The following are sample 2L 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
525 Regent Street
Madison, WI 53712
September 1, 2008
Ms. Jill P. Black
Drye, Fitch, Scott & Kaplan
5567 Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53701
Dear Ms. Black:
I am a second-year student at the University of Wisconsin Law School and am writing to express my interest in a summer associate position with your firm. I am particularly attracted to Drye, Fitch's environmental law practice. Enclosed is my résumé for your review.
My undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison provided a sound base from which to expand my interest in environmental law. After graduation, I was a summer intern for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. In that position, I researched and wrote discussion papers on issues concerning the regulation of chemical fertilizers. This past summer I volunteered for the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group, where I analyzed federal and state statutes concerning water resource management and provided recommendations for policy positions. This semester I am studying Land Use Planning and Environmental Law.
I believe that my sincere interest in environmental issues, in addition to my writing and research experience in environmental law, will enable me to contribute significantly to your firm this summer. I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Thomas P. Hines
Enclosure
SAMPLE LETTER #2
424 Williamson Street
Madison, WI 53713
September 1, 2008
Mr. H. Lewis Wells
Hale, Goodwin & Testa
423 Sumner Square
Boston, MA 02134
Dear Mr. Wells:
I am a second-year student at the University of Wisconsin Law School and am writing in response to the summer law clerk position your firm posted through my Career Services Office. As a native of Massachusetts, I am committed to returning to Boston to practice law upon graduation. I have enclosed my résumé for your review.
The work that your firm performs on behalf of criminal defendants is of particular interest to me. This past summer I worked as a clinical intern for the Legal Assistance to Institutionalized Persons Project at UW Law School's Remington Center. In this position, I interviewed incarcerated clients, researched various criminal law and procedure issues, and drafted and filed motions for jail credit. I also assisted with plea negotiations. As an undergraduate at Carleton College, I worked part-time for a criminal defense attorney, where I organized files, served subpoenas and assisted at witness interviews, hearings and trials. I am confident that the relevant practical skills I gained from these experiences make me a well-qualified candidate for a summer position with Hale, Goodwin & Testa.
I will be in Boston during the week of November 22 and would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you at that time, if possible. Thank you for your consideration of my qualifications. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Y. Smiley
Enclosure
SAMPLE LETTER #3
55 Breese Terrace, Apt. #4
Madison, WI 53720
September 1, 2008
Ms. Deborah Dorsky
Dorsky & Associates
5567 Main Street
Appleton, WI 54567
Dear Ms. Dorsky:
I am a second-year student at the University of Wisconsin Law School and am writing to express my interest in a summer associate position with Dorsky & Associates. I am particularly drawn to Dorsky & Associates' practice in the areas of insurance and personal injury law. These are two areas of law in which I am very interested and have done well academically (I received Academic Achievement Awards for the highest grades in Torts and Civil Procedure I).
While in law school I have focused on gaining litigation and writing experience. During my clerkship this past summer with a local judge, I spent considerable time researching issues concerning personal injury and premises liability. In addition to writing bench memos for the judge, I drafted a number of orders. I will continue to sharpen and refine my writing skills this year as a member of the Wisconsin Law Review. Additionally, I will be taking two practical litigation skills courses: Pre-Trial and Trial Advocacy.
I have enclosed a copy of my résumé for your review. I will be contacting you shortly to discuss the possibility of setting up an interview. If I can provide you with any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 608-555-3223. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Kyle F. Friedlander
Enclosure