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Cover Letter Advice & Samples

Cover letter advice and samples.

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Draft your cover letter knowing it is your first writing sample.
Understand that a cover letter should persuade the reader.
Use the cover letter to “connect the dots” of your experiences.
Resist the temptation to restate your resume.
Keep your cover letter to one page.
Use the font style and point size that match your resume.
Remember that the reader is busy: less is more.
Ensure your cover letter is error free.

Cover Letter Construction

Address block and salutation.

Address the cover letter to an actual person.
Research websites or call employer to determine recipient’s name.
If you cannot find the name of a hiring contact, address your letter to the head of the unit, department, or office.
While this is the least-preferred option, you may address your letter to “Dear Hiring Committee” if you cannot locate the name of an actual person.
For firms, address your letter to the recruiting director. For larger firms, contact information for recruiting directors is available at www.nalpdirectory.com in the Basic Information section.
In the salutation, include the recipient’s title and last name (e.g., “Dear Ms. Raintree”) or write the recipient’s entire name (e.g., “Dear Jamie Morales”).

Paragraph One

Tell the employer who you are and what you are seeking.
Highlight (past, present, and future) geographic connections.
Indicate if you have talked to students/faculty/friends/alumni who speak highly of the organization.

Paragraph Two

Show that you understand the employer’s mission/practice, the work its attorneys do, and the clients it serves.
Demonstrate your proven interest in and connection to that mission/practice, work, and clients.

Paragraph Three

Describe skills you will contribute to support that mission/practice, work, and clients.
Provide evidence from your experiences and coursework.

Paragraph Four

List the documents included with the letter.
Tell the employer how to get in touch with you by email, telephone, and mail.
Convey your availability for a conversation, mentioning upcoming trips to the area.
Thank the employer for considering you.
Mention availability of Yale summer funding, if applicable.
Optional: Promise that you will follow up in a few weeks if you think the employer would appreciate the diligence.

Sample Cover Letters (PDF)

First Year Student Examples | Second Year Student Examples | Third Year Student Examples

Business Posts

How to Write a Legal Cover Letter for Law Firms (that Gets you Noticed)

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Whether you’re just starting your legal journey or are an experienced legal professional seeking a new role, there’s no way around it: demand for legal positions is high, and the job outlook for lawyers in the US grows at a faster-than-average pace . Pair this industry growth with movement from lawyers already working in the industry (the 2022 Legal Trends Report found that in the 12 months before April 2022, nearly one in five lawyers left the law firm they were working for, and nine percent planned to leave their firm in the next six months), and it’s clear that many lawyers will find themselves needing to stand out in a competitive job market.

However, despite the high demand for legal positions, people still need legal expertise—and law firms need capable legal professionals to fill open roles.

Whether you’re a law student, recent graduate, or experienced legal professional, this post will help you with your legal cover letter writing. We’ve started by providing sample cover letters for legal positions below and will then guide you through the essentials of writing a compelling cover letter for law firms.

Legal cover letter examples

If you’re feeling overwhelmed when drafting a cover letter for law firms, don’t worry. Seeing a legal cover letter example can give you the confidence to write your own. Below, we’ve compiled some sample cover letters for legal positions, covering different backgrounds and levels of experience.

Cover letter examples for summer associates and interns, Columbia Law School.
Cover letter examples for 1L – 3L students, Harvard Law School .
Cover letter examples for 1L – 3L students, Yale Law School .
Cover letter example for applying to an immigration law firm by a recent graduate with previous paralegal experience .
Cover letter example for applying to a Big Law firm, Boston University.
Cover letter example for an IP lawyer with 11 years experience, Monster .
Cover letter example for a litigation attorney with 12 years experience, My Perfect Resume .
Cover letter examples for applying for private sector roles, Yale Law School .
Cover letter example for seeking a summer judicial internship, University of Georgia School of Law .

Berkeley Law also provides an excellent guide for legal cover letters.

You can start by using one of these examples as inspiration when structuring your cover letter and what you may want to highlight. You can also take insights from these sample cover letters for lawyers—insights you can apply to your own cover letter when following our tips below.

How to draft a cover letter for a law firm

It’s one thing to review examples of legal cover letters, but how to write one? By following the standard etiquette and structure—and then personalizing it—you can draft an effective cover letter. First, let’s review some legal cover letter best practices.

Addressing cover letters for lawyers

To whom it may concern: Always take the time to find the correct contact. When writing cover letters for law firms, it’s a common misstep to dedicate so much time and attention to the body of the letter that you overlook the basics—like who and how you’re addressing the letter.

Here are some best practices for addressing your legal cover letter:

Know who you’re speaking to. Do your research and be specific. Address your cover letter to the person responsible for hiring at the firm you’re contacting, like the senior partner or hiring manager. If you don’t have this information, the law firm’s website might come in handy, or you can contact the law firm’s human resources department for guidance.
Be careful with salutations. The salutation is a place to convey respect and showcase that you’ve taken the time to personalize the letter. Mistakes in the salutation are a sign that you’ll miss details, which won’t bode well for your chances of impressing your potential employer. If you’re certain of the recipient’s preferred gender-identifying language, you can write the salutation as “Dear Ms.” or “Dear Mr.”; however, if you aren’t certain (and don’t make assumptions) or you don’t want to use gender-identifying language, drop the “Ms.” or “Mr.” and write out the person’s full first and last name.
Double-check your spelling. People will always notice if you spell their name wrong, and there are multiple ways to spell even common names. Ensure you start on the right foot by getting the basics right.

Introductory paragraph

In your cover letter’s opening paragraph, you have two main goals:

Introduce who you are.
Explain why you’d be a good fit for this particular firm.

In the first paragraph, include details about:

Who you are. Are you currently a law student? Are you an associate at a law firm?
Who you know. Mention any referrals or mutual acquaintances right away.
Why you’d be a great fit for the firm. Include specific reasons—you’re looking for a way to create connections with the senior partner or hiring manager.

Main cover letter body

The body section of your cover letter is your chance to shine—and to concisely summarize exactly how you meet the requirements in the job description.

In one or two paragraphs, give a high-level overview of your legal education and experience to show:

Why you want to work for this firm. Elaborate on what makes you genuinely excited about the firm—whether it is an area of interest you’ve specialized in, the firm’s reputation or mission, or past experiences that will make you a uniquely good fit.
Why this firm should hire you. Make clear connections between your qualifications and aspects of the role you’re applying for. If there is a job posting, look closely for key attributes that the firm is looking for, and then detail how you meet those expectations.

Highlighting your qualifications

Above all else, ensure your legal cover letter highlights your skills. Relevant qualifications for a law firm cover letter include:

Past legal work experience or positions.
Community service roles.
Academic or research specializations.
Publications.
Relevant awards you’ve received.
Your personal background.

For example, consider a job posting that describes their ideal candidate as someone with personal injury litigation experience, excellent communication skills, and who works well both independently and as a part of a team in a fast-paced office environment.

If you were applying for this role, your cover letter’s body paragraphs might detail your past personal injury litigation experience and specific examples of how you’ve successfully communicated within a team and in a fast-paced environment.

Remember: Be specific, but keep in mind that this is not the place to restate your resume —if you can grab the hiring manager’s attention here, they will read your resume for those details. Your cover letter is where you can entice the reader to move on to your resume by providing context and highlighting how your experience lines up with what’s needed for the role.

For tips on writing a standout lawyer resume, read our blog post here.

Concluding paragraph

Finally, your concluding paragraph is where you’ll succinctly wrap the cover letter up, close the loop, and leave a positive impression. In your closing paragraph, be sure to:

Say thank you. Gratitude can make a difference, so always thank the reader for their consideration.
Assert your next steps. It’s fine to clearly outline how and when you will follow up on your application, rather than waiting indefinitely for an answer. And, if you say that you’ll follow up at a specific time, be sure to do it—and hold yourself to your word.
Provide relevant contact details. Let the reader know how to reach you by phone or email, if these details are not already outlined in your letter’s header.

Tips for using your legal cover letter to stand out

The legal industry is rapidly evolving, and job hunters need to set themselves apart to get hired (unless, of course, you decide to start your own law firm ).

If you’re applying for a job as a lawyer, whether it’s a traditional position or a legal work-from-home job , here are five tips to make sure your cover letter lands at the top of the pile.

1. Make it personal

Perhaps the most important tip for writing cover letters for lawyers is to make it personal.

Many of your competitors have similar education and professional experience, so being generic is a fast track to being forgotten.

Use a personalized cover letter to showcase the unique reasons why you’re the best candidate. Show that you know the person you’re writing to, and highlight any connections. If that isn’t possible, you can always write about the firm to show that you’ve done your research.

2. Prioritize the positive

When writing a lawyer cover letter, focus on what you have to offer. Regardless of why you’re looking for a new job, you bring a unique mix of attributes to the table. Highlight these attributes, whether they’re your:

Other legal careers
Relevant work experience

If you’re a law student or recent graduate, you may not have a long legal career to highlight. However, you can still note strengths like technology skills that make you an asset.

To a hiring law firm, being tech-competent and familiar with certain cloud-based tools like Clio could be an advantage that sets you apart from other candidates.

For example, more and more law firms are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help them run their practices more efficiently, with the 2023 Legal Trends Report finding that nearly one in five legal professionals are using some form of AI in their practices already. With this in mind, lawyers up-to-date with AI technology may stand out for hiring law firms.

3. Get to the point

Legal cover letters are not the place to be long-winded, and droning on will almost certainly have the opposite effect of what you’re going for. Keep cover letters for attorneys short, to the point, and persuasive—the trick is to be memorable and limit yourself to one page. Because you want to make a lasting impression on a single page, it’s also a good idea to check your cover letter’s sentence structure. Do you start all of your sentences the same way? Are they all the same length? Ensure there’s some variety so your reader stays engaged.

4. Set the right tone

Tone matters. While what you say in a cover letter for lawyers is obviously important, it also matters how you say it.

No matter what type of legal job you’re applying for, you always want to convey a professional tone. However, depending on the law firm you’re applying to, using a personal tone may work to your advantage. Tailor your tone to match the law firm you’re applying to.

If you’re writing a Big Law cover letter, for example, you’ll want to err on the side of being more formal. For a smaller local law firm? Check their website and match the tone to demonstrate your familiarity with their firm.

