Introduction to Law Internship Clerkships
Law internship clerkships are a critical component of legal education and career development. These opportunities allow students and young professionals to gain hands-on experience in legal settings, from law firms to judicial chambers. A well-crafted internship letter is essential for standing out in competitive programs.
In this article, we provide 16 professionally styled internship letter examples tailored to law internship clerkships. These examples cover a wide range of scenarios, from applying for clerkships at law firms to seeking internships with government agencies.
1. Law Firm Clerkship Application Letter
Emily J. Carter
123 Maple Street
Springfield, IL 62704
October 15, 2023
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the law clerkship position at Smith & Associates. As a second-year law student at the University of Illinois, I am eager to apply my legal research skills in a dynamic firm setting.
My academic focus on corporate law aligns perfectly with your firm’s specialties, and I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs.
Sincerely,
Emily J. Carter
2. Judicial Externship Application Letter
David M. Thompson
456 Oak Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
November 2, 2023
Dear Judge Richardson,
I am writing to apply for the judicial externship position in your chambers. As a third-year law student at Northwestern University, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in judicial proceedings and legal decision-making.
My strong academic record and previous internship experience have prepared me to assist with legal research and drafting opinions. I am particularly drawn to your court’s focus on civil rights cases.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team while gaining invaluable experience.
Sincerely,
David M. Thompson
3. Government Agency Internship Letter
Sarah L. Johnson
789 Pine Street
Washington, D.C. 20001
September 20, 2023
Dear Internship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the internship position at the Department of Justice. As a second-year law student at Georgetown University, I am passionate about public service and eager to contribute to the important work of your agency.
My coursework in constitutional law and criminal procedure has provided me with a solid foundation to assist with legal research and policy analysis. I am particularly interested in the DOJ’s focus on civil rights enforcement.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team and gain hands-on experience in public law.
Sincerely,
Sarah L. Johnson
4. Corporate Law Internship Application
Michael R. Davis
321 Cedar Lane
New York, NY 10001
October 10, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the corporate law internship at Goldman Sachs. As a third-year law student at Columbia University, I am eager to apply my knowledge of corporate law in a fast-paced business environment.
My previous internship experience at a law firm has given me strong legal research and drafting skills, and I am excited about the opportunity to work on mergers and acquisitions projects.
Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that my academic background and practical experience make me a strong candidate for this internship.
Sincerely,
Michael R. Davis
5. Public Interest Law Internship Letter
Laura E. Martinez
654 Birch Road
Los Angeles, CA 90012
November 5, 2023
Dear Internship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the public interest law internship at the Legal Aid Foundation. As a second-year law student at UCLA, I am passionate about advocating for underserved communities and gaining hands-on experience in public interest law.
My volunteer work at a local legal clinic has deepened my commitment to this field, and I am eager to contribute to your organization’s mission to provide access to justice for all.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team and make a meaningful impact in the community.
Sincerely,
Laura E. Martinez
6. Intellectual Property Law Clerkship Application
James D. Wilson
987 Maple Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94105
October 25, 2023
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am writing to apply for the intellectual property law clerkship at TechLaw Firm. As a third-year law student at Stanford University, I am eager to apply my knowledge of IP law in a dynamic and innovative environment.
My coursework in patent law and trademark law has provided me with a strong foundation to assist with patent applications and trademark disputes. I am particularly drawn to your firm’s focus on emerging technologies.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and gain hands-on experience in intellectual property law.
Sincerely,
James D. Wilson
7. Environmental Law Internship Letter
Emily G. Green
234 Oak Street
Portland, OR 97201
September 30, 2023
Dear Internship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the environmental law internship at Green Earth Advocates. As a second-year law student at Lewis & Clark Law School, I am passionate about environmental law and eager to contribute to your organization’s mission to protect our natural resources.
My academic focus on environmental law and my previous internship experience at a local environmental non-profit have prepared me to assist with legal research and advocacy efforts.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team and make a meaningful impact in environmental law.
Sincerely,
Emily G. Green
8. Criminal Law Internship Application
Daniel S. Brown
567 Pine Street
Dallas, TX 75201
October 20, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the criminal law internship at the Dallas District Attorney’s Office. As a third-year law student at SMU Dedman School of Law, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in criminal law and contribute to the important work of your office.
My coursework in criminal procedure and evidence has provided me with a strong foundation to assist with case preparation and legal research. I am particularly drawn to your office’s focus on combating violent crime.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team and gain invaluable experience in criminal law.
