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Table of contents

Legal internship cover letter example
Related cover letter examples
Cover letter template for a legal internship
Format your legal internship cover letter
How to write a cover letter for a legal internship
Write a matching resume
Key takeaways
Resources to help prepare for your interview

Are you committed to advocating for justice and keen to apply your legal knowledge to real-world challenges? As a law intern, you can influence meaningful change and gain invaluable experience by working on actual cases and legal matters. Building an effective cover letter is a big step toward getting started.

While your resume outlines your educational background and legal experience in a structured way, your cover letter is a chance to focus on why you love the legal field, what you think is special about your career and why you’d be a great match for the internship in question.

This guide will help you develop a cover letter that highlights your qualifications while engaging the interest of law offices and hiring managers.

Our guide includes:

Legal internship cover letter samples that will help you visualize what a strong letter looks like.
Templates to help you organize your information and put your best foot forward.
Expert tips on structuring your cover letter to make a strong impression.
Advice on customizing your letter to match the needs of the internship role you’re hoping to land.

Looking for a straightforward and effective way to compose your cover letter? Consider using our Cover Letter Builder. This tool provides customizable text options and expert formatting advice, enabling you to create a compelling application that demonstrates your dedication and proficiency in the legal field.

Legal internship cover letter example

Legal internship cover letter sample

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What makes this a great sample cover letter for a legal internship?

Strong branding
Using a unique and polished yet simple style allows this candidate to stand out from the crowd and convey her professional personality without distracting from the important content of her letter.
Numerical data
Including numbers allows this candidate to describe her real-world experience and impact in terms that are easy for readers to visualize and understand.
Enthusiasm
The confident and enthusiastic tone of this cover letter truly communicates how eager this candidate is to contribute to the role and learn from the experience. This is exactly the attitude that an internship cover letter should demonstrate.

Cover letter template for a legal internship

Want a starting point to help you get past those blank-page nerves? Try copying and pasting this legal internship cover letter template so you can customize it to fit your needs.

Sarah Allen

Los Banos, CA 93635
555-555-5555
example@example.com

Sept. 12, 2024

Daniel Morgan, Lawyer/Co-owner
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
6 Harvey Avenue
Los Banos, CA 93635

Dear Mr. Morgan,

I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the legal internship opportunity at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, as advertised. With a strong foundation in legal research, client communication and document preparation, coupled with my commitment to delivering exceptional results, I am excited about contributing to your esteemed firm.

My interest in Morgan, Lewis & Bockius stems from your reputation for excellence in corporate law and commitment to client service. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have consistently sought opportunities to refine my skills and make meaningful contributions in legal settings.

As a research intern, I supported attorneys in preparing for trials, depositions and hearings. Through my efforts, I increased case preparation efficiency by 25% and improved client retention by 15%. Additionally, my role as a research intern equipped me with the ability to perform in-depth legal research, resulting in the successful resolution of 10+ cases and a 90% approval rate on legal briefs from supervising attorneys.

Moreover, volunteering at Justia further honed my interpersonal and communication skills, allowing me to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and engage with individuals from various backgrounds. These experiences have strengthened my skill set and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving organizational goals.

I am confident that my skills in legal research, client relations and document management, along with my dedication to delivering high-quality work, make me a strong fit for the legal internship position at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and learn from experienced professionals in the field.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills and enthusiasm can contribute to the firm’s continued success.

Sincerely,
Sarah Allen

Format your legal internship cover letter

Your cover letter is an essential element of your application because it outlines why you are the perfect fit for the role by giving you space to draw attention to the aspects of your career that you’re most proud of.

To ensure your cover letter makes a strong impact, here are some key formatting guidelines that will enhance its clarity and professionalism:

Formatting tips for your legal internship cover letter:

Font style and size: Choose simple, professional fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, keeping the font size between 10-12 points for ease of reading.
Spacing: Use 1.15 to 1.5 line spacing within paragraphs, and double spacing between paragraphs to make your letter easy to read
Margins and alignment: Use 1-inch margins all around and align your text to the left for a neat, organized appearance.

Choosing a cover letter template

Create your cover letter

In the legal field, professionalism is paramount. When picking a cover letter template, choose clean, conservative designs that convey precision and professionalism.

To help you stand out from the crowd, you might select a template with subtle color accents or a subtle graphic to differentiate your letter from others. Just remember that content should always leave a stronger impression than form.

Additionally, ensure your cover letter and resume templates match. This consistency shows your attention to detail and strengthens your presentation as a thoroughly prepared applicant. Preparing documents will probably be a big part of your legal internship role, so showing care in your career documents is a great way to demonstrate your reliability and thoughtfulness.

How to write a cover letter for a legal internship

Did you know that 83% of hiring managers think cover letters are essential to the hiring process? Yeah, that many! Cover letters play a more important role than many candidates realize. Writing a compelling cover letter can enhance your visibility and increase your chances of securing the position. And it’s simpler than you might think.

Here are the steps to create a standout cover letter for a legal internship:

Step 1

Understand the legal internship job description

Tailoring your cover letter to the specific legal internship is vital. A customized letter not only demonstrates your genuine interest but also allows you to illustrate how your educational background and experiences align with the role’s requirements.

Don’t just copy and paste a generic letter for each role. It might save time, but it conveys a sense of disinterest or even laziness. That’s not the first impression you want to make.

Additionally, many law firms use applicant tracking systems (ATS) during their hiring processes. These systems scan for keywords relevant to the job description. To make sure your cover letter gets noticed by ATS, include keywords from the legal internship listing.

This approach helps you naturally build a unique and focused letter that will capture the attention of employers and ease your passage through automated screenings.

Step 2

Display your contact information

Including your contact information at the top of your cover letter is crucial. You want to make it straightforward for the hiring manager to contact you, and they need your details to do so.

