Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter for a Judicial Internship

A cover letter is a crucial component of your application package, serving as a written introduction that highlights your qualifications and enthusiasm for a specific position. It provides an opportunity to showcase your personality and demonstrate why you are a strong fit for the role. While your resume outlines your educational background and legal experience in a structured way, your cover letter is a chance to focus on why you love the legal field, what you think is special about your career and why you’d be a great match for the internship in question.

Preparing Your Application Materials

Employers may request various materials at different times, so it's essential to have everything ready. While your resume is the primary job-seeking document, it's wise to have your list of references, writing sample, and transcript available as soon as your resume is complete. This ensures there's no delay in sending additional information if an employer requests it. Judicial clerkships (post-graduate positions) and, to a lesser degree, externships (internships with judges during law school) have very special application requirements, so be sure to consult the CDO’s Judicial Clerkships Guide or Judicial Externship Guide if you are applying to clerk or extern for a judge.

The Importance of References

References are individuals who can vouch for your qualities and abilities when contacted by prospective employers. Your list of references should be on a separate sheet of paper with your name and contact information at the top (use the same header as your resume). If a reference has changed jobs since the time you worked with him/her, put the current title and contact information, and add an explanatory note.

Selecting Your References

When choosing references, consider the following:

Personal (“character”) references are generally not recommended.
Work references, especially for 1Ls, need not be legal employers; they can still demonstrate your ability to succeed in a work setting, e.g., punctuality, ability to relate well to co-workers, and meeting deadlines.
If your resume shows recent or long-duration employment, omitting a reference from that job may raise questions.
A balanced list of references from different sectors (various jobs; undergrad or law school) provides a broader range of information.
Listing someone known in the community where the employer works can be valuable.
Academic references, especially legal ones, are desirable, but not essential (except for judicial clerkships and externships, and jobs in legal academia). College or graduate professors who know something about your writing skills and diligence-perhaps a faculty advisor on a major project, or someone for whom you worked as a research assistant- can also be excellent references, especially for first-years.
For judicial clerkships, legal academic references are an essential part of an application. Students interested in academic careers should also expect to work closely with faculty and to rely on faculty references in their job search.

Communicating with Your References

Always check with potential references before listing them. Ensure they will be very enthusiastic about you, as a mild reference won't be useful. Also, make sure they can be readily reached using the contact information provided. The more informed your references are about your job search priorities and goals, the better the reference they will provide. Let them know what kind of employment you are looking for, how such employment fits your overall career plans, and to whom you are planning to apply. Share your resume and other application materials with them if you think it will help. Finally, once you know a potential employer is definitely going to contact them, give your references a “heads up.” When you get the job, inform your references and thank them for their support.

The Role of a Writing Sample

Prospective employers frequently request a writing sample and weigh it heavily when considering making an offer. Your writing sample must be law-related, but it can either be a neutral research piece, such as a legal memorandum, or persuasive writing. Many Berkeley Law students use their first semester legal writing course memo until they can prepare an excerpt from their WOA brief. If your sample was written for an actual client during legal employment, you must obtain the permission of your supervising attorney before you use it. You must also expunge, or (preferably) replace with fictitious information, all names and other information that would compromise confidentiality. Create a cover sheet for your writing sample with your name and contact information (use the same header as your resume), and any other explanatory information you need to include. In the absence of a specified length for your writing sample, it should be 5 - 8 pages (never more than 10). (One notable exception to this rule is applications for post graduate judicial clerkships. Of course anything you submit as a sample must be a true reflection of your own writing abilities, and many requests for writing samples specify that it must be not be edited by others. But in fact much legal work is written collaboratively, and everyone is well advised to have someone review materials submitted for a job application, including writing samples. You must use your judgment as to what you can legitimately submit as a sample of your “unedited” work. Consult a CDO attorney-counselor if you have any questions about this requirement, or any other aspect of how you present your writing sample.

Submitting Your Transcript

Most employers will ask to see your law school transcript at some point in the application process. Besides being interested in your grades, employers may want to see the elective courses students have chosen and the grades received for courses of varying difficulty. Do not provide undergraduate transcripts unless you are specifically asked to do so. Transcripts should be the ones you get from the Berkeley Law Registrar (not from Sproul Hall), and unless you are asked to provide an “official” one, it is acceptable to provide a photocopy. If you copy the transcript, you must also copy and include the grade key on the back of the transcript and provide both front and back to employers. If a deadline for an application falls before grades are available, and you are asked to include grades for that term, simply inform the employer that you will provide grades as soon as they are available. You may use the Grade Sheet for this purpose.

Assembling and Submitting Your Application Package

Judicial clerkship and externship applications have very specific rules of their own; be sure to consult the CDO’s Clerkship Guide or Externship Guide. If you are making a “cold” application to an organization, send only a cover letter and resume, but be prepared with your list of references, writing sample and transcript in case you get a quick and positive response. It is best to identify the title of the job you are applying for in the subject line. When you go to an in-person interview, always bring printed copies of your resume, transcript, list of references and writing sample. Some employers may request that you bring additional materials (such as a cover letter) to the interview. Assume that any of your materials could become separated from each other; each should have your name and contact information. Most students create a simple personal “letterhead” which they use to identify all of their application materials (except the transcript).

Crafting an Effective Cover Letter

The cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong first impression. Cover letters must be perfect. Consider this your first writing sample. A letter of application is written to apply to a specific opening. A letter of inquiry is written to explore potential employment opportunities. Create an individualized cover letter that is targeted to the employer. This may take time, but it’s well worth the effort. Give the employer exactly what they are looking for. Cover letters should address the qualities requested in the posting, if there is one. Do not simply list the experiences from your resume; you should send your application materials. Be very clear in your cover letter.

