[kddani]

Definately go for the academics, and for who knows you best.

If Lawyer A from XYZ firm is a neighbor who doesn't know you on a more intimate level that just an occasional get together or passerby, it's not going to carry as much weight as from a professor who you've had in several classes who knows your work ethic.

If you think the lawyer can write an indepth assessment of your talents and capabilities, go for it. If he's just going to serve the purpose of hey, XYZ lawyer wrote her a letter, then it's not worth it.

Basically it comes down to (this goes for references as well)- it's better to have someone who knows your work write you a letter than go for someone who may have a higher level of prestige but not really know you very well.

I was definately in your position about finding letters of rec- going to a large school and having 3 majors, I didn't really get to know many of my profs on a very deep level, and it was tough to find 2 to write letters. But keep trying.

Also, law schools care more about your academic potential.

Good luck!