5. Proofread

There is zero room for typos or grammatical errors in cover letters for lawyers. With so much competition for legal jobs, don’t give hiring managers a reason to eliminate you. Take the time to carefully proofread your cover letter yourself, and consider enlisting someone else to proofread your cover letters as well.

Final thoughts on how to write a legal cover letter for a law firm

In a crowded legal job market, there’s no better way to outshine the competition than an excellent legal cover letter. Ensure you’re putting your best foot forward with your future employer by:

Making it personal. At every step, customize your cover letter to the firm you’re applying to—from the tone to the specific skills you detail.
Keeping it brief. Cover letters for lawyers are a one-page summary to let the hiring manager know that you’re a candidate they should talk to further. You want to give them enough information to draw them in, but not overwhelm them and risk losing interest.
Showcasing your strengths. Focus on the positives, and don’t be afraid to highlight how your past experiences make you uniquely qualified.

While finding a new legal job in a competitive market isn’t exactly easy, staying resilient and adaptive will lead you to success. By crafting a great cover letter, you’re more likely to be noticed in this—and any—job market.

And, no matter what job you’re applying for, knowing technology can help set you apart—both when job hunting and once you’re working at your new firm. If you’re a law student and want a head start, you may be able to get free Clio access via Clio’s Academic Access Program (CAAP) at your law school. Learn more about CAAP here .

Do law firms read cover letters?

In a competitive job market, hiring managers at law firms read cover letters to help determine which candidates may be the best fit. A well-written legal cover letter can entice the reader to review your resume—and, hopefully, invite you for an interview—by showcasing how your experience and skills align with the role.

We published this blog post in June 2020. Last updated: June 13, 2024 .

Categorized in: Business

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Law student cover letter: what you need to know + samples.

Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 4/12/24

Need to write a law student cover letter? We’ve got you covered! Below, we discuss the dos and don’ts of writing a cover letter for law school.

A cover letter is often an overlooked aspect of any application, but it is the first thing potential employers read. If your cover letter doesn’t impress the reader, your entire application risks being passed over.

If you are unsure of how to write a strong cover letter, look no further. We’ll outline key tips, review examples of cover letters, and answer some frequently asked questions. Let’s get started!

What Is a Law Student Cover Letter?

A law student cover letter is a document a law student submits with their resume to potential employers for internships or employment opportunities within their field of study.

It serves as a personalized introduction and persuasive pitch to potential employers. This letter connects the applicant's qualifications and experiences listed in their resume to the specific position they're applying for, highlighting their suitability for the role.

It concludes with a call to action, expressing interest in an interview. Moreover, a cover letter is a tool for law students to demonstrate their qualifications and enthusiasm, aiming to secure an interview and the desired role.

Why Do You Need a Cover Letter as a Law Student?

Cover letters are a key part of any job application, whether you are in law school or not. It is important to include a cover letter unless specified otherwise, especially if you’re applying to multiple law schools . They allow you to demonstrate professionalism and show off your communication and writing skills.

Cover letters are important for law students; they allow you to discuss important qualifications and experiences that aren’t always included within your resume, such as extracurricular activities . Here’s the information you should include in your cover letter:

Research experience and activities
Coursework
Other valuable skills

A cover letter for law students is a great opportunity to share your accomplishments and skills outside of your work experience.

What to Include in Your Law Student Cover Letter

Your cover letter is the first thing an employer will read, so be positive and enthusiastic! While your resume outlines your relevant work experience and education, it doesn’t show off your personality.

A cover letter can be a great opportunity to humanize yourself to the employer and make them want you to be a part of their team.

Berkeley Law outlines the precise content you should include in your cover letter :

First Paragraph : Introduce yourself and why you are interested in applying for the position.
Body Paragraphs : This is where you show off all your work experience, research, achievements, qualifications, and other skills that are related to the position you are applying to. Be persuasive but not too showy. Remember to be honest and genuine.
Final Paragraph : To conclude, thank the employer for taking the time to read and consider your application, and leave contact information for a prospective interview. Remain positive and confident that you will get an interview!

While these are just suggestions to help you get started and structure your cover letter, you should try to follow this format as closely as you can.

What NOT to Include in Your Law Student Cover Letter

It is tempting to highlight all of your experiences, but that is not the purpose of a cover letter. Cover letters should be concise and to the point. You should only mention experiences that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

When deciding which experiences to include, focus on those that you have completed recently. You only have a few short paragraphs to sell yourself to employers, so be sure to avoid accomplishments from over three years ago.

You also want to avoid being negative, doubtful, or coming across as insecure in your cover letter.

Formatting Tips for Law Students Cover Letter

Understanding the structure of a cover letter for a law student is essential to creating an impressive and effective application for legal internships or job opportunities. Here are some easy to follow tips to help you format your cover letter.

1. Include a Header

Prior to writing the main sections of your cover letter, review and update your personal information. Make it easily accessible by positioning your contact details in the header section at the top of the letter.

This includes your full name, email address, phone number, city, state, and date. This ensures the hiring manager can quickly locate your information for interview scheduling.

2. Address the Hiring Manager

Begin your letter with a professional and personalized greeting by addressing the hiring manager by name, incorporating their appropriate title (e.g., Mr. or Ms.). If you don't have their name, conduct online research, as law firms often provide employee information on their websites.

In cases where you can't find a name, you can use the standard "Dear Hiring Manager" as your greeting.

3. Page Format and Length

When crafting your cover letter, remember to keep it concise, fitting all content onto a single page. Structure it with an introductory paragraph, followed by one to three skill-highlighting paragraphs, and wrap it up with a concluding paragraph. This format ensures that your message is clear and impactful while respecting the reader's time.

4. Margins and Alignment

Ensure you follow the standard margins , typically one inch on all sides. If you opt for smaller margins, such as around 0.7 inches, make sure to maintain consistency across all sides of the page.

Additionally, align all paragraphs to the left for a clean and conventional presentation, although some choose to use an indentation for the first line of each paragraph, although this is less common in modern formatting.

5. Use a Suitable Sign-Off

Conclude your cover letter with a professional and balanced tone. It shows your professionalism, which law firms often value in candidates. Consider sign-offs like "Regards," "Sincerely," or "Best Regards." Allow some space after this closing for your name.

Law Student Cover Letter Example

We have some sample legal cover letters from law students below to give you an idea of tone, style, and length.

Here is an example of a strong cover letter for a first-year law student at Yale University:

Dear [Employer’s Name]:

I am a first-year student at Yale Law School seeking a position with Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle for Summer 20XX. I am a native New Yorker and hope to work in New York City this coming summer.

I am interested in your firm because of its international law practice generally and, more particularly, because of your firm’s presence in France and numerous French clients. Your Paris office’s focus in the areas of international commercial arbitration, as well as corporate, banking, and finance work, aligns with my long-term interests in a practice serving international corporations. Having lived and studied in Paris for one year during college and having served as a teaching assistant for French language and literature courses, I am fluent in French and knowledgeable about French culture. My undergraduate majors in International Relations and in Economics provided me with an understanding of many of the complex issues facing businesses with the increase in globalization. I plan to further my understanding of these issues as a member of the Yale Journal of International Law.

To your firm I will bring proven legal research, writing, and analytical skills that will support your firm and its clients. During my undergraduate education, I served as a member of the University Judiciary Committee, and as a student judge I heard cases, interpreted university codes, and wrote rulings summarizing the Committee’s conclusions. I also drafted a thesis in which I drew from archived primary sources and first-person interviews to write a fifty-page document over the course of a year. Here at Yale, through our first-year writing course this fall, I have streamlined my skills and adapted them to the legal environment. Next semester, I will enroll in YLS’s Advanced Legal Writing course to deepen my understanding and experience.

Attached please find my resume. If you would like me to provide you with additional materials, I would be more than happy to do so. I am confident that my background and skills will enable me to make a positive contribution to your clients. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

This is a successful cover letter because the individual outlines specific academic skills and experience that make them a qualified candidate. Remember, being specific is key to writing a strong cover letter.

Employers want to read about a couple of examples rather than a general (and usually vague) overview of all your qualifications and experiences.

For first year law students, you can highlight where you completed your undergrad and your major, as you will have most likely just completed this degree. You can also include why you are interested in pursuing a law career.

For those who are in their second year of law school, here is another excellent sample legal cover letter :

I am a second-year student at Yale Law School seeking employment with the Food Research and Action Center for the summer. If funding is not available for summer interns, Yale could fund my summer employment.

FRAC’s mandate to eradicate poverty-related hunger and undernutrition in the United States is compelling to me. I understand that through a combination of research, advocacy, program monitoring, training, collaboration, and public-information campaigns you seek to address the root causes of hunger. As a former nurse who has worked on issues of nutrition and health policy, I am very interested in the work of the Center in the areas of health law and nutrition in maternal and child health. I would greatly value the opportunity to work with and learn from your attorneys, policy analysts, and advocates.

I have practical work experience in these fields that would be of service to you and your clients. My work as an assistant ombudsperson at a major hospital helped me to understand the importance of nutrition for health and the need for advocacy on behalf of those who cannot effectively advocate for themselves. My experience with the National Health Law program exposed me to the legislative and policy side of health law and the value of legal training in public service. After my first year of law school, I was able to combine my nursing degree and health care experience with my new legal research and writing skills at the Center for Reproductive Law and Policy. This experience has strengthened my interest in grassroots organizing and advocacy of nutrition issues for low income Americans.

I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you or someone in your office about a position as a summer intern at the Center. I will call your office in the next few weeks to see whether it might be possible to arrange an interview and look forward to speaking with you then.

I have enclosed my resume, law school transcript, a writing sample, and a reference list. Should you require additional application materials, please let me know, and I will forward them to you immediately.

Thank you for your consideration.

Like the first example, this cover letter works so well because it clearly outlines and describes the specific experience of the candidate.

As a second year law student, the individual speaks about how their experience relates to the areas of law the student is interested in pursuing, demonstrating that the position the candidate is applying for will help them achieve their career goals.

These examples are a good starting point to structure your own letter off of, but remember to make your cover letter your own.

Cover Letter Template for a Law Student

Here is a cover letter template for law students provided by the University of Notre Dame.

