big law cover letter

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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Biglaw Advice

How to optimize your cover letter and resume for biglaw success.

You’ve sent the emails .

You’ve had the slightly awkward phone calls and coffees with a firm’s attorneys who went to your law school.

And now you’re ready to submit your cover letter and resume to your school’s job platform.

But how do you know what will stand out to biglaw attorneys who review your application? As with everything in the legal profession, it depends. It depends on the firm, the reviewing attorney, the input from HR, the firm’s availability for the next summer associate class, the time of day , and countless other factors. But you still have the power to make sure your resume stands out – or put a different (and more relevant) way – you have the power to make sure your resume doesn’t immediately wind up at the bottom of the pile.

Control What You Can .

Just like when you get to the interview , there’s no going back now on your school and GPA and work experience – that die is already cast. You’ve probably heard advice on all sorts of techniques to make sure your application stands out, but it’s most important to focus on these three rules for your cover letter and resume:

Little Things   Matter in Big Ways

A typo shouldn’t matter this much…but it does. When I’m reviewing an application, I’m looking for filters. Both good and bad. A glaring typo can help me filter that resume to the trash almost immediately. I say  almost because there are always exceptions. If a student has work experience that sticks out or has an incredibly high GPA, I’ll do what I can to keep them in the game. Of course, it all depends on the type of typo. And that takes me to the next point…

Address Your Materials to the Correct Firm

You’d be shocked but it happens every year. And I get why. You are hustling at your post-1L internship , you are probably cite-checking or performing some other mundane journal busy work, and you’re trying to land interviews with any firm that will help you repay your loans back within a few years. None of these reasons, however, will excuse putting the wrong firm at the top of the cover letter. You must triple-check everything you are sending: print it out, read it, send it to your mom, dad, or a friend (or all of them) to give these career-altering documents a second set of eyes. The stakes are too high for you not to do this.

Make Your Materials Specific to Each   Firm

Assuming you are typo-free and have included the correct name of the firm on your application package, what should you actually include in the text of the letter? This is where the  leg work of reaching out to your school’s alumni  generates a strong return on your early investment. In your cover letter, name drop like there’s no tomorrow if you had coffee or a phone call or attended a networking reception with an attorney of the firm. It shows you put in the effort, that you are taking this seriously, and that you actually have some specific knowledge of this firm. We know you are applying to more than 1 firm, but everyone wants to feel special – even hiring attorneys in biglaw.

Highlight What Makes You Special

On that note, highlight what sets you apart from other applicants. For me, it was work experience. I spent valuable real estate on my cover letter (i.e. a full paragraph) explaining my experience in consulting before law school and how that translated to working in the legal profession. I put work experience at the top of my resume – to keep eyes on that before seeing my slightly-above-median GPA on the resume (some advocate for keeping it off entirely if not near the top of the class – but to me, the omission triggers a raised eyebrow if I don’t see it on the resume…I’m going to see it on the transcript no matter what). If it’s strong and relevant work experience, a killer GPA, membership on Law Review, you need to make it easy for the attorney reviewing hundreds of applications to notice you.

Litigation or   Corporate?

If you have a strong preference for litigation or corporate , I would highlight that preference in your cover letter. It’s tough to know and don’t feel bad if you don’t have a strong preference after your first-year doctrinal courses – it’s nearly impossible to have a sense of what corporate law actually is after your first year anyway (or even when I practiced corporate law). That said, if your background is in finance or accounting, for example, and you have some interest in corporate law, then feel free to note it on your cover letter. Same thing with litigation if you are drawn to clerking, loved the litigation writing assignments your first year, or have some other justification for your interest.

What’s Next?

Print out your resume and cover letter. Send them to people you trust for their review. Read all of your materials multiple times to make sure you abide by the golden rule of applications: no typos.

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How to Write a Legal Cover Letter for Lawyers That Stands Out

The legal industry is competitive, making it crucial for lawyers to have a cover letter that makes them stand out. A cover letter is important to get right for job seekers. It’s an introduction to your prospective employers and your opportunity to make a great first impression. 

Here are our tips for writing a cover letter that will get your resume read and prompt the call for the interview.

Why a Strong Cover Letter for a Lawyer Matters

When employers have a mountain of applications to narrow, a cover letter could mean the difference between being in the “interview” pile or getting an automated rejection response — or no response at all.

Additionally, you’ll need to tailor your cover letter to each job description for automated screening software , which scans for specific keywords and phrases before a human even sees your application package. Understanding and leveraging these technologies can prevent your application from being filtered out before a hiring manager even has a chance to glance at your qualifications.

After you pass the automated screening, the hiring manager will usually read your cover letter before they look at anything else.