Ensure your contact details are accurate and prominently placed in the header, matching those on your resume.

You should include:

Your name.
City and state.
Phone number.
Email address.
Relevant professional website or LinkedIn profile links (if applicable).

Pro tip

Opt for professionalism with your email address. If it sounds too casual, consider creating a new one that uses your name or initials.

Step 3

Address the hiring manager directly

Personalizing your greeting shows effort and commitment while making your cover letter more engaging. Look for the hiring manager’s name on the job listing or the law firm’s website.

If a specific name isn’t available, an effective alternative is to address it to the hiring team or the relevant department.

Step 4

Introduce yourself

First impressions are crucial, regardless of your career stage. Begin by briefly introducing yourself, emphasizing your qualifications and expressing your enthusiasm for the legal field and your interest in contributing to the role.

For a law student seeking an internship with no experience:

I am eager to apply for the legal internship as advertised. With my academic background and participation in [specific law-related activities], I am excited to bring my analytical skills and dedication to your legal team. I look forward to contributing to your firm’s cases and enhancing client outcomes.

For a law student with some legal experience:

I am excited to express my interest in the legal internship position. With [number] years of experience, including internships at law offices and participation in my university’s legal aid clinic, I am prepared to contribute effectively to your team. My experience with case research, client interaction and documentation aligns well with the needs of this role. I am enthusiastic about the chance to further develop my legal skills and contribute to your firm’s success.

Pro tip

Keep the introduction focused. Highlight your qualifications and eagerness for the role in just a few sentences. Your passion for law is essential, so this is the perfect moment to explain why you’re drawn to this career path.

Step 5

Explain why you’re the best candidate for the job

In the body paragraphs of your legal internship cover letter, highlight your legal skills and experiences, explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the internship. Here are a few points you can elaborate on:

Detail your legal experience: Share specific instances where you’ve contributed to legal research, drafting of legal documents or assisted in case preparation. Emphasize any accomplishments or unique approaches you’ve adopted. Provide examples of how your efforts have supported case strategies or improved client outcomes.
Emphasize your comprehensive skill set: Along with your legal skills, showcase soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and effective communication. Your cover letter should reflect a blend of both technical and interpersonal skills, showing employers that you are well-rounded and adaptable. Since most interns don’t have tons of work experience, this is a great place to hone in on your transferable skills.
Discuss unique qualifications or experiences: Whether it’s a moot court competition, past legal internships or relevant certifications, explain how these experiences have prepared you for a successful start to your law career.

Example body paragraphs for a legal internship cover letter:

As a law student, I have engaged deeply with both theoretical and practical aspects of law. At [previous internship or university], I played a pivotal role in streamlining the research process for ongoing cases, which enhanced our team’s efficiency by 30% and contributed to five key wins in court. My commitment to thorough legal research and advocacy has been instrumental in assisting clients effectively.

I am particularly proud of my involvement in a pro bono project that helped overturn a wrongful conviction, underscoring my dedication to justice and legal accuracy. Moreover, I continuously seek to enhance my legal acumen through advanced courses in [specific area of law], ensuring I remain at the forefront of legal developments and practices.

Pro tip

Detailing specific achievements and the practical application of your legal knowledge is crucial. Quantifying your contributions, such as the number of cases assisted or the percentage of successful motions drafted, can significantly strengthen your application by demonstrating tangible results.

Step 6

Write your cover letter closing

Conclude your legal internship cover letter by reaffirming your enthusiasm for the role and the unique perspectives you bring. Avoid redundancy and open the door for further dialogue without sounding pushy.

Example closing paragraph for a legal internship cover letter:

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [firm or organization name] and support your legal team in delivering exceptional outcomes. My passion for law and commitment to fostering client success position me as a valuable addition to your firm. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my educational background and internship experiences align with your team’s goals. Thank you for considering my application.

Step 7

Sign off politely

End your legal internship cover letter with a professional signoff such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.

Write a matching resume

Create your resume

Remember, your cover letter is part of a package with your resume. Make sure they complement each other. If you haven’t already, start by writing a detailed resume to give potential employers a structured narrative of your experience and skills.

For guidance, check out successful resume samples from legal professionals. If you need additional support, consider our AI Resume Builder, which offers customizable content options, expert advice and automatic formatting to help your resume make a strong impression.

Key takeaways

Explore legal internship cover letter examples

For inspiration to help you visualize a compelling cover letter, review examples specifically designed for legal positions. These examples can help you get an idea of what law firms or legal departments seek in candidates and demonstrate how to effectively present your legal skills and accomplishments.
Highlight your essential legal skills

Focus on your key legal competencies, including your proficiency in legal research, case preparation, client interaction and knowledge of the legal system. These skills are vital in showing your readiness to contribute to a legal team and handle real-world legal challenges.
Choose a suitable cover letter template for the role

Select a template that embodies professionalism and suits the formal nature of the legal field. Choose a simple, elegant design that doesn’t distract from the content of your cover letter and reflects the meticulous aspects of legal work.
Keep your introduction concise

Begin with a short introduction expressing your excitement for the legal internship. Clearly articulate your interest in the role and why you are a strong candidate, omitting extraneous details.
Detail your experience in the body paragraphs

Use specific examples to discuss your experiences supporting legal processes, managing client cases or contributing to trial preparation. Emphasize any significant experiences or initiatives that have positively impacted your educational institution, previous employers or legal aid organizations.
Format your cover letter correctly

Ensure a professional presentation by following standard formatting rules for fonts, spacing and margins. Thoroughly proofread your cover letter to guarantee it is free of errors before submitting your application.

Resources to help prepare for your interview

Last Updated: May 29, 2024

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.