How to write a cover letter to score an interview at a law firm—
How to write a cover letter to score an interview at a law firm—
Dear 1L, I don’t give out model cover letters for a reason.
A “model” is the antithesis of what a cover letter should be.
Instead, your cover 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 five tips to help you do it:
1️⃣ Be enthusiastic.
I don’t care if your grades are As or Cs, and I don’t care if you are applying to one firm or 100. You should approach each as if it’s your #1 choice. (No, don’t tell a firm it’s your #1 choice if it’s not true, but ask yourself whether you’re really sure. A firm that you might gloss over at first can end up being your best 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.)
2️⃣ 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 and demonstrate the value you can bring. If you don’t sound confident about your abilities, you can’t possibly persuade a firm of them.
3️⃣ Be specific about the firm.
Research and find out something specific about the firm that makes it your top choice (as opposed to every other firm). Force yourself to find AT LEAST ONE distinguishing trait. If your letter could easily be sent to several firms, you haven’t found something specific enough.
4️⃣ Be specific about yourself.
Strive to find something about you that would be hard for someone else to replicate. For example, don’t just write that you’ve gained analytical and legal-writing skills or that you know how to research on Lexis. Everyone else can say that, too. Try asking yourself these questions:
▪️ What is something you’ve done in the last year (or two years, or five, ten, etc.) that your classmates have not done?
▪️ What is something specific you plan to do with your law degree that no one else can say?
▪️ What is some trait you’ve developed based on past events that no one else can talk about in the same way?
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 job application 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!
💌 Amanda
#Dear1L