Writing a character reference is a significant responsibility that demands careful consideration and clarity. Whether for legal or professional reasons, your words can greatly influence someone’s future. A well-crafted character reference letter emphasises a person’s integrity, values, and community contributions, assisting decision-makers in forming a fair and informed view of them.
At Owen Hodge Lawyers, we specialise in helping clients navigate legal processes, including the preparation of effective character references that present individuals positively. If you require support in drafting a strong, persuasive reference, our team is ready to ensure your document is clear, professional, and impactful.
Let’s look at essential strategies for creating a compelling character reference.
What is a Character Reference Letter?
A character reference is a written statement that offers insight into an individual’s character, values, and reputation. Unlike a professional reference, which centres on work experience and skills, a character reference focuses on a person’s integrity, behaviour, and contributions to the community.
When is a Character Reference Needed?
Character references are often necessary in various situations, such as:
Legal Cases – Presented in court to support an individual’s good character, remorse, or positive contributions to society.
Employment Applications – Some employers seek character references to evaluate a candidate’s trustworthiness and reliability.
Rental Applications – Landlords may request a character reference to assess whether a tenant is responsible and respectful.
Immigration and Visa Applications – Government authorities may require references to verify a person’s background and good standing.
Regardless of the purpose, a well-crafted character reference can influence decisions and have a positive effect on the recipient’s future.
Let’s look at key strategies for writing an effective character reference.
How to Word a Character Reference
A well-crafted character reference should be professional, clear, and credible, presenting the individual positively. The tone must be respectful and objective, steering clear of emotional or exaggerated language. Whether the reference is for legal, employment, or other purposes, the aim is to provide an honest, specific, and well-structured statement that accurately reflects the person’s character.
4 Key Tips for How to Word a Character Reference
Use Professional Language – Maintain a polite and formal tone, avoiding slang or casual expressions.
Be Concise but Specific – Offer relevant details about the person’s character, values, and positive contributions.
Include Concrete Examples – Instead of general praise, provide specific instances where the individual demonstrated responsibility, honesty, or kindness.
Maintain Objectivity – Ensure your reference is balanced and factual, rather than overly emotional or dramatic.
What to Avoid in a Character Reference
Emotional Bias – Steer clear of excessive sentimentality or personal opinions lacking supporting facts.
Vague Statements – Phrases like “They are a great person” are insufficient—include genuine examples of their positive qualities.
Overstating or Exaggerating – An overly glowing or unrealistic reference may lose credibility.
Omitting Specific Examples – A strong reference should include at least one or two real-life situations that highlight the individual’s strengths.
Using Inappropriate Language or Tone – Maintain a formal, neutral, and respectful tone at all times.
Speaking Poorly of Others – Avoid comparing the person to other candidates, victims, or external factors.
Suggesting an Outcome in Legal Matters – If the reference pertains to a court case, do not recommend a penalty or verdict—focus on character observations.
False or Misleading Statements – Always be truthful; dishonesty in a reference can be damaging if uncovered.
Including Irrelevant Information – Keep the reference focused on the individual’s character, steering clear of unrelated personal details.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure your character reference is professional, credible, and effective.
How to Write a Character Reference for Court
A character reference for court should be clear, professional, and based on facts, offering a truthful account of the person’s character. Courts use these letters to gauge an individual’s moral standing, remorse, and efforts towards improvement. Below is a guide on how to write character reference for court.
Start with an introduction
Your introduction should clarify who you are, your relationship with the individual, and the purpose of the reference.
– State that you are providing a character reference for the person appearing in court.
– Identify your relationship with them (e.g., employer, colleague, friend, or family member).
– Mention how long you have known them and in what context (e.g., workplace, community, or personal life).
– Describe their general character and level of responsibility, both personally and professionally.
– If relevant, comment on:
– Their lack of prior legal issues (if applicable).
– Their remorse for the offence.
– Their willingness to make amends or efforts towards rehabilitation.
Character Reference Examples – Opening Statement:
“My name is [Your Name], and I have known [Defendant’s Name] for [X] years in my role as [Relationship – employer, friend, mentor, etc.]. I am writing this reference to provide the court with insight into [Defendant’s Name] character, as I have observed it personally over the years.”
Include specific examples of the person’s positive behavior or community contribution
To strengthen your reference, provide clear examples of the individual’s positive traits and contributions to their community or workplace.
– Describe their personality traits, such as kindness, integrity, responsibility, or commitment to family and work.
– Use real examples to illustrate their character, such as volunteering, helping others, or demonstrating a strong work ethic.
– If applicable, highlight personal growth or rehabilitation efforts, especially in response to the legal matter.
– Mention their work ethic, reliability, and attitude, particularly if they have stable employment.
Character Reference Examples – Body:
“Sharon is a kind and caring person who volunteers at the local soup kitchen every Saturday morning. She consistently prioritises the wellbeing of others and is well-respected in her community. Even after facing legal challenges, she has shown genuine remorse and is actively working to make amends by participating in community service.”
Wrap up the letter with a strong recommendation
Conclude the letter by reaffirming your support for the individual, maintaining a professional and respectful tone.
– Express confidence in their character and their ability to learn from their mistakes.
– If relevant, mention the steps they have already taken to improve their behaviour.
– Avoid suggesting sentences or court outcomes—simply provide a character assessment.
Character Reference Examples – Conclusion:
“In my time knowing [Defendant’s Name], I have found them to be a person of strong morals and a genuine commitment to improvement. I believe this experience has been a learning moment for them, and they are dedicated to making positive changes. I trust that the court will consider these aspects of their character when making its decision.”