What Is a Good Cover Letter for a Law Firm?

No matter the industry, cover letters should always be tailored to the prospective employer. In this case, the cover letter is an opportunity to match your skills, connections, and passion to the law firm’s needs.

Your cover letter should be:

• Personalized: Customize your cover letter to the tone of the firm and the skills you have that are listed in the job description.
• Brief: Keep it short and simple. Your cover letter should only be one page, if not less, and hit on all the points that make you an attractive candidate. Avoid the urge to just summarize your resume and overwhelm the reader.
• Positive: This is an opportunity to highlight how your past educational and professional experiences give you a unique edge over the other candidates, and why you’re the best fit for the position.
• Professional: Writing professionally is essential for lawyers. Keep your cover letter professional to showcase that you have this necessary skill set.

How to Address a Cover Letter to a Law Firm

Addressing the cover letter correctly is a must to set the right tone for the reader. It doesn’t say much for your attention to detail if you don’t get the basics right.

Do your research and address the cover letter to the specific person in charge of hiring, such as the hiring manager or partner. If you’re not sure, look on the firm’s website, check LinkedIn, or contact human resources to find out. This will make a much better impression than “to whom this may concern.”

For the salutation, make sure to show respect for the reader to reinforce your attention to detail. For example, if you know the preferred gender prefix for the recipient, you may use “Ms.” or “Mr.” or “Mx.” If you’re not sure, don’t assume! Just write the person’s full first and last name, being careful of correct spelling.

Cover Letter Introduction

The cover letter’s opening paragraph must capture the attention of the reader. Introduce who you are and why you’re a good fit for the firm. Mention your current position, such as a new law school graduate or an associate at a firm.

If you have mutual acquaintances or referrals, mention them right away. Then, discuss the specific reasons you’re a good fit for the firm.

Cover Letter Body

The body of the cover letter is where the bulk of your summary will go. In just a paragraph or two, give an overview of your education and experience to show why you want to work for the firm and why you’re an ideal fit.

For example, discuss the reasons you want to work for this firm specifically. Maybe it has a great reputation or you admire a lawyer who works there. Maybe the practice areas align with your desired career path.

When you’re connecting yourself to the role, use some key attributes that the firm is looking for that you possess. These may include academic or research specializations, community service history, past legal positions, publications, or awards. 

This is also a great place to speak about your familiarity with legal technology. With more than 65% of law firms citing they use law practice management software , it’s worth highlighting your experience in the cover letter. 

Pro Tip : Set yourself apart by getting a certification in law practice management software. PracticePanther is trusted by tens of thousands of lawyers and offers a comprehensive certification program . The program is free and you can work at your pace.

Again, don’t just summarize your resume. The hiring team can look at your resume independently. This is your opportunity to capture attention by putting your resume and experience into context and connecting it to the specific position.

Cover Letter Conclusion

The concluding paragraph is where you wrap everything up and make a positive impression. Make sure to say thank you for their consideration and outline your next steps. You don’t have to wait endlessly for an answer to your application — be clear about how and when you intend to follow up. Make sure you keep your word!

Finally, make sure your cover letter has relevant contact details, including your phone number, email, and address. These may be included in the header in a conventional letter format, but if not, put them at the bottom of the letter where they’re readily available for the hiring manager.

Tips for Lawyers to Make a Cover Letter Stand Out

The legal industry keeps evolving. Candidates need to set themselves apart to get hired, no matter the circumstances. Here are some tips:

1. Keep it human: Many of the candidates you’ll be up against have similar education and experience, so simply highlighting these aspects won’t help you stand out. The cover letter is where you can showcase how you are different and what you have to offer that other candidates may not.

2. Stay succinct: You don’t want to overwhelm the reader with a long and drawn-out cover letter. Keep it short and to the point — you want to be memorable. Challenge yourself to stay under a page to see how well you can summarize your unique value.

3. Set the tone: It’s vital that you are professional in your cover letter, but that doesn’t necessarily mean formal. If the firm you’re applying to takes a more casual or personable tone, it’s best to mimic that in your cover letter. If the firm is large and prestigious, it may be best to speak formally. The firm websites should give you some insight.

4. Always proofread: The worst thing you could do in your cover letter is have typos and grammatical errors. There’s a lot of competition, not to mention that lawyers and legal professionals need to have command of the English language for their job responsibilities. Proofread, and if possible, enlist someone’s help to catch any errors, awkward phrasing, or ambiguities. You can also use grammar review websites, like Grammarly, to catch any additional errors.

Legal Cover Letter Samples

Drawing a blank on what to say? Here’s some inspiration from sample cover letters for lawyers with different educational backgrounds and experiences.