Your City, State Zip

Your Phone Number

Your Email Address

Name of Contact Person

Title of Contact Person

Employer Name

Address City, State Zip

Dear Mr. (Ms.) last name of contact person:

First Paragraph: Tell why you are writing – name the position for which you are applying. If you have a personal referral or connection, mention it here. Identify your career goals and indicate why you are interested in working for this employer. If you have ties to or have lived in the area, mention it. Specify your interests in the type of work the employer does. Describe what is particularly appealing to you about the employer.

Second Paragraph: Show how your background qualifies you for the position. Point out the experience and coursework you have that relate to the employer's field or type of work. Focus on what skills or experiences you would bring to the employer. Emphasize pertinent items on your resume and supplement it with other details. Tie experience to tangible, transferable skills. Convince the employer that you would be an asset.

Third Paragraph: Restate your interest in working for the employer. Have an appropriate closing to pave the way for an interview. Indicate your willingness to interview personally by stating when you will be in the area or by offering to make yourself available at the employer's convenience. Thank the employer for his/her consideration.

Sincerely,

(leave 4 blank lines for signature)

Your full typed name

There are many law school application mistakes to avoid . If you’re having trouble writing your cover letter, this help template will aid you in writing a stellar one!

FAQs: Law Student Cover Letter

Still have questions about writing a cover letter for law school? We answer some of your frequently asked questions below.

1. How Do I Write a Cover Letter for a Law Student?

Before you begin writing any cover letter, familiarize yourself with the job posting, the company/organization you are applying to, and use words and phrases found in the job posting.

This will demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in the specific job, and will also show off your attention to detail (a skill employers always look for). After you have written the cover letter, proofread and edit for grammar and spelling errors before you submit your application.

2. What Should Be Included in a Cover Letter for Law?

Your cover letter should include:

Your Address and Contact Information
Your Full Name and Location
The Date of Your Application
A Brief Introduction to Yourself
Concise Outline of Professional and Academic Experience
Highlights of Why You Are Qualified for the Position
A Professional and Polite Closing

Highlight the school you’re attending, as law firms may prefer students from certain colleges.

Take your time when writing your cover letter; it takes quite a bit of work to craft an impactful one. However, a strong cover letter will maximize your chances of getting the job or internship you want, so it will be well worth it.

3. How Long Should a Law School Cover Letter Be?

A cover letter should only be one page long and broken up into a few short paragraphs for ease of reading. Make sure that you follow typical business correspondence formatting.

4. How Do You Address a Law School Cover Letter?

Normally, people have addressed cover letters with Mr. or Mrs. [Last name] . However, this may not always be appropriate because you do not know how the individual would like to be addressed.

Nowadays, people typically address employers with a simple Dear [First and last name] . This is still a personal and respectful way to address someone, and avoids assuming someone’s gender identity and offending them.

Yale Law School suggests addressing your cover letter to a specific individual rather than a vague ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam.’

5. Can I Use The Same Cover Letter For Multiple Law Schools?

Yes, you can use the same cover letter for multiple law schools . However, you may only reuse parts of it. It’s important that you personalize every cover letter you write and tailor it to the school you’re sending it to.

6. Do I Need Multiple Cover Letters?

Yes, you need multiple cover letters. You’ll need to personalize each cover letter you write. However, you can reuse parts of your cover letter that are generic.

Final Thoughts

Writing a cover letter is not as easy as many people may think. You need to pay close attention to detail, flex your communication and writing skills, and professionally brag about your accomplishments and capabilities in a way that compliments your resume.

If you would like help with your resume, we also have tips on building a great resume to go along with your cover letter. Good luck!

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Lawyer Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates & Tips for 2024)

You've come a long way to reach your legal goals.

From your early dreams to helping justice thrive to making a career in the world of law, your journey has been amazing.

But as you’re preparing for your next big professional step, there's a challenge: writing a great lawyer cover letter.

We don’t blame you; showing off your legal skills can be tough.

That’s why, in this article, we'll help you create a cover letter that highlights your skills and gets you closer to your dream legal job.

Here’s what’ll cover:

An Outstanding Lawyer Cover Letter Example
5 Essential Steps to Crafting a Top-tier Legal Cover Letter
3 Lawyer Cover Letter Tips

...and much more!

Lawyer Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Law Cover Letter

You've just had a glimpse of what a stellar cover letter looks like, and now you're well-equipped to craft your own .

It's as simple as following a few straightforward steps to make it shine, starting with:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Your cover letter should start with your contact information neatly placed in the header, just like on your resume.

Here's what you should include:

Full Name: Your complete name should be at the top of the page.
Professional Title: Tailor your professional title to match the precise job you're seeking. Hiring managers juggle applications for several roles at the same time, so making the position you’re interested in clear can help make their lives easier.
Email Address: Opt for a professional and straightforward email address, like a combination of your first and last name. Those quirky high school email addresses won't cut it. (e.g., [email protected] is good, but [email protected] isn't)
Phone Number: Ensure the number you provide is accurate for easy contact. If you're applying for an international position, include the appropriate dial code.
Location: Typically, your city and state or country suffice. However, if you're pursuing a remote position or considering relocation, make that clear in your lawyer cover letter.
Relevant Links (Optional): You can include links to pertinent websites or social media profiles, such as your LinkedIn.

Next, it's time to include the hiring manager's details:

Company Name: Specify the name of the company you're applying to.
Hiring Manager's Name: If possible, identify the hiring manager for the department you're interested in. You can check the job listing, the company's website, or their LinkedIn page to find this information.
Hiring Manager's Title: If you discover the name of the hiring manager for the specific job listing and realize they're the head of the department, use that instead of "Hiring Manager."
Location: Mention the city, state, or country, particularly for globally operating companies. If you want to be more specific, you can add the company's exact street address.
Email Address (Optional): If available, include the hiring manager's email address.
Date of Writing (Optional): Consider adding the precise date when you composed your cover letter for a professional touch.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

After jotting down all the necessary contact details, ensure you address your cover letter to its intended audience.

And, skip the old-fashioned "To Whom It May Concern" while you’re at it.

The way you address your cover letter can set a positive tone with the recruiter, especially if you give it some thought.

Start with a bit of digging around. Scour the job advertisement, law firm's website, or LinkedIn profile to pinpoint the person in charge of hiring for the position you're eyeing. A bit of effort can help you discover their name and email contact.

Next, greet them respectfully. Opt for Ms. or Mr., followed by their surname. If you're uncertain about their gender or marital status, simply use their complete name. For instance:

Dear Mr. Thompson,
Dear Jordan Thompson,

If you can’t find out their details, though, no worries! You can address your letter to the specific department or the law firm more broadly:

Dear Legal Department,
Dear Legal Hiring Committee,
Dear HR Selection Team,
Dear Lead Attorney,

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers often spend just seven seconds scanning an application to decide whether it’s worth their time and attention.

So, it's crucial to grab their attention fast with your lawyer cover letter.

Start your cover letter with your name and why you're interested in the legal job. Show your passion for law to make them want to know more about you.

Researching the law firm also helps. Knowing about their work and values lets you show what a great fit you’d be for the job. Not to mention, it proves you're really interested in this specific role, not just any role out there.

If you've got lots of legal experience, mention an important achievement , like a big case you've won, or special skills you have that are relevant to the position. But remember to keep your introduction short. Your aim is to get the hiring manager to read the rest of your cover letter.

Check out our other cover letter examples to write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The main part of your legal cover letter lets you explain why you're the right fit for the job in more detail.

The trick here is to not merely repeat your lawyer resume. This is where you get to put your top legal skills and experiences into the spotlight. Your goal? To show the hiring manager you're the best choice among all the candidates.

For starters, mention any big achievements in law and explain how you accomplished them or what skills it took you. Let the job ad guide you through for the best possible outcome. For example, if the role you’re gunning for is related to intellectual property law, focus on your knowledge of that instead of other law areas.

Additionally, show that you know about the firm's big cases or how they work. This proves you're really interested in working with them and that you fit their culture.

End by showing how passionate you are about the role. Say how you believe you can add value to their team with your legal skills and experience.

Also, make sure to avoid making any of these common cover letter mistakes to make sure your application is spotless.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Ending your cover letter is like giving a strong closing in court.

Make sure your ending leaves the hiring manager convinced about your abilities and interested in calling you in for an interview. It should build trust in what you offer and remove any doubts that you may not be the right fit for the role.

Your cover letter’s ending is your time to summarize your top legal skills and why you're a great fit for their team. Alternatively, talk about your biggest achievements or the unique things you can bring to the table.

After that, urge the hiring manager to take the next step by including a call to action. That could be a chat or an in-person meeting. This shows you're invested in the position and could help you get an interview.

Finally, when you sign off, stay professional. End with a simple sign-off and your full name. For example:

Should you wish for further clarification or insights regarding my legal qualifications, please reach out via the provided email or contact number. I eagerly anticipate the prospect of delving deeper into how I can contribute to your esteemed legal firm.

Yours sincerely,

If you feel "Yours sincerely" is rather commonplace, here are some alternative sign-offs tailored for the legal profession:

In utmost respect,
With appreciation,
Thank you for your due consideration,

3 Essential Law Cover Letter Tips

You've mastered the cover letter fundamentals! Let's step it up and delve into some key cover letter tips specifically designed for lawyers to make your letter truly stand out:

#1. Match Your Resume

When applying for a legal position, consistency is your best friend.

Make sure your cover letter matches your resume visually as much as it matches it in content quality. This will help you come across as attentive to detail and well-organized.

Your name and contact details should sit tidily on the page. Also, keep your fonts and their sizes uniform throughout both documents. Remember to also adjust the margins and space between lines to keep your cover letter to a single page .

Ready to make a great impression?

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Starting from scratch can be a drag.

Take advantage of our cover letter templates for a swift fix. Together with our free resume templates , they can be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Made hand-in-hand with global hiring pros, they hit all industry marks and just pop. Go on, match that resume with style!

#2. Emphasize Your Achievements

Highlighting your achievements isn't just about a humble brag; it's about showcasing the tangible results of your dedication and expertise.

When hiring managers sift through stacks of cover letters, they're not just looking for claims. They want evidence. They want to see that spark of exceptional talent and commitment. Achievements offer a snapshot of what you've accomplished and hint at what you're capable of achieving in the future.