Sincerely,
Daniel S. Brown
9. Immigration Law Clerkship Application
Maria G. Lopez
890 Cedar Lane
Miami, FL 33101
November 10, 2023
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am writing to apply for the immigration law clerkship at Florida Immigration Advocates. As a second-year law student at the University of Miami, I am passionate about immigration law and eager to contribute to your organization’s mission to protect the rights of immigrants.
My academic focus on immigration law and my previous volunteer experience at a local immigration clinic have prepared me to assist with legal research and case preparation.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of immigrants.
Sincerely,
Maria G. Lopez
10. Tax Law Internship Application
Robert T. White
345 Maple Avenue
Boston, MA 02101
October 5, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the tax law internship at Boston Tax Solutions. As a third-year law student at Harvard Law School, I am eager to apply my knowledge of tax law in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
My coursework in corporate taxation and tax policy has provided me with a strong foundation to assist with tax planning and compliance matters. I am particularly drawn to your firm’s focus on international tax law.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and gain hands-on experience in tax law.
Sincerely,
Robert T. White
11. Family Law Internship Letter
Jessica R. Lee
678 Oak Street
Seattle, WA 98101
November 15, 2023
Dear Internship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the family law internship at Seattle Family Law Advocates. As a second-year law student at the University of Washington, I am passionate about family law and eager to contribute to your organization’s mission to protect the rights of families and children.
My academic focus on family law and my previous volunteer experience at a local domestic violence shelter have prepared me to assist with legal research and case preparation.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of families.
Sincerely,
Jessica R. Lee
12. Securities Law Clerkship Application
William H. Clark
234 Pine Street
Denver, CO 80201
October 30, 2023
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am writing to apply for the securities law clerkship at Denver Securities Law Firm. As a third-year law student at the University of Denver, I am eager to apply my knowledge of securities law in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
My coursework in securities regulation and corporate finance has provided me with a strong foundation to assist with legal research and compliance matters. I am particularly drawn to your firm’s focus on emerging technologies in the securities industry.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and gain hands-on experience in securities law.
Sincerely,
William H. Clark
13. Labor Law Internship Application
Lisa N. Martinez
567 Cedar Lane
Atlanta, GA 30301
November 8, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the labor law internship at Atlanta Labor Law Advocates. As a second-year law student at Georgia State University, I am passionate about labor law and eager to contribute to your organization’s mission to protect workers’ rights.
My academic focus on labor law and my previous internship experience at a local union have prepared me to assist with legal research and advocacy efforts.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of workers.
Sincerely,
Lisa N. Martinez
14. Health Law Internship Letter
Kevin M. Johnson
890 Maple Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401
October 12, 2023
Dear Internship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the health law internship at Minneapolis Health Law Advocates. As a third-year law student at the University of Minnesota, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in health law and contribute to your organization’s mission to improve access to healthcare.
My coursework in health law and bioethics has provided me with a strong foundation to assist with legal research and policy analysis. I am particularly drawn to your organization’s focus on healthcare reform.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.
Sincerely,
Kevin M. Johnson
15. Entertainment Law Internship Application
Sophia P. Garcia
345 Oak Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
November 18, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the entertainment law internship at Los Angeles Entertainment Law Firm. As a second-year law student at UCLA, I am passionate about entertainment law and eager to contribute to your firm’s work in the film and music industries.
My academic focus on intellectual property and contract law has prepared me to assist with contract negotiations and licensing agreements. I am particularly drawn to your firm’s work with emerging artists and filmmakers.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team and gain hands-on experience in entertainment law.
Sincerely,
Sophia P. Garcia
16. International Law Internship Letter
Alexander R. Smith
123 Birch Road
Washington, D.C. 20001
October 28, 2023
Dear Internship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the international law internship at the International Law Institute. As a third-year law student at Georgetown University, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in international law and contribute to your organization’s mission to promote global justice.
My coursework in international human rights and international criminal law has provided me with a strong foundation to assist with legal research and policy analysis. I am particularly drawn to your institute’s focus on human rights advocacy.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team and make a meaningful impact in the field of international law.
Sincerely,
Alexander R. Smith
Conclusion
Law internship clerkships provide invaluable opportunities for students and young professionals to gain practical experience in the legal field. The 16 examples provided in this article demonstrate the variety of scenarios and formats for internship letters in the legal profession.
By tailoring your letter to the specific internship or clerkship and emphasizing your relevant skills and experiences, you can create a compelling application that stands out to hiring committees. Remember to always proofread your letter and customize it for each opportunity to maximize your chances of success.