• Law student cover letter
• Graduate with previous experience cover letter
• Experienced IP attorney cover letter

Let these samples inspire you to construct a compelling cover letter that gets you into the “interview” pile.

Final Thoughts

Being a job seeker in a competitive market is challenging, but taking the time and care to draft a well-written and personalized cover letter is the best way to get yourself noticed and get the interview. 

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Taylor Dahlem

Taylor Dahlem is the Senior Product Marketing Specialist at PracticePanther, the all-in-one law practice management software company. He is on a mission to deliver technology solutions that provide the most value to legal professionals daily through exciting and impactful go-to-market campaigns.

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1 Lawyer Cover Letter Example

Lawyers excel at presenting persuasive arguments, meticulously dissecting complex information to build a compelling case. Likewise, your cover letter is your opening statement, meticulously weaving your professional experiences, skills, and passion into a persuasive narrative that captures the attention of recruiters. In this guide, we'll delve into top-notch Lawyer cover letter examples, helping you to construct a convincing case for your candidacy.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Lawyer cover letter is by addressing the hiring manager directly, if their name is known. If not, "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable. Then, introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for. Make sure to mention where you found the job posting. In the first paragraph, it's crucial to grab the reader's attention by briefly highlighting your most relevant experiences or achievements. This could be a high-profile case you've won, or a specific area of law you've excelled in. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter and shows the reader why you're a strong candidate.

Lawyers should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and expressing gratitude for the recipient's time and consideration. It's important to maintain a professional tone, while also showing enthusiasm for the opportunity. A closing statement could be something like, "I am excited about the possibility of bringing my unique skills and experiences to your firm and am confident that I would be a valuable addition to your team. Thank you for considering my application." After the closing statement, lawyers should include a formal closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Respectfully," followed by their name and contact information. It's also advisable to mention any attachments, such as a resume or references. This not only shows attention to detail, a crucial skill for lawyers, but also ensures that the recipient knows to look for these additional documents.

A lawyer's cover letter should ideally be one page long. This length is sufficient to introduce yourself, express your interest in the position, highlight your key skills and experiences, and explain why you would be a good fit for the firm or organization. Legal professionals are expected to be concise and to the point, so a one-page cover letter demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively and efficiently. Anything longer might not be read in its entirety and could potentially frustrate busy hiring managers. Remember, the cover letter is not meant to repeat everything in your resume, but rather to provide a brief overview and entice the reader to learn more about you.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as a lawyer can seem daunting, but it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Here's how you can approach it: 1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the legal field. 2. Highlight your education: If you're fresh out of law school, your education is your strongest asset. Discuss the relevant courses you've taken, the grades you've achieved, and any academic awards or honors you've received. If you've participated in moot court or law review, be sure to mention that as well. 3. Discuss relevant experience: Even if you haven't worked as a lawyer, you likely have some relevant experience. This could be internships, clerkships, or even volunteer work. Discuss the skills you've gained from these experiences and how they apply to the position you're applying for. 4. Show your knowledge of the firm: Do your research and demonstrate your knowledge of the firm you're applying to. This shows your interest and initiative. Discuss why you're interested in this particular firm and how you can contribute to their success. 5. Showcase your skills: Even without direct experience, you can still highlight skills that are relevant to the position. This could be research skills, analytical skills, communication skills, or problem-solving abilities. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in the past. 6. Conclude with a strong closing: In your closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the position and the firm. Thank the reader for their time and express your hope for further discussion. Remember, a cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression. Even without experience, you can still present yourself as a strong candidate by focusing on your education, skills, and potential.

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Cover Letter for Law Firms: Making a Great First Impression

By Adrian Aguilera

Aug 4, 2022

The time has come to apply for that coveted position at a reputable law firm. Your resume is up to date but you’re missing one element that can instantly move your application to the front of the pile. Yes, it’s the dreaded cover letter and no, it’s not a waste of time.

According to a survey by OnePoll on behalf of ResumeLab (a job application software company), 83% of surveyed HR professionals say cover letters are important for their hiring decision and that a great cover letter can help you secure an interview—even if your resume is lacking. In this post, we’ll share how you can tailor your cover letter for law firms, so you can stand out from the application crowd—whether you’re fresh from law school or a seasoned pro. 

Law Firm Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts

A well-written cover letter demonstrates that you are the right fit for the company you’re interested in. You can do this by showcasing your skills, talents, and personality in a persuasive and grammatically correct manner. When crafting a pristine lawyer cover letter, there are a few do’s and don’ts to follow.  

Do Include:

1. A tailored approach

When drafting and submitting a lawyer cover letter, don’t send a generic version for all job applications. Personalize each letter according to the company and position. For example, instead of a standard “Dear hiring manager” salutation, add the name of the hiring person or senior partner. Company websites and LinkedIn are great sources for researching this information. Also, mention the company by name throughout the letter and tailor the content to match the needs of the law firm. 