Now, here's the tricky part. While your resume might list your achievements in bullet points, your cover letter should weave them into a compelling narrative. Think of it as telling a story, where your achievements serve as key plot points and demonstrate your ability to handle challenges and achieve results.

For instance, instead of just stating you led a high-profile case, delve a bit into the complexities of the case and how your innovative approach made a difference. Link these accomplishments directly to the requirements of the job you're applying for. This not only reinforces your capabilities but also illustrates your deep understanding of the role.

#3. Add Any Relevant Links

Including relevant links in your cover letter is like opening a door for hiring managers to step right into your professional world. While your resume provides a structured outline of your career journey, links offer a more dynamic glimpse into your accomplishments, be it published articles, notable cases, or a well-curated LinkedIn profile.

Imagine the hiring manager's perspective. They’re intrigued by your cover letter and think you might be a good fit. Now, instead of Googling you or hunting down that specific case you mentioned, they have instant access via a link you provided. It's immediate, efficient, and showcases your proactive nature.

Links also offer a chance for you to steer the narrative. By guiding hiring managers to specific pages or platforms, you're highlighting the parts of your career you're most proud of. It might be a detailed portfolio, showcasing your prowess in legal briefs, or perhaps glowing recommendations on your LinkedIn profile.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to crafting a stellar lawyer cover letter! Hopefully, you’re on track to secure that ideal legal position in no time.

But before you send off your cover letter, here are some main points from our article:

Start your lawyer cover letter by detailing both your contact information and that of the hiring attorney or law firm's HR representative. Ensure your details are accurate so that they can reach out to you for a potential interview.
The opening paragraph of your lawyer's cover letter should capture the interest of the hiring party, compelling them to continue reading.
In the main section of your cover letter, emphasize your most notable achievements and skills that align with the legal role you're pursuing.
It's effective to include a persuasive call to action towards the conclusion of your law firm cover letter, prompting the hiring party to consider calling you or arranging an interview.
Maintain a consistent design between your cover letter and resume. If you're short on time, think about using one of our resume and cover letter templates for a cohesive appearance.

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Cover Letters

E. common cover letter mistakes.

Vide o and Slides from the CDO program “ Cover Letters That Do The Job” and handouts: Job Postings & Tips and Sample PIPS Cover Letters .

Your cover letter is as important as your resume because it is often read first and plays a vital role in your quest for an interview. A cover letter is not a transmittal letter, and you may be surprised at how time-consuming it is to craft a good one. A cover letter has a purpose, which is to let an employer know why they should bother reading your resume and why they should meet you. It also serves as an example of your written work product; thus it should be clear, brief, and written in a business letter style, without any typographical errors.

1. Cover letters for unsolicited applications come in three main types:

Personal Letter. These are the most effective cover letters and are sent to people you have met or with whom you have a mutual acquaintance. These letters should all start with the sentence: “_______ recommended that I contact you.” As this type of letter is most likely to get a response, if you have any possibility of establishing this sort of connection to a prospective employer in advance of sending your letter, you should try your best to do so.
Targeted Letters. Next best thing. Targeted letters are based on research of the employer, and are individually tailored. Your letter should incorporate the information learned through your research to show the employer that you have skills they will be able to put to use.
Mass Mailers. Least desirable. These are generic except for the name and address of the employer, and have a very low success rate of getting interviews.

2. When you respond to a job listing, you will usually be requested to submit a cover letter as part of your application. In this case, use the job description and requested qualifications as a guide. While not simply imitating the language of the listing, your letter should demonstrate that you have what the employer is looking for.

3. A few employers at OCI request that students bring a cover letter to the initial interview. This is essentially to require students to think about why they want to work for this employer, but it makes for a letter which deviates from the usual “please consider me for an interview” approach. See below for suggestions on OCI cover letters.

Cover letters should follow standard business letter format, as to spacing, salutation, etc. If you are not sure of the fine points, consult a business correspondence reference source. Avoid abbreviations, contractions and shortcuts (such as a slash instead of “or”), although if there is an accepted short form of the name of the organization you are writing to (e.g., ACLU or Coblentz) it is acceptable to use it in the text of your letter. Your telephone number and email address should appear somewhere in the letter, either at the top with your address, or in the closing paragraph, when you ask them to contact you. Note that your resume is “enclosed,” not “attached” (which means clipped or stapled).

If you are not sure to whom you should send your letter, it is always acceptable to write to the executive director of a nonprofit, or the hiring partner or head of recruiting at a firm; they can forward your application to the appropriate person within the organization. If at all possible, write to an individual by name, not to “Director” or “Recruiting Coordinator.” Firm and organization web sites are very useful in finding this information (and for confirming correct spellings and the like); it may be more difficult to find the name of an individual addressee for government job opportunities. If you do not have the name of an individual, the salutation should be “Dear Sir or Madam” (not “To Whom It May Concern”). Of course if you are responding to a job posting, address your letter exactly as instructed.

As for the appropriate salutation, traditionally, it is “Dear [Mr./Ms.] [Last Name]. However, we understand that this prevailing business norm may not be inclusive of individuals who do not use either of those titles (for example, because they identify as gender nonconforming). One alternative, “Dear [First Name] [Last Name]”, avoids presuming how the recipient may identify, but it is not without some risk.

If you use this approach, a recipient less attuned to thinking about gender inclusivity (and accustomed to seeing only “Dear [Mr./Ms] [Last Name]”) may wrongly conclude that you were unfamiliar with professional etiquette or that you used a mail merge template and did not bother to customize it. While awareness around these issues is increasing, we believe that, unfortunately, it is still not a small number of recruiting representatives and attorneys who might draw the wrong conclusion.

One way to navigate this tricky situation might be to see if the recipient has an online presence (e.g., on the firm website or LinkedIn) that might give you a strong clue as to how they would like to be addressed. Otherwise, you will need to make your own judgment as to whether recipients are more likely to recognize your inclusivity or to view the greeting as awkward or erroneous.

In our office, we are also working to help employers become familiar with gender-inclusive approaches like “Dear [First Name] [Last Name],” but like any process of education, this will take time. In the meantime, our primary goal is to make sure that all Berkeley Law students are fully informed as you navigate legal job markets. We are always available to discuss individually what approach would be the best fit for you.

First Paragraph. Begin your letter with a statement of who you are and why you are writing. Introduce yourself as a law student (including the year you are in) or a graduate of Berkeley Law and specify what it is you are seeking: a summer job, an associate position, a clerkship, part-time work during the school year, etc.

The goal of this paragraph is to give the reader a reason to want to finish reading the letter. If you don’t have a personal connection to cite, try to establish a nexus between yourself and the employer, such as knowledge of their practice, an established commitment to or interest in their work, a connection to their city, or something else which conveys that you are not just writing to them as part of a mass mailing for any job in any location. (If that in fact is what you are doing, try not to be too obvious about it. An employer wants to think that you sought him or her out purposely rather than randomly.)

Body Paragraph(s). This is the section in which you “sell” your experience and qualifications to the employer. Your goal here is to answer the question, “Why should the employer meet you?”

Call attention to something which substantiates your interest in this particular employer. It could be coursework in their specialty, the recommendation of a professor in their area of practice, undergraduate residency in their city, or any other indication of your interest. Try also to show how your experiences will translate into skills which will be useful to this particular employer. Highlight relevant qualifications which are not on your resume, such as coursework, research, or a prior connection to the organization or the issues they work on. If you have general legal skills such as negotiation, litigation, client counseling, interviewing, mock trials, etc., you may want to include them. As much as possible, try to convey understanding of, and enthusiasm for, the aims of the organization.

Employers do not expect first-year students to have highly-developed legal skills to offer. Therefore, for first-year students writing to private firms, this section can be a single, short paragraph, unless you have a strong background in a relevant area. However, even inexperienced first-year students writing to public interest/sector organizations should make an effort to describe skills and interests that are relevant to the employer.

It is appropriate and not uncommon for a public interest cover letter to be somewhat more detailed or personal than a private sector cover letter. Of course, it is still very important to be concise, but it is acceptable for the letter to be a full page if your experience dictates. In a public interest cover letter, it is important both to highlight your demonstrated commitment to the mission/work/client base of the organization through your own relevant work or life experience, and to illustrate your relevant skills. Take another look at your resume for items that show your interest, commitment and skills. Even if you do not have experience in the specific area in which an organization works, it is still important to emphasize your demonstrated commitment to the public interest, and to draw connections between that general commitment and the specific work of the organization. As it is important not to merely regurgitate your resume, consider including a story that illustrates you are interested or qualified in the position.

If your application raises questions that are readily answered, such as availability after the Bar exam, judicial clerkship plans, etc., the letter can address those; other issues may be better deferred to the interview stage. Consult a CDO attorney-counselor if you’re not sure whether to include something in your cover letter.

Final Paragraph. In your last paragraph, thank them for their consideration, and say you hope to hear from them soon. For out-of-town employers, indicate when you plan to be in their geographic area and state your availability for an interview. Be sure to include your phone number and email in this paragraph unless you use a letterhead style that includes them at the top of the page. If you state that you will call the employer to follow up on your application, be sure you do so.

If you are bringing a cover letter to an on-campus interview (which you should do only if the employer requests you to), the content will be a bit different. You don’t need to introduce yourself, as you will be there in person, and you won’t request an interview at the closing. But you can thank the employer for interviewing you and say that you welcome the opportunity to learn more about the employer and to discuss the possibility of working for them. The important thing is to show why you are interested in this particular employer, and how you think your background makes you a good match for them.

The mistakes most commonly found in student cover letters are:

Restating your resume. “ I graduated from the University of Oregon in 2005, with a B.A., cum laude, in Political Science, then worked as a substitute teacher in an urban high school before starting law school in the fall of 2008 .” Don’t waste space with facts that are readily gleaned from your resume! Instead, you could say (briefly) how your work experience led you to pursue a legal career in an area practiced by the employer.
Focusing on what you stand to gain from the job . “ I am particularly interested in your firm’s excellent training program for summer associates, and in gaining exposure to a variety of different practice areas.” Remember, employers only grant interviews to candidates who offer something of potential use to the employer. Try to say how your skills and enthusiasm will help the employer serve its clients, or otherwise further its aims.
Being too informal or familiar. “I’m thrilled by the possibility of working with you this summer, and would love to meet with you in person/by phone to chat about what the options might be.” Enthusiasm is good, but it must be presented professionally.

