The following are sample 3L 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
5786 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53715
September 1, 2008
Ms. Sarah L. Kelly
The Best Corporation
591 Centre Street
Milwaukee, WI 52241
Dear Ms. Kelly:
In May of 2009 I will receive my J.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. I am eager to return to my hometown of Milwaukee to begin my legal career and would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about my interest in a position in your company's Tax Department. I have enclosed a résumé for your review.
As indicated by my résumé, I have considerable experience in the area of tax law. This past summer I worked as an associate in Foley and Lardner's Corporate Department. I conducted legal research on a number of tax-related issues, including a comprehensive analysis of the federal tax consequences of forming, operating and dissolving various business enterprises. I also prepared numerous corporate forms for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a judicial intern for Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Betty Gurstein during the previous summer, I researched case law and wrote a bench memo on gift tax issues.
In addition to my practical experience, this year I will be taking tax courses including the Taxation of Trusts and Estates and International Tax. I am also a member of the Law School's Business and Tax Law Association and have been a VITA volunteer for the past three years. I am confident that the practical and theoretical skills I have gained will be an asset to your company.
I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and my interest in working for The Best Company. I will call you next week to see if we can meet at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Bonnie G. Blake
Enclosure
SAMPLE LETTER #2
59 Orchard Street
Madison, WI 53712
September 1, 2008
Ms. Helen Howe
Deputy Chief Counsel
Committee for Public Counsel Services
80 Costa Grande Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 97734
Dear Ms. Howe:
I am writing at the suggestion of Frank Albertson, one of your staff members and a close friend of mine from Marquette University. I am currently a third-year student at the University of Wisconsin Law School and am seeking a position as a public defender. I have always intended to return to Los Angeles to practice after the broadening experience of attending law school in another part of the country.
I have a strong background and interest in both criminal law and assisting the disadvantaged. Prior to attending law school, I worked for the Wisconsin Department of Social Services' Office of Policy and Planning. My primary responsibilities centered around the development of innovative programs for "hard to place" children in foster care. During the summer of 2007, I clerked for the General Counsel of DSS. Last summer, I was a legal intern for the Child Abuse Unit at the Office of the District Attorney for Dane County, Wisconsin. In addition, in law school I have participated in a criminal defense clinical program and taken advanced coursework in Criminal Justice Administration and Litigation in Criminal Cases.
I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you regarding a position with your organization. Should you have any questions or require any additional materials, please contact me at 608-555-3344 or at bbking@wisc.edu. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Blake B. King
Enclosure