8+ Sample Cover Letter Law School Determination to Boost Your Chances
When applying to law school, a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in showcasing your determination and passion for a legal career. In this article, we’ll provide you with essential tips, a sample anatomy, and 8 distinct cover letter examples to help you stand out from the competition.
Key Considerations Before You Write
- Start by researching the law school and its values to tailor your letter accordingly.
- Show, don’t tell – instead of stating your determination, demonstrate it through specific experiences and anecdotes.
- Use active language and a strong, confident tone to convey your enthusiasm for the program.
- Edit and proofread multiple times to ensure error-free and polished writing.
- Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and achievements, rather than relying on generic statements.
Anatomy of a Professional Letter
- Header (Name, Address): Include your name and address in the top-left corner of the page.
- Date: Write the date you’re submitting the application.
- Recipient’s Details: Address the admissions committee or a specific person, if possible.
- Opening Paragraph: Introduce yourself and express your interest in the program.
- Main Body: Showcase your achievements, skills, and experiences that align with the program.
- Closing Paragraph: Reiterate your interest and thank the reader for their time.
- Signature: End with a professional closing and your signature.
From Doubt to Success: A User’s Story
Sarah had always dreamed of attending law school, but after being rejected from her top choice, she felt discouraged. However, she didn’t give up. With a newfound determination, she rewrote her cover letter, highlighting her unique experiences and skills. This time, she received an acceptance letter from her dream school.
Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and a well-crafted cover letter. By showcasing her determination and passion, she was able to stand out from the competition and achieve her goal.
Embracing Your Next Chapter
As you embark on this journey, remember that your cover letter is not just a requirement, but an opportunity to tell your story. Embrace your unique experiences, skills, and passions, and let them shine through in your writing. With confidence and determination, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your dreams.
So, take a deep breath, believe in yourself, and let your determination inspire your writing. The right law school is waiting for you – go out there and make it happen!
Example 1: Highlighting Relevant Work Experience
Emily J. Smith
123 Main Street, Apt 101
New York, NY 10021
February 10, 2023
Admissions Committee
New York University School of Law
40 Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to New York University School of Law, where I can leverage my experience as a legal intern at a non-profit organization to make a meaningful impact in the legal community.
As a legal intern, I worked closely with attorneys to research and draft legal documents, honing my skills in legal analysis and writing. I am confident that my experience will enable me to contribute to the vibrant academic community at NYU.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Emily J. Smith
Takeaway: This example showcases Emily’s relevant work experience and highlights her skills in legal analysis and writing, demonstrating her determination to pursue a legal career.
Example 2: Overcoming Adversity
Michael T. Lee
456 Elm Street, Apt 202
Los Angeles, CA 90012
March 15, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Southern California Gould School of Law
699 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in attending the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, where I can overcome my personal struggles and achieve my goal of becoming a lawyer.
Despite facing financial and personal challenges, I persevered and earned a degree in political science. I am confident that my determination and resilience will enable me to succeed in law school and make a positive impact in my community.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Michael T. Lee
Takeaway: This example showcases Michael’s determination to overcome adversity and pursue his goal of becoming a lawyer, demonstrating his resilience and perseverance.
Example 3: Showcasing Community Involvement
Rachel K. Patel
789 Oak Street, Apt 303
Chicago, IL 60607
April 20, 2023
Admissions Committee
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
375 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, where I can utilize my community involvement and passion for social justice to make a positive impact.
As a volunteer at a local non-profit organization, I worked with at-risk youth, providing them with academic and personal support. This experience deepened my understanding of the importance of access to justice and inspired me to pursue a legal career.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Rachel K. Patel
Takeaway: This example showcases Rachel’s community involvement and passion for social justice, demonstrating her determination to make a positive impact in the legal community.
Example 4: Highlighting Leadership Skills
Christopher J. Martin
321 Cedar Street, Apt 101
Austin, TX 78701
May 10, 2023
Admissions Committee
The University of Texas at Austin School of Law
727 East Dean Keeton Street
Austin, TX 78705
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to The University of Texas at Austin School of Law, where I can leverage my leadership skills and experience to contribute to the academic community.
As the president of my undergraduate debate team, I developed strong leadership and communication skills, which enabled me to motivate and guide my teammates to achieve success. I am confident that these skills will serve me well in law school and beyond.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Christopher J. Martin
Takeaway: This example showcases Christopher’s leadership skills and experience, demonstrating his determination to contribute to the academic community at UT Austin.
Example 5: Showcasing Creativity
Samantha L. Brown
901 Maple Street, Apt 202
Seattle, WA 98122
June 1, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Washington School of Law
4293 Memorial Way NE
Seattle, WA 98195
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to University of Washington School of Law, where I can bring my creative approach to problem-solving to the academic community.
As a writer and artist, I have developed a unique perspective on the world, which enables me to approach complex problems with innovative solutions. I am confident that this creativity will serve me well in law school and beyond.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Samantha L. Brown
Takeaway: This example showcases Samantha’s creativity and unique perspective, demonstrating her determination to bring a fresh approach to the legal field.
Example 6: Highlighting Academic Achievements
Kevin T. Chen
234 Elm Street, Apt 303
Boston, MA 02111
July 15, 2023
Admissions Committee
Harvard Law School
1563 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to Harvard Law School, where I can leverage my academic achievements and passion for legal scholarship to make a meaningful contribution.
As a magna cum laude graduate in economics, I developed a strong understanding of economic principles and their application to legal issues. I am confident that my academic achievements will enable me to excel in law school and beyond.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Kevin T. Chen
Takeaway: This example showcases Kevin’s academic achievements and passion for legal scholarship, demonstrating his determination to make a meaningful contribution to the legal field.
Example 7: Showcasing Personal Growth
Lauren K. Taylor
567 Oak Street, Apt 101
Washington, D.C. 20001
August 20, 2023
Admissions Committee
Georgetown University Law Center
600 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to Georgetown University Law Center, where I can leverage my personal growth and development to make a positive impact in the legal community.
Through my experiences as a first-generation college student, I have developed a strong sense of resilience and determination. I am confident that these qualities will enable me to succeed in law school and beyond.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Lauren K. Taylor
Takeaway: This example showcases Lauren’s personal growth and development, demonstrating her determination to make a positive impact in the legal community.
Example 8: Highlighting Research Experience
Alexander J. Lee
890 Maple Street, Apt 202
Philadelphia, PA 19107
September 10, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
3501 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, where I can utilize my research experience and passion for legal scholarship to contribute to the academic community.
As a research assistant, I worked closely with a professor to analyze and interpret data, developing my skills in legal research and analysis. I am confident that this experience will enable me to excel in law school and beyond.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Alexander J. Lee
Takeaway: This example showcases Alexander’s research experience and passion for legal scholarship, demonstrating his determination to contribute to the academic community at Penn Law.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in showcasing your determination and passion for a legal career. By following these key considerations, anatomy, and examples, you’ll be well on your way to creating a compelling cover letter that highlights your unique experiences and skills.
Remember to stay confident, focused, and determined, and you’ll be one step closer to achieving your dreams of attending law school.