Other cover letter mistakes include: being defensive or apologetic; appearing arrogant or entitled, and being too long and wordy. Unsupported statements of your qualities (“I am highly motivated and a quick study”) do not help your case. Generic reasons for your interest in the employer (e.g., its “excellent reputation”) tend to demonstrate your lack of specific knowledge. Of course typos and inaccuracies, such as misspelled names, or (please!) stating an interest in a practice area that the firm doesn’t have, are automatic application-killers.

Our cover letter template provides suggestions only; please do not feel excessively constrained by its approach. Your letter should, of course, be original work that reflects your unique background and the job you are aiming at.

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UCLA Pre-Law Resources

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The UCLA Career Center offers a variety of opportunities to help students explore a variety of legal careers, and guide them through the application process. Every year, we host the Law JumpStart – a program where students can hear about the admissions process from a panel of law school admissions staff, and a panel of professionals working in a variety of legal careers. We also offer a variety of workshops in our Get JD series, including How to Write an Effective Personal Statement, Preparing For and Applying to Law School, and Researching Your Dream Law School. Individual Pre-law appointments are also available for students of all majors and class years. Explore all of the Career Center’s upcoming events or make a pre-law advising appointment through Handshake.

Law School FAQs

What is law school.

If you want to practice law in the United States, you will—in most cases—need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. This degree is considered to be a first degree in law, and in most cases, is required for anyone interested in becoming a lawyer in the U.S. or Canada. American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law schools generally require three years of full-time study to earn a JD degree, and schools with part-time programs usually require four years of part-time study to complete the degree. Graduates must then take and pass the state bar exam to be licensed to practice law in a particular state. The LLM degree is an advanced law certification that has global credibility. A first degree in law is generally required. Other law degree and certificate programs have varying requirements. Some of these programs require a graduate-level law degree for admission. Others may only require a bachelor’s degree. Learn more about pathways to legal careers and types of law degrees through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) website.

Is Law School for Me?

A law degree can lead to a wide range of legal careers that encompass many aspects of society such as business, government, human and civil rights, international relations, medicine, law enforcement, politics, entertainment, sports, and the arts, as well as jurisprudence and academia. If you have a passion for legal thought, strong oral and written communication skills, and a propensity for drawing thoughtful conclusions by analyzing fine details and complex information, then a legal career may be for you. The possibility of effecting social change, setting legal precedents, and defending basic human rights attracts many who are dedicated to making a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole. However, the cost of attending law school, and the realities of working in the legal profession should be fully explored before making a decision.

How much does law school cost, and what are the realities of employment?

While it may vary, the average total cost of attending law school can be anywhere from $150,000 – $200,000. It is important that you have a financial strategy that includes thinking about your budget while attending law school, repayment options when you graduate, and expected future income. Depending on the type of law practiced and the location, salaries can vary dramatically. An important step in making your decision is to learn about the market for new lawyers. Some questions to consider are:

What fields of law are currently growing?
What are the low, median, and high salaries of people in my fields of interest?
How many new jobs are projected to open in my fields of interest?

Make it a priority to explore the various career options through Vault, the Occupational Outlook Handbook, or U.S. News & World Report. The American Bar Association (ABA) requires accredited law schools to disclose employment statistics for their graduates. The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) publishes law employment statistics.

Which law schools do I apply to?

Applicants sometimes select schools they see as “prestigious” or those that offer a particular program of study or the most financial support. Some applicants may need to stay in a particular area because of family or job obligations. Since the basic curriculum of all law schools is the same, consider a variety of factors to find the right law school for you. The school may be public or private, large or small, faith-related or independent, stand-alone or university-affiliated. The choice of the “right” law school is subjective. When selecting law schools to which you will apply, the general philosophy is that you should have a threefold plan: dream a little, be realistic, and be safe. Most applicants have no trouble selecting dream schools—those that are almost, but not quite, beyond their grasp—or safe schools—those for which admission is virtually certain. A strategic error made by some applicants is failure to evaluate realistically their chances for admission to a particular law school. You can use LSAC’s UGPA and LSAT Score Search to help you assess your chances at participating ABA-approved law schools, but keep in mind that Law Schools also evaluate the qualifications and characteristics of applicants.

Do I need to be in a specific major to apply to law school?

Law schools, unlike some graduate programs, do not require a specific undergraduate course of study. Instead, law schools accept a diverse pool of applicants who major in anything from engineering to political science, to film & television. They do, however, seek applicants that exhibit foundational skills critical to success in law school including:

Analytic and problem solving skills
Critical reading abilities
Writing skills
Verbal communication and listening abilities
General research skills
Task organization and management skills
Values of serving others and promoting justice

If you are in a major that does not entail much writing, we strongly recommend that you take writing courses as electives. Some classes that are not required, but may help prepare you for law school are:

English Composition 131A – Law and Politics
Political Sciences 123 A/B – International Law
Political Science 145 A-D – Public Law and Judicial Process
Philosophy 9 – Principles of Critical Thinking
Philosophy 31 – Logic

What is the difference between binding early decision and non-binding early decision/early action?

Some schools offer binding early decision or non-binding/early action options to applicants. Binding early decision is a binding commitment to a school that if you are accepted, you must attend. Because it is a binding commitment, you can ethically only choose one school for which to apply. On the other hand, non-binding early decision/early action is not a binding commitment. Applicants who apply under non-binding early decision or early action are signaling to a school that they are extremely interested in attending and wish to be considered prior to review of the regular applicant pool; it is non-binding. If you apply for either, you will generally hear back from those schools early in the application cycle. Explore this List of Binding and Non Binding Early Decision/Early Action Law Schools.

Law School Application Overview

The law school admissions council (lsac).

The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) is the organization responsible for administering the LSAT and operating the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), a service which compiles your transcripts and LSAT score into a standard report. The first step is to create an LSAC account.

Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) simplifies your law school application process. With CAS, your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any other documents required for each of your law school applications only need to be sent one time, to LSAC. All ABA-approved law school applications are available electronically through your CAS account as well, saving you time and effort. LSAC combines your documents with your LSAT score and forwards a full report to all the schools you apply to. Most ABA-approved law schools and many others require that JD applicants use CAS. Learn more about the CAS registration and fees.

Candidate Referral Service (CRS)

LSAC’s Candidate Referral Service (CRS) gives you the opportunity to be discovered by law schools you may not have considered. It helps law schools recruit you based on specific characteristics such as LSAT score, GPA, age, citizenship, race or ethnicity, or geographic background. Learn more about the CRS and free registration.

The Components of the Law School Application

The components of the law school application are as follows:

Transcripts

Personal statement, optional essays, letters of recommendation.

Details of these individual components can be found in the sections below.

The LSAT is a standardized test that is administered several times a year. The test is designed specifically to assess key skills needed for success in law school, including reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning. While some law schools accept the GRE and/or GMAT, the LSAT is the only test accepted for admissions purposes by all ABA-accredited law schools. Most law schools require that you take the LSAT by December at the latest, but ideally, you should take in in the summer of your application year to account for the possibility of taking it again if your score was lower than anticipated. If possible, allot approximately three months to study for the LSAT, especially if you plan to work or study full-time in addition to preparing for the test. This is a skills-based test that requires dedicated practice over an extended period of time. Do not take the LSAT if you are not ready. In the grand scheme of your legal career and life, it is better to apply to law school one year later with a score that reflects your full potential than it is to apply one year earlier with limited options. Khan Academy offers free, personalized prep materials to help you achieve your highest score. Learn more about LSAT Test Dates, Registration, and Preparation on the LSAC website.

Transcripts reflect an applicant’s GPA and undergraduate course selection. LSAT score and GPA are likely the two most important elements of a law school application. If your GPA is below average for the law schools you would like to attend, then you will need to compensate with a good LSAT score and/or distinguishing experience. Request transcripts early in the admissions cycle, and be sure to request transcripts from every college that you have attended, including any community college at which you took for-credit courses during high school or a college from which you transferred. At UCLA, you can order an academic transcript through the Registrar’s Office or through MyUCLA.

Your personal statement is an opportunity to tell your story and demonstrate why you will succeed in law school. What is crucial is that your personal statement provides insight into who you are as a candidate. Some topics you could write about include, but are not limited to:

Personal identity and characteristics
Formative events or obstacles you’ve overcome
Motivations, values, and goals
Skills, experiences, and qualities that relate to law school

Regardless of what you decide to write in your personal statement, it must be written well. Law schools are looking for strong writers who are articulate, persuasive, and engaging. Use this opportunity to stand out from the crowd, and demonstrate how your story is different from others’. Give yourself time to ask for feedback from multiple sources, and undergo multiple revisions. Learn more about writing your personal statement.

The two most common optional essays are “Why X Law School?” and a “Diversity Statement.” Prepare for the “Why X Law School?” essay by researching that law school’s particular focus or ethos. More specifically, research classes you would like to take, professors with whom you would like to work, and clinics in which you would like to be involved. It also helps to demonstrate alignment between your identity and an aspect of the school, such as mission, values, skill, or experience. The “Diversity Statement” asks applicants what diversity they would contribute to an incoming class, and what diversity means to you personally. In the context of this essay, diversity is not limited to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, etc. Diversity is any personal characteristic or experience that gives you a unique perspective. Identify what makes you unique, and articulate how your perspective will enrich the law school. Like the personal statement, the Diversity Statement is not merely a description of who you are; it’s an argument for why the law school should admit you.

Most law schools require 2-3 letters of recommendation. Recommendations are critical for marginal candidates, and provide an opportunity to highlight characteristics or facts that are not apparent from the other components of the application. The most effective letters of recommendation are written by professors or work supervisors (though the former are preferable) who know you well enough to describe your academic, personal, or professional achievements honestly and objectively. Letters that demonstrate how you stand out from your academic peers are often the most useful. Be sure to provide your recommenders with all of the information they need in order to write a recommendation that specifically and compellingly attests to your academic abilities, writing skills, and personal characteristics. Request letters as early as possible, since gathering them will take longer than you anticipate. If you are considering taking a gap year (or more), request recommendations from your professors prior to graduation, and store them through the CAS. Learn more about asking for letters of recommendations.