Remember to properly date and sign the document
– Include the date the letter was written.
– Sign the letter with your full name and provide your contact details.
– If writing on behalf of an organisation, use official letterhead if possible.
Ensure legal review and availability for testifying
– Before submission, have a legal professional review the letter to ensure it meets court standards.
– Be prepared to attend court if necessary, as the judge may request verification of the reference.
Character Reference Letter Example
While the format of a character reference may differ based on its purpose—be it for legal matters, job applications, rental agreements, or other contexts—the essential components of the letter remain consistent. Below is a sample structure that can be tailored to any situation.
Introduction (Establish Relationship & Purpose)
“My name is [Your Name], and I have known [Person’s Name] for [X years]. We met through [context—e.g., work, community involvement, family connection], and over the years, I have built a strong [personal/professional] relationship with them. Throughout this time, I have come to know them as a [reliable, hardworking, honest, kind, etc.] individual. I am writing this reference to share insights into [Person’s Name]’s character and their positive contributions.”
Body Paragraph (Highlight Character Traits & Contributions)
“During my time knowing [Person’s Name], they have consistently shown [trustworthiness, dependability, strong moral values]. They have significantly contributed to [community/workplace] by [specific example, such as volunteering at a shelter, mentoring others, or consistently exceeding expectations at work]. In both their professional and personal life, they are recognised for their [dedication, leadership, and ability to support others].”
Conclusion (Final Recommendation & Contact Information)
“I wholeheartedly recommend [Person’s Name] as a [candidate for a job, responsible individual in legal proceedings, reliable tenant, etc.]. Their character is exemplary, and I have complete confidence in their ability to [positively contribute to a workplace, take responsibility, be a trusted community member, etc.]. Should you need any further information, please feel free to contact me at [your phone number or email].”
Signature & Date
[Your Full Name]
[Your Position/Occupation (if applicable)]
[Your Contact Information]
How Owen Hodge Lawyers Can Help
At Owen Hodge Lawyers, we recognise that a well-crafted character reference is vital in legal matters, impacting how a court views an individual. With extensive experience in guiding clients through legal processes, our team offers expert assistance in creating effective and compelling character references that meet court standards.
If you require help in organising your reference, ensuring compliance with legal criteria, or fine-tuning your language to accurately reflect the individual’s character, our legal team is ready to assist. We collaborate closely with clients to ensure their references emphasise important traits, provide solid examples, and uphold a professional tone.
Need a professionally prepared character reference for court? Reach out to Owen Hodge Lawyers today for expert legal guidance and tailored advice.
FAQs About Writing a Character Reference
A character reference serves to provide insight into an individual’s personality, integrity, and moral character. In legal situations, it can show remorse, rehabilitation, and community involvement, which can affect how the court perceives the case.
A character reference should come from someone familiar with the individual who can give an objective and credible account of their character.
Typical referees include:
– Employers or colleagues (for work ethic and reliability).
– Friends, mentors, or community members (for personal integrity and contributions).
– Religious leaders, coaches, or teachers (for moral character and responsibility).
While family members can provide a character reference, their perspectives may be viewed as less objective due to personal connections. In legal contexts, references from professionals or community members often carry more weight, though a family member’s input can still be useful in personal situations like family court.
A character reference letter should be clear, concise, and relevant. Ideally, it should be:
– One page long (or 250–500 words).
– Organised with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
– Focused on specific qualities and examples rather than vague statements.
Judges, employers, or other recipients may need to review multiple references, so it’s important to keep the letter brief yet impactful.
The format of a character reference depends on the recipient’s requirements. Before submission, confirm their preferred format. Common options include:
– Typed (Preferred Format): A professional, clearly typed document in Word or PDF format is standard, particularly in legal and employment contexts.
– Handwritten: Some recipients may accept a neatly written letter, but typed documents are generally preferred for readability, especially by courts.
– Electronic Submission: Some organisations allow references to be submitted via email or uploaded to an online portal.
– Proof of Receipt: In legal matters, references may need to be sent via Certified Mail or Proof of Service for verification.
– Signed and Notarised (If Required): Some references may require a signature and, in certain legal situations, notarisation.
Always check the formatting requirements and preferred delivery method before submitting a character reference.
A general template can be a useful starting point, but it’s crucial to tailor the reference to its specific purpose. Different contexts require particular language and focus, such as:
– Legal cases: The emphasis may differ based on practice area (e.g., family law vs. criminal law, and wills & estates).
– Job applications: Should highlight professional skills, work ethic, and reliability.
– Rental agreements: Must assure landlords of the individual’s financial responsibility and behaviour as a tenant.
– Immigration and visa applications: Should concentrate on community involvement, moral character, and integration into society.
Using a generic template may dilute the impact of the reference. Customising the content ensures it is relevant, credible, and effective for the specific situation.
A lawyer can assist in creating a strong and effective character reference letter, ensuring it meets the legal requirements and supports your case.
At Owen Hodge Lawyers, our team offers tailored advice to help structure references for various legal contexts, including:
Family Law – Supporting custody or parenting matters with references that highlight responsibility and parenting abilities.
Criminal Law – Demonstrating remorse, rehabilitation, and good character in court proceedings.
Personal Injury Cases – Providing insights into an individual’s integrity and credibility for claims.
Employment & Immigration Matters – Strengthening applications by showcasing the applicant’s trustworthiness and community contributions.
Keep in mind, a poorly written reference can sometimes do more harm than good, so having legal guidance ensures the content is relevant, well-structured, and impactful.
If you need help with how to write character reference for court, contact Owen Hodge Lawyers today for expert assistance!