Key Elements of a Cover Letter

Header: Use the same header as your resume, including your name and contact information (full name).
Salutation: Address the hiring manager directly (Ex. "Dear Ms. [Hiring Manager's Last Name]"). Research the employer before writing.
Introduction: Introduce yourself and state your intent (Ex. I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the legal internship opportunity at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, as advertised.).
Body Paragraphs: Identify any geographic connection you have to the employer. Explain how your experiences translate into skills that will be of use to the employer. Highlight personal accomplishments or attributes.
Conclusion: Close the letter and thank the reader for their time. Express your interest in the opportunity to interview with you for the position. Let the employer know that you intend to follow-up with them.
Closing: Use a professional signoff such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.

Tailoring Your Cover Letter

Tailoring your cover letter to the specific legal internship is vital. A customized letter not only demonstrates your genuine interest but also allows you to illustrate how your educational background and experiences align with the role’s requirements. Don’t just copy and paste a generic letter for each role. It might save time, but it conveys a sense of disinterest or even laziness. That’s not the first impression you want to make.

Read also: Cultivating Future Leaders

Additionally, many law firms use applicant tracking systems (ATS) during their hiring processes. These systems scan for keywords relevant to the job description. To make sure your cover letter gets noticed by ATS, include keywords from the legal internship listing. This approach helps you naturally build a unique and focused letter that will capture the attention of employers and ease your passage through automated screenings.

Examples of Introductory Paragraphs

For a law student seeking an internship with no experience: "I am eager to apply for the legal internship as advertised. With my academic background and participation in [specific law-related activities], I am excited to bring my analytical skills and dedication to your legal team. I look forward to contributing to your firm’s cases and enhancing client outcomes."
For a law student with some legal experience: "I am excited to express my interest in the legal internship position. With [number] years of experience, including internships at law offices and participation in my university’s legal aid clinic, I am prepared to contribute effectively to your team. My experience with case research, client interaction and documentation aligns well with the needs of this role. I am enthusiastic about the chance to further develop my legal skills and contribute to your firm’s success."

Showcasing Your Skills and Experiences

In the body paragraphs of your legal internship cover letter, highlight your legal skills and experiences, explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the internship. Detail your legal experience: Share specific instances where you’ve contributed to legal research, drafting of legal documents or assisted in case preparation. Emphasize any accomplishments or unique approaches you’ve adopted. Provide examples of how your efforts have supported case strategies or improved client outcomes.

Emphasize your comprehensive skill set: Along with your legal skills, showcase soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and effective communication. Your cover letter should reflect a blend of both technical and interpersonal skills, showing employers that you are well-rounded and adaptable. Since most interns don’t have tons of work experience, this is a great place to hone in on your transferable skills.

Discuss unique qualifications or experiences: Whether it’s a moot court competition, past legal internships or relevant certifications, explain how these experiences have prepared you for a successful start to your law career.

Example Body Paragraphs

"As a law student, I have engaged deeply with both theoretical and practical aspects of law. At [previous internship or university], I played a pivotal role in streamlining the research process for ongoing cases, which enhanced our team’s efficiency by 30% and contributed to five key wins in court. My commitment to thorough legal research and advocacy has been instrumental in assisting clients effectively."

"I am particularly proud of my involvement in a pro bono project that helped overturn a wrongful conviction, underscoring my dedication to justice and legal accuracy. Moreover, I continuously seek to enhance my legal acumen through advanced courses in [specific area of law], ensuring I remain at the forefront of legal developments and practices."

Detailing specific achievements and the practical application of your legal knowledge is crucial. Quantifying your contributions, such as the number of cases assisted or the percentage of successful motions drafted, can significantly strengthen your application by demonstrating tangible results.

Example Closing Paragraph

"I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [firm or organization name] and support your legal team in delivering exceptional outcomes. My passion for law and commitment to fostering client success position me as a valuable addition to your firm. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my educational background and internship experiences align with your team’s goals. Thank you for considering my application."

Formatting Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter is an essential element of your application because it outlines why you are the perfect fit for the role by giving you space to draw attention to the aspects of your career that you’re most proud of. To ensure your cover letter makes a strong impact, here are some key formatting guidelines that will enhance its clarity and professionalism:

Font style and size: Choose simple, professional fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, keeping the font size between 10-12 points for ease of reading.
Spacing: Use 1.15 to 1.5 line spacing within paragraphs, and double spacing between paragraphs to make your letter easy to read.
Margins and alignment: Use 1-inch margins all around and align your text to the left for a neat, organized appearance.

Choosing a Cover Letter Template

In the legal field, professionalism is paramount. When picking a cover letter template, choose clean, conservative designs that convey precision and professionalism. To help you stand out from the crowd, you might select a template with subtle color accents or a subtle graphic to differentiate your letter from others. Just remember that content should always leave a stronger impression than form.

Additionally, ensure your cover letter and resume templates match. This consistency shows your attention to detail and strengthens your presentation as a thoroughly prepared applicant. Preparing documents will probably be a big part of your legal internship role, so showing care in your career documents is a great way to demonstrate your reliability and thoughtfulness.

The Connection Between Your Cover Letter and Resume

Remember, your cover letter is part of a package with your resume. Make sure they complement each other. If you haven’t already, start by writing a detailed resume to give potential employers a structured narrative of your experience and skills.

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