Personal Statement- low cGPA

[GoodThingsHappen]

I have a low cGPA due to financial difficulties (I worked part time throughout undergrad ) and family issues (unstable home environment, dysfunctional family). I went to a local university as a commuter and couldn’t afford to move out. I’m not sure how I should discuss this in my personal statement. I’m also not sure how much detail I should share. Although my cGPA is low (3.15), there is an upward trend as my L2 and B2 are higher than my cGPA.

Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks!

[CleanHands]

Without intending to trivialize the other issues you allude to, I would absolutely advise against using the fact that you had to work part-time as an excuse/justification for poor grades. Part-time work during undergrad (whether out of financial need or otherwise) is incredibly common and not an exceptional circumstance at all, and I could see this rubbing people in adcomm the wrong way because that's the effect it has on me at least.

[WiseGhost]

I don't know if you are planning on applying directly out of law school, but a narrative about having improved executive skills and being ready for law school becomes more compelling after a couple of years of work experience. Even when there are circumstances that impact grades, schools need to be convinced that the applicant would have succeeded without those circumstances. 

I would focus on writing as a strong of a statement as you can, and to possibly make the point that those difficult circumstances made you emotionally prepared for difficult times as a law student and lawyer.