Your resume demonstrates what you have accomplished with your time outside of the classroom, and helps round you out as a candidate. Students are not expected to have law-related experience prior to applying to law school. In fact, legal internships are usually reserved for currently enrolled law students. The few legal internships that are available for undergraduates tend to be in government agencies, nonprofits, and some corporate legal departments. Many students also seek out law-related administrative/clerical jobs or volunteer opportunities to demonstrate that they have immersed themselves in a legal environment. Most law schools permit applicants to submit a two-page resume, although you should carefully review each school’s application to confirm this. Unlike most employment-oriented resumes, which are tailored to a particular job function, the law school resume is broad, and should include all of your significant post-high school experience. Learn more about building your resume.

An addendum is an opportunity to address an element of your application that could raise concern, such as an atypically poor-performing quarter or an incident of misconduct. If you write an addendum, it should be factual and brief. Describe the concerning issue, explain how you resolved it, then tell the reader how the lessons you learned will make you a successful law school student. Do not write an addendum if doing so will unnecessarily highlight a minor flaw.

Law School Application Timeline

The law school application process begins during the year prior to your anticipated attendance at law school. While many schools have “rolling admissions,” it is strongly recommended that you apply as early as possible, ideally by December prior to the year you plan to start law school. In other words, if you are planning to go straight into law school from your undergraduate program, you should submit applications during the Fall quarter of your Senior year.

Spring of Your Application Year

Create a Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) account
Register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
Register for and begin studying for the LSAT
Make a list of target law schools
Write a draft of personal statement
Request Letters of Recommendation

Summer of Your Application Year

Take the LSAT
Review law school choices in light of LSAT scores
Check status of Letters of Recommendation

Fall of Your Application Year

Take or retake the LSAT if necessary
Send official transcripts to CAS
Finalize personal statement
Request financial aid information from law schools

Winter/Spring of Your Intended Start Year

Contact law schools to confirm application completion
Submit financial aid materials
Evaluate admissions offers
Thank writers of your Letters of Recommendation

Public Interest Resumes

Your goal in constructing your resume is to create an effective marketing tool. It should be a fluid document which changes as you earn degrees, gain professional experience and acquire new interests and career directions. Employers often spend less than a minute looking at each resume when they first receive it – so a well-organized, informative document is critical to your job search.

Below are general guidelines to help you create a visually powerful resume that best reflects your strengths and accomplishments and enables you to land job offers with your top choice public interest employers.

We also encourage you to view the OCS/OPIA Resume Workshop video.

After following these guidelines, current students, admitted LL.M.s , and alumni may submit their resumes, cover letters, fellowship application materials, and other application materials for review by an OPIA adviser (after October 15 for 1Ls).

Make a list all of your work experience since high school, including your extracurricular activities, hobbies and interests
What were your primary responsibilities?
What specific examples can you give of your work (e.g., “Represented social security claimants denied disability benefits,” “Drafted legislative initiative to reform the Civil Rights Act of 1990,” “Analyzed $150,000 budget to identify cost-cutting initiatives”)?
What skills did you develop?
What tasks or projects did you undertake?
What accomplishments did you contribute to or complete yourself?
Think about which interests, work skills and experiences you want to emphasize for prospective public service employers
Review OPIA’s list of action verbs
For summer internships, review OPIA’s resume FAQs .
have an extensive list of relevant publications
have five or more years of work experience prior to law school
Resumes used for fellowship applications should exceed one page and include any relevant information even if it dates back to high school.
Review our section-by-section resume layout guidance .
Make your resume readable and scannable along the left hand margin
Tabs and margins must be consistent
Avoid using too many different fonts or sizes on your resume
Put the names of former and current employers in bold or small/all caps, so that a prospective employer can know from a glance where you have worked
NO TYPOS – check and re-check your resume before sending it out
Plan to rewrite your resume many times during your legal education and your professional career
If necessary, create several versions of your resume tailored to the jobs you are applying to
Save an updated copy of your resume so you can easily access it when needed for job applications or networking opportunities
Make sure that when you update your resume, you are also using varied and appropriate action verbs

Related OPIA Resources

Public Interest Cover Letters
Sample Emails to Employers for Applications, Interview Requests, and Offers

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Oct 14, 2019

Written By Jack Collins and Anna Vall Navés

How to write a cover letter for law

Although many applications are now done in digital forms, many firms still favour the traditional CV and cover letter combination. Whether it’s a speculative application or one targeted at a specific job advertisement, the cover letter is a key ingredient in this process. But how can you make your cover letter stand out?

Perfecting your cover letter is an essential part of securing a job in the legal sector. A well-organised, carefully thought out cover letter can make the difference between getting an interview offer or a rejection letter. With this in mind, you should really put in the effort to make your cover letter as persuasive as it possibly can be to any employers reading it.

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What's the point of a cover letter?

The ultimate aim of a cover letter is to convince an employer that you’re the ideal recruit and to move your application on to the interview phase. It will often be the first impression you make on your employer, so you have to make it count!

A strong cover letter will let an employer know who you are, why you want to work in that specific law firm, your relevant skills and work experience and your knowledge of the law firm and the legal sector more broadly.

What does an employer want?

An employer wants to read a cover letter that’s interesting, to the point, and that quickly shows them why they should hire you. If your letter goes off on tangents or fails to show them exactly why you’re qualified for the position, your application might get thrown out without a second thought. Likewise, for job openings as competitive as those in the legal sector, it’s often important to make your letter stand out—whether that be through an interesting experience in your career or through your excellent written communication skills.

In short, the employer reading your cover letter doesn’t want to have to guess why you’re a good fit for the law firm, and they also don’t want to have to comb through irrelevant material. Keep your letter concise (no longer than one page), focused, and targeted to the specific law firm you’re applying to.

In order to give your application the best chance of making it to the interview stage, here is the general structure that most recruitment consultancies and employers recommend:

1. Who are you and why are you writing to me?

Whether your application is for a job opening or it’s speculative (as in the case of some mini-pupillages ), you should provide your employer with this information within the first few lines.

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should not be longer than a couple of sentences, and it should briefly explain who you are, the position you’re applying for and how you found out about it.

2. Why do you want this specific job?

Before you start writing this section, make sure you’ve thoroughly researched the law firm you’re applying to. You should discuss why you want to complete a vacation scheme or a training contract at this firm in particular, perhaps mentioning your interest in the specific area of law it focuses on, or some recent deals that have sparked your interest.

Be honest. Discuss the job responsibilities you’re excited about and demonstrate your enthusiasm in an original but appropriate way. Explain where you are in your career, and highlight experiences that have convinced you that you want to be a solicitor or a barrister, such as open days, mini-pupillages or insight days.

Above all, take the time to understand the organisation in-depth: where it’s located, who it works with, how its training works and its work culture. If you’re applying for a training contract, make sure you understand how seats work at this company. Some don’t have compulsory seats and some don’t have a structure at all. Explain what it is that appeals to you about a more or less defined training structure, and why you’re a good fit for it.

3. Why should you be offered the job?

Research the requirements for the role you’re applying to in the job description or person specification. Make sure your CV covers all of the requirements, and be prepared to tailor your cover letter to what the firm is looking for.

Show that you’re the ideal candidate by tying your work experience and extracurriculars to the skills the employer is on the lookout for. For instance, if the person specification includes good public speaking skills, make a point of mentioning your mooting experience. Don’t claim you’re good at public speaking without substantiating your claim. Additionally, don’t try to mention every single thing you’ve done in the past few years (that’s what your CV is there for!)—but do elaborate on some of the most relevant experiences on your CV and show what you can bring to the firm.

It’s important that you sell yourself well and highlight your most important achievements, but be wary of exaggerating. It’s important that you’re honest, as any lies could easily be detected by a recruiter.

4. Ending your cover letter

Briefly detail any practical issues (when you’re available for interview, for instance). Finally, mention that you’ve attached your CV and that you look forward to hearing back from the firm.

Before you hit send, make sure you proofread your letter a few times, and perhaps ask a family member or friend to do the same. Any spelling or grammatical errors will not put you in good favour!

Double-check that your cover letter is concise, appropriately tailored to the job and emphasises the relevant qualities that make you perfect for the job. And most importantly: good luck!

Next article: Law CV template

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Home » Job Tips » Resume Writing Tips » Cover Letters for Legal Interns

Cover Letters for Legal Interns: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are a law student aspiring for the position of a legal intern, it is important to craft an effective cover letter. A cover letter allows you to highlight your professionalism, skills, and genuine interest in the legal field. This is why your cover letter should accurately showcase your qualifications, academic achievements, and relevant experiences that align with the internship requirements. To help you draft the perfect cover letter for a legal intern position we have developed this detailed guide.

Table of Contents

Essential Sections to Include in a Cover Letter for a Law Internship

A cover letter for a law internship is essential to introduce yourself as a candidate to a law firm or legal department and express your interest in the internship position. It highlights your relevant skills, experiences, and academic achievements to show the recruiters that you are a good fit for the role. Overall it serves as a personalized introduction, demonstrating your enthusiasm and qualifications for the law internship opportunity. You must include relevant sections in the cover letter for a legal internship.

1. A Letter Header

It is important to start with a professional letterhead to create a cover letter for a legal intern position. This should include your full name, phone number, and email address. Besides these basic contact details, include the name of your city and the postcode of the state you reside in.

2. Salutation

The salutation section of your cover letter for a law internship should maintain a professional tone and not be too informal. To maintain a professional tone, it is advisable, to begin with a greeting and follow it with the recruiter’s name, for instance, “ Dear Arjun”. However, if you can’t find the name of the recruiter, it is okay to address the recruiter as “Dear Hiring Manager”.

3. Introductory Paragraph

When writing your introductory paragraph, it is important to include personal details about yourself to give the reader a clear understanding of who you are. Begin by introducing yourself with your name and stating which position you are applying for. It is also beneficial to mention if you are currently enrolled in law school or have recently graduated from one. Additionally, use this opportunity to showcase any notable accomplishments or experience that demonstrate why you would be an excellent fit for the role at hand. It is crucial to tailor your cover letter for a law firm internship to make a genuine connection with the hiring manager and demonstrate your enthusiasm for their organization.

