This is an article in a series of articles called Your Ultimate Guide to Law Student Recruitment. Don’t forget to read the previous article here: Building Your Law Student Recruit Application Package
Introduction
Once you decide which law firms to apply to out of all the law firms hiring, you need to write a cover letter as part of your application package. Generally, every cover letter you write will include an introduction, a paragraph about why you want to work at the firm you’re applying to, another paragraph about your skills and qualifications, and other elements of a cover letter. However, each cover letter must be uniquely tailored to the law firm you want to work at so make it personal to them. If you need help writing your cover letter, follow the cover letter template below. This is the exact template that I used as a law student to apply to firms which helped me get several interviews.
Cover Letter Template
Your Name
Your Address
Your email | Your phone number
Date
Attention: Firm Representative
Firm Name
Firm Address
Dear Sir/Madam,
Re: Position Title
Paragraph #1: Introduction
- Keep this paragraph short and sweet (1-3 sentences)
- Introduce yourself and identify what position you are applying for
- If you are applying to a law firm in a different city, explain why (firms are hesitant to hire someone they think might not stay so reassure them that you’re not a flight risk)
Paragraph #2: Why this firm?
- This paragraph should be longer (3-5 sentences)
- If you met with a student or lawyer from the law firm you’re applying to, mention their name here. If you didn’t, mention how you heard about the firm
- Provide 1-2 reasons why you are interested in the firm
- Also talk about a practice area of the firm that you are particularly drawn to and why
Paragraph #3: Why should the firm hire you?
- This should be similar in length to Paragraph #2 or slightly longer (3-7 sentences)
- State what you think your value will be to the firm
- Highlight your most relevant work or volunteer experiences (what you did and any skills you gained or lessons you learned) and how these experiences will help you succeed at the firm should they choose to hire you
- Be detailed and use the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, and Result
Paragraph #4: Conclusion
- Like the introduction, keep this paragraph short (1-2 sentences)
- Conclude by saying you look forward to discussing your qualifications further and thank the firm representative for considering your application
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your name
Cover Letter Template Free Download
To make things even easier, you can download an editable version of the above cover letter template for free by visiting the link below:
Tips for Writing Your Cover Letter
- Be detailed when describing your work and volunteer roles (use the STAR method)
- Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences
- Keep it to one page and leave negative space where possible
- Make it easy to read
- Personalize each cover letter to the firm you’re applying to
- If you can, address your cover letter to a specific person
- Proof-read your cover letter to make sure it’s free of any grammar/spelling/silly errors e.g. you have the wrong address for the firm
- Include your signature at the end of each cover letter (this is where an iPad comes in handy)
Conclusion
Try to keep your cover letter simple. Use 1-inch margins and a classic font like Arial or Times New Roman at a 12 pt font size. Nothing fancy. But remember, in the end, a template is just that: a template. Don’t be afraid to add your own unique touch. Move things around if you like, add or delete a paragraph and make the content personal to you so it stands out from the pile of other cover letters on the law firm recruiter’s desk. Happy writing!
This is an article in a series of articles called Your Ultimate Guide to Law Student Recruitment.
Next article: Law Student Recruit Resume Template
Previous article: Building Your Law Student Recruit Application Package
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