How to Write a Judicial Clerkship Job Cover Letter

An essential part of your legal training may be a judicial clerkship position. Either as part of a summer internship program or as an ongoing job while you complete your studies, one of the key steps towards gaining this experience is the application process. With stiff competition for many positions, an aptly worded cover letter can help your application get noticed.

Things You'll Need

• Postage
• Printer
• Resume paper
• Matching envelope

Instructions

Write a Judicial Clerkship Job Cover Letter

1. Start off on the right foot by noting the specific clerkship you are applying for. Because many offices offer multiple clerkship opportunities, you should be very clear as to which position you're interested in.

2. Note where you acquired the judicial clerkship job information, particularly if it was through your school's counseling center. Many law offices have developed relationships with particular law schools and seek clerks specifically from these programs.

3. Describe your educational background in the specific kind of law the clerkship will be dealing with. You may include an abbreviated list of significant course work or readings you have done.

4. Write a sentence or two about the level of education you are currently pursuing. You should indicate whether you are at the end of your studies or just beginning, as this may help the recruiter for the clerkship forward your application to the correct department in the firm.

5. Include any specific job experience that may prove an asset in the clerkship position. For example, your work as a graduate research assistant or computer lab supervisor can make you a very attractive candidate for clerkships that require a high level of proficiency in computers or research.

6. Indicate whether you have any additional skills, such as second or third language proficiency. In areas where more than one language is widely spoken, this kind of background can prove to be a great asset in a judicial clerkship.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you include all of the material requested by the hiring firm in your application. This may mean reference letters, a writing sample or other materials in addition to your resumé and cover letter.

• Enclose your application materials in an envelope which matches your resumé stationery. It should be type-written with correct postal formatting to ensure accurate and speedy delivery.

• Write your cover letter using standard business letter formatting and professional language. Your tone should be formal and respectful, demonstrating how seriously you take your commitment to studying the law.