financial gains. Strong mentorship accelerates professional growth, expands networks, and provides practical skills that a paycheck cannot match. While Firm A’s high salary is appealing, it is a short-term advantage. Law is a relationship-driven profession; guidance from experienced attorneys will prepare me for future opportunities and better earnings in the long run. Though Firm B’s lower salary poses a short-term sacrifice, the skills and mentorship will lead to greater success. Therefore, Firm B is the wiser choice.
Prompt 2 – Courthouse Location
A city must decide whether to:
- Option A: Build a new courthouse downtown.
- Option B: Renovate the existing suburban courthouse.
Model Essay:
I would support Option A—building a downtown courthouse. Accessibility for the majority of citizens is crucial for a fair justice system. A downtown location ensures easier access via public transport, better facilities, and economic revitalization of the area. Renovating the suburban courthouse may save costs, but it continues to disadvantage those without cars and fails to modernize infrastructure fully. By investing in a central courthouse, the city promotes both justice and community growth.
Prompt 3 – Guest Lecturer Choice
A university must choose between:
- Scholar A: Famous but less engaging speaker.
- Scholar B: Lesser-known but highly engaging and relatable.
Model Essay:
I would recommend Scholar B. The goal of a lecture is not prestige but effective communication. Students benefit most when ideas are presented clearly and engagingly. Scholar A’s fame may boost publicity, but if students are uninspired, the event loses its purpose. Scholar B’s ability to engage ensures meaningful learning and discussion. Therefore, Scholar B is the better choice.
Prompt 4 – Environmental Policy
The government must choose between:
- Option A: Enforcing strict pollution controls on factories.
- Option B: Providing incentives for clean technology adoption.
Model Essay:
I support Option B. Incentives encourage innovation and cooperation rather than resistance. While strict controls can reduce pollution, they often create hostility and legal disputes. Incentives reward progress, attract green investment, and create a sustainable system where industries willingly transition. Although controls may show faster results, long-term success comes from innovation. Incentives balance growth and environmental protection better.
Prompt 5 – Legal Aid Funding
The state must allocate limited funds to:
- Option A: Expanding criminal defense services.
- Option B: Strengthening civil legal aid (housing, employment, family).
Model Essay:
I would choose Option A. Criminal cases involve constitutional rights and liberty itself. Without strong defense services, innocent individuals risk wrongful convictions. While civil legal aid is important, criminal defense ensures the foundation of justice. Protecting liberty should take priority, and strengthening defense services upholds the fairness of the justice system.
Prompt 6 – Law School Journal Focus
The student editors must decide whether the law school journal should:
- Option A: Focus on publishing student-written articles.
- Option B: Focus on featuring prominent external scholars.
Model Essay:
I would support Option A. A law school journal should primarily serve its students by providing a platform for scholarly development. Publishing student work builds research skills, enhances resumes, and encourages academic engagement. While external scholars bring prestige, students benefit more when they actively contribute. By prioritizing student-written articles, the journal fulfills its educational mission while still allowing occasional contributions from scholars.
Prompt 7 – Pro Bono Policy
A law firm must decide whether to:
- Option A: Require every lawyer to complete a set number of pro bono hours.
- Option B: Make pro bono work voluntary but offer recognition to participants.
Model Essay:
I would choose Option A. Requiring pro bono ensures equal participation and guarantees that underserved communities receive legal help. Voluntary recognition risks uneven contributions and may leave critical needs unmet. Mandatory hours also reinforce the legal profession’s ethical duty to serve justice. While some may resent the obligation, the benefits to society outweigh minor resistance.
Prompt 8 – Jury Duty Reform
A state must choose between:
- Option A: Paying jurors higher compensation.
- Option B: Reducing the length of jury service.
Model Essay:
I would support Option B. Reducing jury service length lessens the burden on citizens, particularly those balancing jobs and family. While higher pay is attractive, it does not address time constraints, which are the main deterrent. Shorter terms would encourage broader participation, making juries more representative and fair.
Prompt 9 – Community Legal Education
A nonprofit has funding for one program:
- Option A: Free legal workshops for the public.
- Option B: Online legal resources accessible nationwide.
Model Essay:
I would select Option B. Online resources reach far more people, crossing geographic and economic barriers. While in-person workshops are interactive, their reach is limited. Digital content provides lasting, scalable, and cost-effective access to knowledge. Therefore, investing in online resources maximizes impact and accessibility.
Prompt 10 – Public Defender Training
The government must decide between:
- Option A: Hiring more public defenders.
- Option B: Increasing training for existing defenders.
Model Essay:
I would choose Option B. Quality matters more than quantity. Well-trained defenders can handle cases more effectively, reducing errors and wrongful convictions. Hiring more defenders without training may lead to inefficiency. With better preparation, existing defenders will manage their caseloads with improved competence, ultimately strengthening justice delivery.
Mastering the LSAT Writing Sample takes practice, strategy, and structured thinking. The prompts and model essays in this guide (Batch 1: Prompts 1–10) give you a strong foundation to approach any LSAT writing scenario with confidence.
👉 Up next: We will cover Batch 2 (Prompts 11–20) with more real-world scenarios and polished responses. Bookmark this page and keep practicing to maximize your LSAT preparation.
For a full LSAT prep experience, explore our LSAT Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games), and Reading Comprehension. practice sets—all available free to help you excel.