4. Body Paragraphs

When writing the body for the cover letter for an internship at a law firm, focus on showcasing your achievements and abilities while also connecting them to the goals of the organization you are applying to. If you have limited experience in law, it may be helpful to mention relevant coursework, volunteer work, or skills that can transfer over from other jobs. For instance, if you are seeking an internship at a public defender’s office, highlighting your top score in criminal law class could be beneficial.

5. Closing Paragraph

The closing paragraph of your cover letter for legal internship is a chance to make a lasting impression. It is crucial to show appreciation for the recipient’s time and consideration. Furthermore, include your contact information, such as a telephone number or email address for further discussion.

6. Conclusion and Signature

It is important to maintain a professional tone when concluding your legal intern cover letter. It is also important to avoid sounding overly familiar. Ending phrases such as “Sincerely,” “Kind regards,” or “Yours truly” are all appropriate ways to sign off on a cover letter for a law firm internship.

Also Read: How to Write Cover Letter for Internship

Legal Intern Cover Letter Template

Take a look at this template for a cover letter for legal interns to get an idea of what your cover letter should look like.

City, Postcode
+91**********
[email protected]

[Date]

Dear [Recruiter’s Name],

This introductory paragraph is an opportunity for you to express your keen interest in the legal intern position. It allows you to showcase your unique strengths, accomplishments, abilities, and passion for this role.

In this section, you should craft a thorough summary of your recent professional experience. Highlight any notable academic accomplishments or relevant technical skills. Consider presenting your accomplishments using measurable statistics or numbers. This illustrates the influence you had in previous roles or extracurricular activities as legal personnel.

Thank the employer for their valuable time and careful consideration in this section. End with a positive statement expressing your excitement to get the opportunity to work in the given position. Also, consider adding a call-to-action urging the recruiter to contact you for an interview.

Sincerely,
Your Full Name
Your Signature

Explore our comprehensive guide on cover letter formats and craft a winning application today!”

Cover Letter Sample for Law Internship

Here is a professional cover letter sample for a legal internship to help you create your personalized letter. Make sure to follow the tone and style of writing mentioned here:

Mumbai, Maharashtra
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +91 98765 43210

20th April 2024

Dear Mr. Mehta,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Summer 2024 internship position with your esteemed law firm, Mehta & Associates. I am currently in my third year pursuing an Integrated BA LLB (Hons.) degree at the National Law School of India University, Bangalore. I have a profound passion for the legal profession and feel that the vision of Mehta & Associates perfectly aligns with my beliefs.

Through my law school coursework, I have equipped myself with a well-rounded understanding of important legal fields such as contract and company law, civil procedure, and alternative dispute resolution. In addition to this academic foundation, my experience as a Peer Mentor at the University’s Legal Aid Clinic has sharpened my research skills. The experience has honed my ability to draft effective legal documents and reinforced the importance of ethical conduct in the legal profession.

I am particularly inspired by Mehta & Associates’ dedication to pro bono initiatives and promoting access to justice. This ethos aligns seamlessly with my values of serving the community and fostering an equitable legal system. An internship at your esteemed firm would provide me with invaluable exposure to the practical application of the law. I am confident working alongside your accomplished team of legal professionals will provide me with the learning experience, to enhance my career.

During the internship, I will ensure to flawlessly execute legal research, draft pleadings and contracts, and aid in client counseling and negotiation strategies. I am confident that my academic achievements, research proficiency, and unwavering work ethic will enable me to make meaningful contributions to your firm.

Thank you for your consideration. I eagerly look forward to discussing my qualifications and the opportunity to be a part of the Mehta & Associates team. Kindly let me know if we can connect for an interview to discuss my application further.

Sincerely,
Riya Sharma.

Tips For Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter for a Law Internship

Here are some practical tips to help you create a professional cover letter for internship at law firm.

1. Be Concise

It is essential to only include relevant and well-written details. A lengthy and unfocused application letter for a law internship will not be engaging or effective, so it is best to keep the content concise yet informative.

2. Use Professional Tone

Maintaining a professional tone throughout your legal internship cover letter is paramount. The legal field demands a high level of professionalism, and your cover letter should reflect your ability to communicate in a formal, polished manner. Avoid casual language, slang, or overly colloquial phrasing that could detract from the seriousness of your application.

3. Customize Cover Letter

Avoid using the same cover letter for every legal internship you apply to. Personalize your cover letter by including relevant information about the specific role or company. A generic cover letter shows little enthusiasm for the position at hand.

4. Use Proper Formatting

Cover letters are typically limited to one page, so it is important to express yourself succinctly. Make sure your margins are set at a minimum of a three-quarters inch on the left, right, and topsides, and half an inch on the bottom. Choose a clear and easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Helvetica that matches the font used in your resume.

5. Review and Proofread

Ensure your legal intern cover letter is error-free and well-written. Proofreading is essential before submission. Additionally, it’s recommended to seek feedback from others on your cover letter for a legal internship as they may catch mistakes or offer valuable insights that you might have overlooked.

Crafting an effective cover letter for a legal intern requires careful consideration and attention to detail. It is important to showcase your relevant skills and experience while also conveying your enthusiasm and passion for the field of law. By tailoring your cover letter utilizing proper formatting, and evaluating and reading your cover letter, you can increase your chances of standing out from other applicants and securing a valuable internship opportunity in the legal industry. If this has been helpful to you, let us know your thoughts and suggestions in the comment section below. Also, check out our blog on the top 10 highest-paying law jobs in India .

Answer: You can compose a cover letter for a legal internship using the following format, “Dear [hiring manager’s name], Based on my [relevant education and experience], I believe that I possess the qualities necessary to excel in the role of an intern at [company name]. My proficiency in [two, or three skills] makes me well-suited for this opportunity.”

Answer: Typically, a cover letter for a legal internship should range from half a page to one full page. Ideally, it should contain 250-400 words and consist of three to six paragraphs.

Answer: Avoid starting the cover letter with, “My name is (),” phrase as the recipient already knows your name and it may make you appear inexperienced.

Answer: Begin by stating your purpose for writing and specify the job or field you are seeking employment in. Also, mention where you learned about this opportunity.

Answer: A cover letter is typically one page and submitted with your job application, along with your CV or resume. Its main function is to introduce yourself and provide a brief overview of your work experience.

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Harshita is an English Literature graduate from the University of Delhi with 3 years of experience in Content Writing and Editing. Dedicated to her craft, she loves creating magic with words. She is a big fan of hoarding cute planners and journals and can be seen watching FRIENDS (almost EVERYTIME) in her spare time. Her meticulous attention to detail makes her stand out from the crowd. A typo epidemic is her worst nightmare!

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What does it mean to be “pre-law”?

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If you’re considering heading to law school after undergrad, you may be wondering what it means, exactly, to be a pre-law student. Rather than a rigid and prescriptive academic pathway, being pre-law can be considered a “state of mind” that indicates a future academic goal. There is no one way to prepare well for law school!

Since there are no prerequisites for law school, you can feel free to explore things academically and declare a major that truly aligns with your interests and strengths. Not only are you more likely to do well in coursework you care about, chances are you’ll get more out of it. Law schools will look to see that you’ve performed well and challenged yourself academically, in whatever path you’ve chosen.

The American Bar Association says, “The ABA does not recommend any undergraduate majors or group of courses to prepare for a legal education. Students are admitted to law school from almost every academic discipline. You may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business, or you may focus your undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science and mathematics, computer science, engineering, nursing or education. Whatever major you select, you are encouraged to pursue an area of study that interests and challenges you, while taking advantage of opportunities to develop your research and writing skills. Taking a broad range of difficult courses from demanding instructors is excellent preparation for legal education. A sound legal education will build upon and further refine the skills, values, and knowledge that you already possess.”

It’s a common misconception that pre-law students should be or are expected to be involved in law adjacent activities. Many students think they need to give Mock Trial or the Undergraduate Law Journal a go. If these endeavors interest you, great! But if you’re more drawn to clubs that have little or nothing to do with law, that’s great too! The truth is that you should engage in extracurricular activities that you connect with, and you’ll be better for it.

Law schools are interested in the skillset you’ve developed through your academic and extracurricular pursuits, whatever they may be. Building skills in oral communication, writing, research, problem solving, listening, critical analysis, and leadership can happen just as equally as a political science or theater major and just as easily as a law journal editor or dance team captain.

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Donald Trump’s lawyers press judge to lift gag order in wake of ex-president’s felony conviction

Former President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Trump Tower, Friday, May 31, 2024, in New York. A day after a New York jury found Donald Trump guilty of 34 felony charges, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee addressed the conviction and likely attempt to cast his campaign in a new light. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

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NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s lawyers are amplifying their calls to end the gag order that bars the former president from commenting about witnesses, jurors and others tied to the Manhattan criminal trial that ended in his conviction last month for falsifying records to cover up a potential sex scandal.

In a court filing made public Wednesday, Trump’s lawyers urged Judge Juan M. Merchan to end what they deemed an “extraordinary, unprecedented, and unwarranted restriction” on the presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s free speech rights.

The 23-page defense filing reiterated arguments Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove made days after Trump’s May 30 guilty verdict in a letter they sent to Merchan seeking to lift the gag order. They contend the restrictions should have been rescinded after the verdict.

Prosecutors have suggested keeping that the gag order in effect at least until Trump’s sentencing on July 11, saying it’s necessary “to protect the integrity of these proceedings and the fair administration of justice.”

Merchan issued the gag order on March 26, a few weeks before the start of the trial, after prosecutors raised concerns about Trump’s propensity to assail people involved in his cases. Merchan later expanded it to bar comments about his own family after Trump made social media posts attacking the judge’s daughter, a Democratic consultant.

Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event Saturday, June 15, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Comments about Merchan and District Attorney Alvin Bragg are allowed, but the gag order bars statements about court staff and members of Bragg’s prosecution team.

Blanche and Bove argued that leaving the gag order in place is unconstitutionally restricting Trump’s ability to respond to rivals and critics, including President Joe Biden’s comments in the wake of the verdict and continued public criticism from his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen and porn actor Stormy Daniels, both key prosecution witnesses. Trump and Biden are scheduled to debate on June 27.

