Other sources are The Insider's Guide to the Top 15 Law Schools and Top Law Schools. Go for substance over name-dropping. If you can get a great rec from an important person, then you're in good shape. As for etiquette, you should allow at least a few weeks for writing recommendations. Be sure to ask that they be ready by a certain d ate, not just sometime before the application deadline.
Personal statements are just that, personal.
There is no magic formula. Beware of trying to be too different. Very few attempts at unique personal statements come off well. If you were ever invol ved with the Plan II admissions process, you will have a good feel for what to avoid. Whatever you choose to write about, let others read it before you send it.