2. Writing that matches the law firm job requirements 

Discuss how your work experience (no matter how little) adds value to the law firm. This demonstrates your knowledge of the firm and how you can serve as an asset from day one. Also, quantify your value as much as possible. 

Below are two examples. While the first statement isn’t bad, the second is more impressive as it quantifies the work experience. This adjustment will increase your chances of rocketing your resume to the top of the pile. 

Statement on new business and client communication experience

“At my last firm, I increased accounts receivable and regularly brought in new business by taking a client-first approach throughout every case. This resulted in a high number of positive Yelp reviews and referrals.”

Statement on new business and client communication experience (with numbers)

“At my last firm, I developed a process for improving accounts receivable while delighting clients. For example, I set up an efficient system for boosting payment collection by 20% through software invoicing, electronic payments, and automated billing reminders. I also used case management software tools for regularly communicating with clients. This increased positive Yelp reviews by 30% per month and boosted client referrals by 20%.

Lastly, include your preferred contact information such as your phone number and email address , so the hiring manager can connect with you should they desire an interview. 

3. Error-free, concise writing 

Once you’ve drafted your cover letter, don’t immediately hit the send button. You worked hard personalizing a piece that showcases your talents and skills. It’s a shame to let it go to waste due to spelling and grammatical errors. Proofread your law firm cover letter at least twice and send it off to one or two trusted friends or colleagues for additional peer reviews. 

Don’t include:

1. Cliches and buzzwords

Overused jargon and robotic sentences may result in a yawn, followed by a one-way ticket to the trash bin. Avoid statements such as “enclosed, please find my resume.” Employers know that your resume is included. In addition, adjectives like “team player,” “go-getter” and “detail-oriented” are words that every applicant uses and won’t help you stand out. Instead, describe how you’re each of these buzzwords with clear examples. 

2. Lengthy writing 

Don’t try to highlight every single skill and experience you have. Write clearly and concisely, and keep the legal cover letter to one page by highlighting only your most relevant experience and skills.

3. A rehash of your resume

A cover letter for law firms shouldn’t mimic your resume. Instead, go into detail on how specific points in your resume add value and relate to the desired position. For instance, if your resume states that you increased client referrals, explain how you accomplished this task with clear details and (if possible) with numbers. 

Lawyer Cover Letter Sample

For a full visual (and inspiration) on well-written legal cover letters, check out these lawyer cover letter samples. Each version emphasizes the elements that transform an ordinary canned cover letter into a well-written, tailored, and specific approach. 

Cover letter sample for attorneys

Cover letter samples for law students

Cover Letter Follow-Up

Finally, if you don’t hear back from hiring managers within a couple of weeks, send an email or written follow-up. A brief paragraph reminding the hiring manager of your application and cover letter is sufficient. This shows that you are serious about the position and demonstrates organizational skills. 

Follow-up example

Dear Ms. Henry,  

I applied for the attorney position with James & Henry on August 1, 2022, and wanted to reconnect. I noticed that the opening is still advertised and would love to discuss the value I can bring to your team. Attached is my submitted resume and cover letter with specifics on my qualifications. 

Look forward to hearing back.

All in all, crafting a cover letter for law firms is still worth the time and effort. By personalizing every version with specific, concise, and error-free details, you might just receive an interview sooner than you think. 

Adopt MyCase Once You Get the Job  

Once you’ve secured that new position, consider advocating for MyCase legal case management software. MyCase modern case management software tools can improve your firm’s workflow and cash flow from easier legal invoicing , attracting more clients , more efficient time tracking , insightful financial reporting , improved legal payment collection , and productivity-boosting automated workflows . 

Your firm can try MyCase risk-free with a 10-day free trial . We offer affordable monthly and yearly subscriptions. Plus, there’s no commitment required, and you can cancel anytime. 

Learn More About MyCase 

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Cover Letter Advice

Cover letter tips.

Like your resume, a cover letter is a sample of your written work and should be brief (preferably one page), persuasive, well-reasoned, and grammatically perfect. Before crafting your cover letters, review the following tips and consult the sample cover letters .

A good cover letter

• Tells the employer who you are and what you are seeking;
• Shows that you know about the particular employer and the kind of work the employer does (i.e., civil or criminal work, direct client service, “impact” cases, antitrust litigation);
• Demonstrates your writing skills;
• Demonstrates your commitment to the work of that particular employer;
• Conveys that you have something to contribute to the employer;
• Shows that you and that employer are a good “fit;” and
• Tells the employer how to get in touch with you by email, telephone, and mail.

