Cover Letters: 5 Tips for Law Students

I don’t give out model cover letters for a reason. A “model” is the antithesis of what any cover letter should be. Instead, the letter should scream:

“I’m different; I’m better; you want me; you want only me.”

To be sure, you need to format traditionally and use formal prose, but in terms of what you say after that, you need to stand out from the pack.

You need to be unique.
You need to go beyond the boilerplate.

✏️ You need to write a cover letter that no one else could write.

Here are 5 tips to help you craft one:

1️⃣ Be confident.

Approach each cover letter as if you are a highly credentialed, sought-after candidate.

—Do not let mediocre grades douse your ability to craft engaging copy, and do not downplay. Focus on your strengths & demonstrate the value you can bring.

2️⃣ Be enthusiastic.

I don’t care if your grades are A’s or C’s, and I don’t care if you are applying to 1 firm or 100. You should approach each as if it’s your #1 choice.

—No, don’t say the firm is your #1 choice if it’s not true, but ask yourself whether you’re really sure. A firm that you might gloss over in the first instance can end up being your number one bet in the end. There’s simply no reason to give away that you plan to turn an offer down before you know the full extent of your options.

✏️ It’s often the firm that ends up choosing you, not the other way around.

3️⃣ Be specific about the firm.

Research & find out something specific about the firm that makes it your top choice (as opposed to every other firm).

—Force yourself to find a distinguishing firm trait.

✏️ If your letter could easily be sent to several other firms, you haven’t found something specific enough.

4️⃣ Be specific about yourself and your experience.

What is something you’ve done in the last year (or 2 yrs., or 10, etc.) that your peers have not done?

What is it about you that would be hard to replicate?

DON’T just write that you’ve gained analytical and legal-writing skills from your law school classes or that you know how to research on WestLaw. Everyone can say that if they want to.

DON’T just say you researched “legal issues.” Tell them WHAT specifically you researched and what it was for.

5️⃣ Inject some personality.

What’s something interesting or funny that has happened to you? Any story will do.

—Tell it briefly, and then tie it to some specific trait about you, your background, or your achievements that makes you a top candidate for that firm.

—Anecdotes let your personality come through and distinguish you from others.

✏️ Personal stories are gold.

***

RECAP:

You’re adding your resume to a big stack.
You need to stand out from the pack.

Be YOU, and you’ll see.

You might even, if you dare,
add a dash of creativity!

Fondly,

💌 Amanda

P.S. What questions do you have for me?

#Dear1L