The following are sample 1L cover letters representing various situations. DO NOT COPY THESE LETTERS VERBATIM! Otherwise you risk having your letter look exactly like those of your fellow students and drawing negative attention when the lawyer reading it thinks, "Oh, here's that same UW Law School form letter again," while throwing it in the wastebasket. These samples are intended to be for your guidance only and to serve as frameworks to create your own unique, personalized letter.
SAMPLE LETTER #1
75 Gorham Street, Apt. 4
Madison, WI 53714
December 1, 2008
Mr. Henry C. Street
Johnson, Street & Willis
423 First Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55165
Dear Mr. Street:
I am writing to you as a fellow alumnus of the University of Minnesota. I am currently a first-year student at the University of Wisconsin Law School and would like to apply for a summer associate position with Johnson, Street & Willis. I am interested in consumer law, but would like to work on a variety of legal issues this summer. I am drawn to your firm because of its numerous practice areas and because I would like to return to the Twin Cities to begin my career after I graduate. Enclosed please find a copy of my résumé for your review.
I believe my undergraduate background and work experience would allow me to make a significant contribution to your firm. First, at the University of Minnesota, I was the associate news editor for The Minnesota Daily. My degree in English and my journalism experience have given me strong writing and research skills, as well as the ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines. Additionally, as an intern this past summer with Kemper Insurance Group, I developed strong organizational skills and learned to work effectively on group projects. Finally, my current volunteer work at a battered women's shelter, in addition to my full-time studies, has strengthened my time management skills.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you further and will contact you shortly to see if we can arrange an appointment during my semester break, December 19 to January 5, when I will be in Minneapolis visiting my family. Thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Kari M. Haveland
Enclosure
SAMPLE LETTER #2
445 W. Dayton Street #6
Madison, WI 53702
February 1, 2008
Mr. Mark Zimmerman
Executive Director
The Helping Hand Foundation
819 E. Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603
Dear Mr. Zimmerman:
I am a first-year student at the University of Wisconsin Law School and am interested in employment opportunities with The Helping Hand Foundation this coming summer. Having grown up in Chicago, I would like to return there this the summer and hope to find an internship where I can continue my commitment to civil rights work.
After graduating from De Paul University, I was a VISTA volunteer for the Chicago Legal Services Foundation. I worked as a liaison between attorneys, public service organizations and low-income clients and maintained grants to continue the operation of housing and homeless adolescent programs. During my second semester at UW Law School, I have continued to concentrate on civil rights issues through my externship with the Wisconsin Department of Justice. I assist the lawyers on issues ranging from death penalty policies to fair housing legislation. The knowledge and experience I have gained from these positions, as well as my dedication to helping those in need, will allow me to be an asset to your organization.
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss the Foundation's current projects and how I might be of assistance this summer. I will call you next week to discuss the possibility of a meeting. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Janet T. Roost
Enclosure