Hiring attorneys and recruiting administrators use cover letters to

• Eliminate applicants whose letters contain misspellings (especially of the employer name and the name of the contact person) or other errors;
• Eliminate applicants whose letters show a lack of research, knowledge about, or interest in the employer’s work;
• Eliminate applicants who are unable to exhibit the value they will bring to the employer; and
• See if there are geographic ties or other information to explain the applicant’s interest in that city or employer.

Cover Letter Format

Your current address should be aligned with the center of the page or the left margin. Under your address you should include a telephone number where you can most easily be reached (i.e., your cell phone) and email address. The date is included under that contact information.

Determine to whom you should address the cover letter. If you are applying to law firms, address your letter to the recruiting director, unless you have reason to do otherwise—for example, if you have been instructed to address the letter to a particular attorney at the firm. For NALP member firms, use www.nalpdirectory.com to obtain that contact information. For other firms and public interest employers, you can refer to their websites, or contact the office to determine to whom your materials should be directed. The name of the person to whom the letter is addressed, his or her title, the employer’s name, and address follow the date and are aligned with the left margin. If writing to an attorney, include Esq. after the person’s name. The greeting appears two lines below the employer’s address and should be “Dear Mr.,” “Dear Ms.,” “Dear Mx.,” “Dear [First Name] [LastName],” or “Dear Judge.” When possible, avoid addressing your letter generally, such as Dear Sir or Madam, or “To Whom It May Concern”; instead take the time to find the contact person and address the letter to that individual.

The body of the cover letter ought to be single-spaced with a line between each paragraph. The closing of the letter (“Sincerely” and your signature) should be two lines below the last line of the letter and either in the center of the page or aligned with the left margin, consistent with how you set up the top of your letter.

Cover Letter Body

Although there are many ways to write a cover letter, the following general format has worked well for candidates in the past.

• In the first paragraph of your cover letter, explain why you are sending your application to the employer: “I am an experienced attorney admitted in New York and am seeking a position with the Trusts and Estates practice group at your organization.” Mention your education background very briefly. In addition, if you have been referred by a mutual contact, you should mention that contact in the first paragraph.
• Use the second paragraph to explain your interest in the employer, including your interest in the employer’s geographic location, reputation, specialty area, or public service.
• In the third paragraph, stress why this employer should hire you. Try not to reiterate what is already included on your resume. Elaborate on the qualifications and experience you have that make you an exceptional attorney. As a lateral candidate it is particularly important to show the value you will bring to the organization.
• The final paragraph should thank the employer for taking the time to review your application and inform the employer of how you can be reached to set up an interview. You may wish to state that you will contact the employer in a couple of weeks to follow up and then actually do so. This is especially true with public interest employers who are often understaffed and will appreciate your extra effort.

For additional general cover letter advice from CDO, consult this page . You are welcome to schedule an appointment with a  CDO counselor to review and discuss your cover letter draft.

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How to Write the Perfect Law Cover Letter

In the modern legal market, you have to have a competitive edge, this means you need to know how to write the perfect law cover letter. This article covers the very basics of writing a cover letter every employer would dream of receiving.

Want more advice on writing great cover letters?  Take 30 seconds to sign up to TLP and receive more top cover letter tips straight to your inbox!

What Should I Write in my Law Cover Letter?

When writing a piece of text like a training contract cover letter , for example, you need to answer these three questions:

1. Why this area of practice?

Think of this question as the theme for the opening paragraph of your law cover letter: in it, you will need to set out who you are, the role you are applying for , a very brief summary of your experience and a concise line or two on why these experiences have directed you to this field. It should be clear to the reader the kind of lawyer you will be throughout.

Put in your own unique style, as long as it is clear why this area, that is enough.

2. Why this firm/chambers?

The real question this is asking is what do you know about us  and about our culture? So, this is a two-pronged question that enables you to show off research skills, commercial awareness and to lead into how you would fit into the company.

There are business and personal reasons for employers’ interest in this: on the business side, the less time spent in training, the more you can earn and they are looking for long-term rainmakers. On the personal side, they want to know if you will get along with other members of staff and be happy with the work-life balance .

This information can be attained in many ways:  you might have been a long-term reader of the company blog or attended insight days or talks. Better yet, you might have interned there or worked with associates through an affiliated company . Whatever the details, you need to show an interest in the company and the people via your law cover letter.

3. Why you would be a good fit?

If you have played your cards right and been selling your motivations and understanding of the company effectively so far, odds are you have done a great job of leading up to this question. In the mind of the reader, you may already be a good fit.

At this stage, you need to sell the value you bring to the company. Maybe you have noticed they are struggling with GDPR and need an expert, and it just so happens that besides commercial law you also have specialist knowledge of computing and data security acquired in your work/study which will be of great assistance.

