by If you are a law student looking for an internship at a reputable law firm, you need to write a compelling cover letter that showcases your skills, achievements, and passion for the legal profession.
A legal intern cover letter is your first impression to the hiring manager and a chance to stand out from hundreds of other applicants.
In this article, we will show you how to write a legal intern cover letter that gets you noticed and invited for an interview.
What to include in a legal intern cover letter
A legal intern cover letter should include the following elements:
- A professional header with your name, contact details, and the date
- A salutation addressed to the hiring manager by name
- An introduction that states the position you are applying for and why you are interested in it
- A body paragraph that highlights your relevant skills, qualifications, and achievements
- A closing paragraph that reiterates your interest, expresses your appreciation, and requests an interview
- A formal sign-off with your name and signature
How to format a legal intern cover letter
A legal intern cover letter should follow the standard business letter format and be one page long. Here are some formatting tips to keep in mind:
- Use a clear and readable font such as Arial or Times New Roman
- Use 11 or 12 point font size and 1-inch margins on all sides
- Align your text to the left and use single spacing
- Use bullet points or numbers to list your achievements or skills
- Use bold or italics to emphasize important words or phrases
- Use headings or subheadings to organize your information
How to write a legal intern cover letter
To write a legal intern cover letter, follow these steps:
1. Start with a professional header
The header of your cover letter should include your name, address, phone number, email address, and the date. You can also add a link to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio if you have one. Below your contact information, write the name and title of the hiring manager, followed by the name and address of the law firm.
For example:
John Smith 123 Main Street, Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 555-1234 john.smith@email.com linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Ms. Jane Doe Hiring Manager ABC Law Firm 456 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022
2. Write a salutation
The salutation of your cover letter should address the hiring manager by name. If you don’t know their name, you can use a generic greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern”. Avoid using “Sir” or “Madam” as they may sound too formal or outdated.
For example:
Dear Ms. Doe,
3. Write an introduction
The introduction of your cover letter should state the position you are applying for and why you are interested in it. You should also mention how you learned about the opportunity and what attracted you to the law firm. You can also include a brief summary of your qualifications and what makes you a suitable candidate for the role.
For example:
I am writing to express my interest in the Legal Intern position at ABC Law Firm for the summer of 2023. I am currently a second-year law student at XYZ University with a strong academic record and a passion for corporate law. I learned about this opportunity through your website and was impressed by your firm’s reputation for excellence and innovation in the field.
4. Write a body paragraph
The body paragraph of your cover letter should highlight your relevant skills, qualifications, and achievements that match the requirements of the position. You should provide specific examples of how you have applied your knowledge and abilities in previous academic projects, extracurricular activities, or work experiences. You should also demonstrate your enthusiasm for learning new things and contributing to the firm’s goals.
For example:
As a law student, I have gained valuable experience in conducting legal research, drafting memos, preparing case files, and assisting with client meetings. I have also participated in several moot court competitions and mock trials where I honed my oral advocacy and negotiation skills. Some of my accomplishments include:
- Achieving a GPA of 3.8 out of 4.0 and ranking among the top 10% of my class
- Winning the Best Speaker Award at the National Moot Court Competition in 2022
- Completing an independent research project on the impact of Brexit on cross-border mergers and acquisitions
- Volunteering as a legal advisor at the Student Legal Clinic where I provided pro bono services to low-income individuals
I am eager to apply my skills and knowledge to real-world cases and challenges at ABC Law Firm. I am particularly interested in working on corporate transactions, contracts, mergers and acquisitions, securities regulation, and corporate governance. I believe I can bring fresh perspectives, creative solutions, and analytical rigor to your team.
5. Write a closing paragraph
The closing paragraph of your cover letter should reiterate your interest in the position and express your appreciation for the hiring manager’s time and consideration. You should also request an interview and indicate how you can be reached for further discussion. You can also mention any attachments you have included with your application materials, such as your resume or transcript.
For example:
I would love to discuss this opportunity with you further and learn more about ABC Law Firm’s culture and values. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any additional information from me. You can reach me at (312) 555-1234 or john.smith@email.com at any time. I have attached my resume and transcript for your review.
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
6. Write a sign-off
The sign-off of your cover letter should include a formal closing such as “Sincerely”, “Regards” or “Best”. You should also include your name and signature below the closing.
For example:
Sincerely,
John Smith
Legal intern cover letter example
Here is an example of a legal intern cover letter based on the steps above:
John Smith 123 Main Street, Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 555-1234 john.smith@email.com linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Ms. Jane Doe Hiring Manager ABC Law Firm 456 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Dear Ms. Doe,
I am writing to express my interest in the Legal Intern position at ABC Law Firm for the summer of 2023. I am currently a second-year law student at XYZ University with a strong academic record and a passion for corporate law. I learned about this opportunity through your website and was impressed by your firm’s reputation for excellence and innovation in the field.
As a law student, I have gained valuable experience in conducting legal research, drafting memos, preparing case files, and assisting with client meetings. I have also participated in several moot court competitions and mock trials where I honed my oral advocacy and negotiation skills. Some of my accomplishments include:
- Achieving a GPA of 3.8 out of 4.0 and ranking among the top 10% of my class
- Winning the Best Speaker Award at the National Moot Court Competition in 2022
- Completing an independent research project on the impact of Brexit on cross-border mergers and acquisitions
- Volunteering as a legal advisor at the Student Legal Clinic where I provided pro bono services to low-income individuals
I am eager to apply my skills and knowledge to real-world cases and challenges at ABC Law Firm. I am particularly interested in working on corporate transactions, contracts, mergers and acquisitions, securities regulation, and corporate governance. I believe I can bring fresh perspectives, creative solutions, and analytical rigor to your team.
I would love to discuss this opportunity with you further and learn more about ABC Law Firm’s culture and values. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any additional information from me. You can reach me at (312) 555-1234 or john.smith@email.com at any time. I have attached my resume and transcript for your review.
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
John Smith