“Trump’s opponents and adversaries are using the Gag Order as a political sword to attack President Trump with reference to this case, on the understanding that his ability to mount a detailed response is severely restricted by the Gag Order,” Blanche and Bove wrote.

Trump was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records arising from what prosecutors said was an attempt to cover up a hush money payment to Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election. She claims she had a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier, which he denies.

His conviction is punishable by up to four years behind bars, but prosecutors have not said if they would seek incarceration and it’s not clear if Merchan would impose such a sentence. Other options include a fine or probation.

Tracking Abortion Bans Across the Country

By The New York Times Updated June 13, 10:25 A.M. ET

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Twenty-one states ban abortion or restrict the procedure earlier in pregnancy than the standard set by Roe v. Wade, which governed reproductive rights for nearly half a century until the Supreme Court overturned the decision in 2022.

In some states, the fight over abortion access is still taking place in courtrooms, where advocates have sued to block bans and restrictions. Other states have moved to expand access to abortion by adding legal protections.

Latest updates

The United States Supreme Court upheld access to a widely available abortion pill, rejecting a bid from anti-abortion groups to undo federal approval of the medication. The pills account for nearly two-thirds of all abortions.

The New York Times is tracking abortion laws in each state after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization , which ended the constitutional right to an abortion.

Where abortion is legal

In a few states that have enacted bans or restrictions, abortion remains legal for now as courts determine whether these laws can take effect. Abortion is legal in the rest of the country, and many states have added new protections since Dobbs.

Ban in effect

Note: TK note here.

Legal for now

State details.

More details on the current status of abortion in each state are below.

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An earlier version of this article misstated the legal status of abortion in Utah. As of 4 p.m. on June 24, the state attorney general had issued a statement saying the state’s abortion ban had been triggered, but it had not yet been authorized by the legislature’s general counsel. By 8:30 p.m., the counsel authorized the ban and it went into effect.

A table in an earlier version of this article misstated which abortion ban is being challenged in Texas state court. Abortion rights supporters are challenging a pre-Roe ban, not the state’s trigger ban.

An earlier version of this article referred incorrectly to the legal status of abortion in Indiana. While Indiana abortion providers stopped offering abortion services in anticipation of an abortion ban taking effect on Aug. 1, the law did not take effect.

IMAGES

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Legal Cover Letter: Examples & Ready-To-Use Template
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Cover Letter For Law Internship 2024 (guide & Free Sample)
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COMMENTS

Cover Letter Advice & Samples
Overview. Draft your cover letter knowing it is your first writing sample. Understand that a cover letter should persuade the reader. Use the cover letter to "connect the dots" of your experiences. Resist the temptation to restate your resume. The Basics. Keep your cover letter to one page. Use the font style and point size that match your ...
How to Write a Cover Letter for Law Firms (with Examples)
Cover letter examples for summer associates and interns, Columbia Law School. Cover letter examples for 1L - 3L students, Harvard Law School. Cover letter examples for 1L - 3L students, Yale Law School. Cover letter example for applying to an immigration law firm by a recent graduate with previous paralegal experience. Cover letter example ...
Legal Cover Letter—Samples & Tips [also for No Experience]
First, let's set a precedent with our two legal cover letter samples. See how they present their evidence to the jury and make their argument. 1. Legal Cover Letter Samples. The first legal cover letter example comes from Frank, who is applying to be a paralegal with a few years of experience already.
PDF COVER LETTERS
paste it into your cover letters, above your typed name. Keep it short. The actual body of your letter should take up half the page. Proofread! Your cover letter is your first writing sample. So it must be well written. Be simple, direct, and brief. If your cover letter contains grammatical or spelling errors, your materials will quickly be moved
Law Student Cover Letter: What You Need To Know + Samples
Here is an example of a strong cover letter for a first-year law student at Yale University: Dear [Employer's Name]: I am a first-year student at Yale Law School seeking a position with Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle for Summer 20XX. I am a native New Yorker and hope to work in New York City this coming summer.
PDF Pre-Law and Law Pathway Cover Letter
A cover letter is your personal introduction to a prospective employer. It is a way to market yourself. Although some employers may not specifically ask for one, itis better to provide one, as it is an example of ... COVER LETTER GUIDE FOR PRE-LAW/LAW PATHWAY PROGRAM (Information is to be used as a guidance and not repeated verbatim) 2 of 3
PDF Sample cover letter packet
SAMPLE IN-HOUSE (START-UP) INTERNSHIP COVER LETTER. 435 West 116th Street New York, NY 10027 (212) 854-0000 [email protected]. February 1, 20XX. Michelle Offer, Esq. General Counsel Tech Corporation 100 West 42nd Street, Suite 100 New York, NY 10027.
Lawyer Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates & Tips for 2024)
Top ↑ Lawyer Cover Letter Example 5 Steps for the Perfect Law Cover Letter #1. Put Contact Information in the Header #2. Address the Hiring Manager #3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement #4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details #5. Wrap It Up and Sign It 3 Essential Law Cover Letter Tips #1. Match Your Resume #2.
Cover Letters
1. Cover letters for unsolicited applications come in three main types: Personal Letter. These are the most effective cover letters and are sent to people you have met or with whom you have a mutual acquaintance. These letters should all start with the sentence: "_______ recommended that I contact you.". As this type of letter is most ...
Law Cover Letter Examples for 2024: Templates & Tips
The average salary for a lawyer in the United States in 2021 was $127,990, but different types of workers in the legal field can expect different compensation. For example: Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators: $49,410 per year. Court reporters and simultaneous captioners: $60,380 per year.
Law Firm Cover Letter: Sample and Writing Guide
Here's how to write a cover letter for law firm jobs: 1. Use the proper law firm cover letter formatting and layout. Cover letter font: Select a professional font (Cambria, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana). Margins: one inch on both sides and the top and bottom. Cover letter line spacing: 1.15. Cover letter outline: 4 paragraphs.
PDF SAMPLE COVER LETTER
SAMPLE COVER LETTER - LAW FIRM. 220 Escondido Road Stanford, CA 94305 650-555-1212 [email protected] January 1, 20XX Ms. Janet Smith, Esq. Jones, Jones & Smith 100 South J Street San Francisco, CA 94005 Dear Ms. Smith:
UCLA Pre-Law Resources
The UCLA Career Center offers a variety of opportunities to help students explore a variety of legal careers, and guide them through the application process. Every year, we host the Law JumpStart - a program where students can hear about the admissions process from a panel of law school admissions staff, and a panel of professionals working ...
Public Interest Resumes
Below are general guidelines to help you create a visually powerful resume that best reflects your strengths and accomplishments and enables you to land job offers with your top choice public interest employers. We also encourage you to view the OCS/OPIA Resume Workshop video. After following these guidelines, current students, admitted LL.M.s ...
How to write a cover letter for law
4. Ending your cover letter. Briefly detail any practical issues (when you're available for interview, for instance). Finally, mention that you've attached your CV and that you look forward to hearing back from the firm. Before you hit send, make sure you proofread your letter a few times, and perhaps ask a family member or friend to do the ...
Write a Cover Letter for a Law Internship (With Samples)
For law students, your internship letter should be well-written and underscore your education and any relevant work experience you may have. Use this sample cover letter for a law firm internship as a guide when you are writing. Jacob Langille. [email protected]. 141-414-1414.
Pre-Law Guide
Resumes, Cover Letters, & Writing Samples Open sub-navigation Close sub-navigation; Virtual Recruiting Guide Open sub-navigation Close sub-navigation; ... Our outgoing pre-law advisor shares his advice on some of the most frequently asked questions questions about law school, including when to go, how to approach your personal statement, and ...
Pre-Law Resources
Write a Cover Letter; Engage with Employers; Interview; Research Salaries & Negotiate Offers; Find Funding; Develop Professional and Leadership Skills; ... The Pre-Law Newsletter is distributed 1-2 times a week and includes important information about pre-law events and opportunities.
How to Write a Law Student Cover Letter (With Example)
Here are the steps to write an excellent cover letter as a law student when seeking employment or an internship position: 1. Add a header. Before writing the main sections of your cover letter, update your personal information and ensure that it's visible. Place your contact information in the header section at the top of your cover letter.
Cover Letters for Legal Interns: Tips & Template
1. A Letter Header. It is important to start with a professional letterhead to create a cover letter for a legal intern position. This should include your full name, phone number, and email address. Besides these basic contact details, include the name of your city and the postcode of the state you reside in. 2.
What does it mean to be "pre-law"?
Published on March 28, 2024. If you're considering heading to law school after undergrad, you may be wondering what it means, exactly, to be a pre-law student. Rather than a rigid and prescriptive academic pathway, being pre-law can be considered a "state of mind" that indicates a future academic goal. There is no one way to prepare well ...
How to Write a Law Cover Letter (With Example and Template)
Follow these four steps to craft a legal cover letter for your next position: 1. Include your personal information. Write your full name, along with relevant certifications, at the top of your cover letter. Beneath this information, include your phone number, email address and current location. Add a vertical pipe between each item in your ...
How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)
Cover letter format. Your cover letter should be one page long and use a simple, professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, 10 to 12 points in size. Your letter should be left-aligned with single spacing and one-inch margins. Jenn shares her advice on how and why to write a cover letter.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job in 2024
Respectfully, Kind regards, Best regards, Yours truly, Then, make two spaces below the salutation, and type your full name. For some professional (but optional) flair, sign your cover letter either with a scan of your signature or by using software like DocuSign. 8. Check your cover letter's content and formatting.
Judge who oversaw Trump hush money trial flags post on the court's
The judge who oversaw Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial in New York on Friday informed the former president's defense team and prosecutors with the Manhattan district attorney's ...
Hush money trial: Donald Trump's lawyers press judge to lift gag order
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump's lawyers are amplifying their calls to end the gag order that bars the former president from commenting about witnesses, jurors and others tied to the Manhattan criminal trial that ended in his conviction last month for falsifying records to cover up a potential sex scandal.. In a court filing made public Wednesday, Trump's lawyers urged Judge Juan M ...
Tracking Abortion Bans Across the Country
To submit a letter to the editor for publication, ... The state repealed a pre-Roe ban on abortion in 1997. Ohio. ... but a 1984 law prohibits using state funds to cover the cost of most abortions ...