You need a few USPs here, as well as the ability to match up your skills to the role.

Partners, recruiters and QCs at chambers all agree this is a good starting point for any good cover letter.

What to Avoid in a Law Cover Letter

Saying a lot without selling yourself to the employer is one of the main pitfalls when writing a law cover letter. Make sure you make it clear what you can contribute to the firm – don’t simply rewrite your CV in long form.

The second most common is demonstrating ignorance of the company. This prevented promising candidates being offered jobs they were qualified for. Make sure you do plenty of research and that this is reflected in your cover letter. 

Lastly, make sure your letter is written coherently and follows a clear structure. If you’re worried about grammar and spelling, ask someone to check it before you submit your application!

Words: Cameron Haden

Find out more on making the best applications employers have ever seen:

• 4 Essential Law Firm Research Strategies
• How to Write the Perfect Pupillage Application
• 6 Vital Things You Should Include in a Work Experience Cover Letter

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Include your name, address, phone number and email address at the top of the letter. Consider using the same format as your resume. Your name and contact information can be placed at the left margin, the center or the right margin. A NOTE ABOUT YOUR ADDRESS: If you are applying in St. Louis, use your school address. If you are applying in your hometown, include both your school and home address to show the connection.

The address block should be left justified and include a contact name, if possible.

Do not use first names. Do not use Miss or Mrs. The salutation should be followed by a colon, not a comma.

In this paragraph: \(1\) identify your class year and school; \(2\) mention any geographic ties to the area; and \(3\) include information about why you are interested in the specific employer. If you are applying to multiple offices, indicate that here. For example: "In addition to your Washington, D.C. office, I am also applying to your Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York offices."

The second paragraph \(and if applicable, the third\) is an opportunity for you to market yourself. Do not regurgitate your resume. Talk about the skills and abilities you possess and back it up with examples from your prior work experience and academic studies. If you do not have prior work experience, look to your extracurricular activities to convey your skills. The skills you reference can be legal in nature and/or general \(e.g., research and writing, attention to detail, communication, diligence, work ethic\). If you are a 2L, you should lead with your legal experience - both your 1L summer position and your law school performance.

The last paragraph should thank the employer and provide for future contact. For example, if you are direct applying in a city where you are not located for the summer, if possible, offer a date you will be in town for a potential meeting. Alternatively, simply state "Please feel free to contact me at the phone number listed above." If you are direct applying and applying through OCI, state that here or in the first paragraph.

Use standard business closings, such as Sincerely, Truly, Regards, and Respectfully. The signature block can be centered, left justified or closer to the right margin.

If you are enclosing only your resume, use "Encl." If you are enclosing more than one other document \(e.g., resume and transcript\), use "Encls."

The date can be centered or left justified and should be placed above the employer's address block.

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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Resumes, Cover Letters and Other Job Search Documents

Resumes, cover letters and writing samples are the first, and sometimes only, opportunity to make a positive impression on an employer. They must be perfect. Your entire work history and educational career are summarized in a few pages and every detail is a reflection on you. Mastering these documents is crucial to obtaining an interview.

All students and graduates are welcome to meet with a member of the Office of Career Services to have their resumes, cover letters and other documents reviewed before sending them to an employer.

Always submit a cover letter with a resume unless the employer expressly says not to do so. Tailor your cover letter specifically to the position to which you are applying. Cover letters must have correct grammar, proper spelling, good sentence structure and must comply with standard business format. Your cover letter is the first sample of your writing skills. It is essential to proofread!

