Most law schools require two letters of recommendation. Having to ask for a letter of recommendation can prove to be just as stressful as all the other parts of applying to law school. Most people who plan on attending law school have made that decision by the time they begin their college career. Knowing that you will eventually need a letter of recommendation from at least two of your professors should encourage you to build good relationships with at least some of your professors.
When I attended college, I had many professors who I enjoyed and had good relationships with. But once I left their classes, I did not keep in touch despite the fact that some of them asked that I did. It wasn’t because I did not care to or did not like the professors, it was just because I went on to different classes and different professors and failed to make the necessary effort. I am just not one of those people, which is not an excuse since I am the one who needed them in the end. Keeping in touch is essential if you plan on needing these professors for letters of recommendation later. Imagine if you were a professor with hundreds of students each year and one of your students from years ago sent you a request for a letter of recommendation. Not that I don’t think I was memorable but who is to know how many memorable students your professors have had.
When it came time to ask for letters of recommendation, I did not feel right about asking professors that I had not kept in contact with and who probably did not even remember me. Thankfully, I happen to have two professors that I built really good relationships with during the end of my college career that I felt comfortable requesting letters of recommendation from when that time came. I also made sure to stay in contact with them after I graduated since I took a year off before attending law school. If I needed more letters of recommendation, I would go to the professors from my last year of college instead of professors from earlier on because those professors are more likely to remember who I am.
If you are unable to receive letters of recommendation from professors, you can also get letters of recommendation from employers. Letters from professors would be a better option, however, since it will demonstrate your abilities at school.