• Cover letter paper and resume paper should match exactly. Likewise, it is preferable that the heading/letterhead on your cover letter be the same as your resume. Regardless, include your return address, telephone number and e-mail address on the cover letter.
• Be sure to date the letter.
• Address the cover letter to a specific person using the individual's complete and correct name, title, firm/organization name, full street address, city, state and zip code. If you don't know to whom the letter should be addressed or if you have questions regarding the job title or the spelling of a name, call the employer and ask.
• Do not address the cover letter to "Dear Hiring Partner," "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To Whom It May Concern". This makes it appear to be a mass mailing rather than a targeted cover letter. If you exhaust all resources to identify to whom the cover letter should be addressed and are still are unable to identify the proper individual, you may use the terms as a course of last resort.
• When addressing a letter to an attorney, you may insert "Esq." after the attorney's name in the address block. For example: "Charles A. Abrams, Esq." When using the "Esq." designation in the address block, however, do not insert Mr. or Ms. before the attorney's name. Additionally, in the salutation, (i.e., Dear Mr. Abrams:), do not insert Esq. after the name. Also, use Mr. or Ms. in the salutation. Do not use Mrs. or Miss.
• Use a colon, not a comma, after the greeting for business letters.
• 1st Paragraph: Tell who you are and why you are writing.
• Use contact names and research findings about the firm as it relates to your interests.
• 2nd Paragraph: Tell what you will bring to the firm.
• Describe your skills; give examples of your achievements and accomplishments and how they will benefit the employer. The focus should be what you have to offer the employer, not how you will benefit from the job.
• 3rd Paragraph: Tell what will be your next step.
• If submitting for on-campus interviewing, express that you are appreciative of their time.
• For all other letters, ask for an interview and state that you will follow-up with a telephone call to confirm that the employer received your information and to inquire if the employer requires additional information. Include your telephone number and e-mail address if they are not included at the top of your letter.
• Thank the individual for his/her time and consideration and mention that you look forward to speaking with the individual soon.
• Close the letter with "Sincerely" or "Very truly yours"; leave space (usually 4 spaces) to sign your name.
• Remember to sign your letters. Blue ink is preferable so the reader knows it is not a copy, but black ink is acceptable. Do not sign in pencil or unusual color ink.
• If you are enclosing a single document (e.g., a resume,) include "Enclosure" two spaces under your name; if you are enclosing more than one document (e.g., writing sample, transcript, list of references, letters of recommendation) include "Enclosures" two spaces under your name.
• When submitting by regular mail, do not staple your cover letter to your resume or other documents. It is preferable to use large mailing envelopes, rather than folding the letter and resume.

Sample Cover Letters

Your resume must be perfect. No errors. Do not rely solely on spell check. Spell check does not always find all misspelled words. It is essential that you proofread repeatedly. Have several different people review your resume for errors.

• Use good resume paper. White, off-white or ivory paper is recommended.
• Resumes should be aesthetically pleasing to the eye with sufficient white space.
• Avoid unusual fonts and formats.
• Recommended font size is 11 or 12 as anything smaller is difficult to read.
• Your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address should appear at the top of page
• Typically, a resume should be one page. Someone with an extensive employment history or a professional career prior to law school may require a two pages resume. Contact the Office of Career Services if you have questions regarding the length of your resume. It is better to go with two pages than to crowd the information onto one page.
• Do not number the first page of your resume, but identify subsequent pages, by putting "Your Name" and "Page #" at the top right hand corner of each page, so that if the pages are separated the employer knows to whom the resume belongs.
• Use strong action words in the past tense to describe previous employment and strong action words in the present tense to describe current employment.
• Focus your descriptions on outcomes, results and accomplishments.
• Exclude all data on the resume such as social security number, religion, race, salary, age, weight, height, state of health, marital status, LSAT score, photographs and case citations
• Print each resume on a laser printer.

The Office of Career Services personnel are available to review your resume and there are two computers, a laser printer and a fax machine available in the Office of Career Services for career-related use. You must supply resume paper, resume envelopes and address labels.

Sample Resume

• References should be provided in a separate document from your resume. Do not include a line stating "References Available Upon Request" on your resume.
• Obtain references from someone who is familiar with your work and, preferably, from someone who supervised your work. Former employers, professors from law school or professors from undergraduate school are good references.
• Contact the potential reference and be certain that the individual is comfortable being a reference for you and confirm that he or she will provide a positive reference.
• It is recommended to have 3-5 references. Provide full contact information of the reference including name, title and employer of the reference, mailing address, telephone number and e-mail address.
• Provide your references with a courtesy copy of your resume and notify them that you are seeking employment and will be using them as a reference. This ensures that your references will be prepared for a call from a potential employer and can quickly refer to your resume.
• The reference page header/letterhead should match the header/letterhead that you use on your resume and cover letter

Sample Reference List

Many prospective employers want to see a legal writing sample and will use the sample to evaluate your ability to effectively research and analyze a legal issue. When it comes to a writing sample, the overriding consideration is that it be your very best work and that it reveal your ability to clearly analyze case law or a statutory scheme in a clear, concise manner. Many employers consider a writing sample to be indicative of your potential as a lawyer.

• The writing sample should be error free. No spelling, grammar or punctuation errors. Proofread. You may lose a job due to a sloppy writing sample.
• The writing sample should be 5-10 pages in length. If the writing sample that you want to use is long, you may use an excerpt (e.g., one argument from a brief) and submit it with an explanatory note that outlines the facts so that the reader can immediately grasp the subject matter.
• The writing sample should be your own work, substantially unedited by anyone else. For example, employers know that law review articles are edited extensively, so avoid use of such documents.
• Any document that demonstrates your ability to analyze a legal issue is a good choice for a writing sample. Legal research and writing papers, legal briefs, legal memos, moot court briefs or seminar papers are all appropriate writing samples.
• A legal brief or memo prepared for an employer is also an excellent writing sample. You must, however, get your employer's permission to use the document and you must redact any confidential material. You may rename the party to protect confidentiality (e.g., "ABC Corporation" or "firm name" or "client name") and to maintain readability, but you should inform the reader of the change by providing a brief explanatory note.
• Create a cover sheet for the writing sample. It is recommended that you use the heading/letterhead that matches your resume and cover letter and center the title "Writing Sample" at the top of the document. Use the cover sheet to give necessary background information about the writing sample. For example, give the name of the class, a brief description of the assignment and if the assignment contained any forced limitations (e.g., the type of research allowed, the side of the argument you had to take). If you are excerpting from a longer document, add whatever background is necessary to make the excerpt understandable. Add a header or footer with your name to all pages of your writing sample.

Employers often request a transcript from a job candidate. Usually the job description will state whether the employer prefers an official or an unofficial transcript, and an unofficial transcript is usually acceptable. If there is any doubt as to which type of transcript is required, ask the potential employer. Always double-check to make sure that your name appears on the transcript.

Official Transcripts

• For current students, an official printed transcript may be requested in person through the Student Services office.
• All current students and alumni can also request an official transcript through the University's transcript request service.

Unofficial Transcripts

• Unofficial transcripts can be printed from Banner  directly or can be cut and pasted into a Word document and then printed. Your unofficial transcript does not need to be on resume paper.

Writing a thank you letter after an interview is a must. It establishes goodwill, expresses appreciation and can strengthen your candidacy for the job. Some employers think less of interviewees who fail to send a thank you note promptly.

• Send your thank you notes as soon as possible after your interview (within 24 hours). A typed or handwritten note is preferred. If you send a prompt thank you via e-mail, be sure to follow up with a written thank you via postal mail as well.
• If you have an extensive interview process with several people, sending a thank you note to each interviewer is recommended. In rare cases, a "group" thank you note may be appropriate (e.g. interviews were all substantially similar). In this case, send the thank you note to the person who arranged the interview and request that it be shared with the other interviewers.
• Remember to proofread: check for spelling, grammar and typographical errors. Contact the office for proper names, spelling or titles of your interviewers if you are uncertain of any of the information. A thank you note could actually hurt you if it contains any mistakes.

The Handwritten Thank You Note

• Plain white or cream color notes are preferred, without decorative lettering of "Thank You."
• Write the note on the inside lower half of the folded note card. Do not write on the top half of the card above the fold. Use a comma after the greeting.

The Typed Thank You Note

• The typed note will be longer.
• Use the same heading/letterhead on your thank you letter that you use on your resume and cover letter.
• 1st Paragraph: Thank the employer for meeting with you. Refresh his or her memory by stating when you interviewed and mention topics that were discussed.
• 2nd Paragraph: Reaffirm your interest in the firm/organization. This is an opportunity to mention information that was discussed in the interview. You can also restate why you want the job, your qualifications for the job and contributions you could make to the employer.
• 3rd Paragraph: Thank the employer for his/her time and his/her consideration. If the heading of the letter doesn't include it, enclose your phone number or e-mail address so that the employer can contact you with additional questions.

Sample Thank You Notes

After the employer makes an offer, you may want to ask the employer additional questions before accepting the offer. You may ask for more time to consider the offer and make your decision.

Some Additional Considerations Regarding Permanent Offers:

• Describe your compensation and benefits package.
• How are raises and bonuses determined?
• What is the percentage of the billing that associates retain for business that is brought in to the firm?
• What is the partnership track? What financial investments are necessary when making partner?

Some Additional Considerations Regarding Summer/Temporary Offers:

• How much will the position pay? Are additional benefits included (e.g., parking)?
• Will there be an opportunity to continue working during the school year?
• How many hours a week are required? Will weekend or evening hours be required?
• If you need to take time off during the summer, negotiate it at the time of acceptance. Most employers will be flexible if you are up-front about the needed time off.

Formal Acceptance of the Offer:

• An offer may be accepted by telephone, but also follow up with a letter formalizing the acceptance.
• Clarify the starting date for a full-time position or the starting and ending dates for a summer position as well as salary, benefits, etc.
• If you accept a position, terminate all other offers immediately by informing the potential employers of your acceptance of the position. This will help maintain a positive relationship with the other employers and will allow the opportunity to be offered to another student or attorney.
• Do not accept more than one offer. Once you have accepted a position, follow through with your decision. Accepting more than one offer is unprofessional and likely to cause problems in the future. If you are feeling pressure about making a decision, ask the employer for more time to decide.

Sample Letter of Acceptance