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Law Clerk Cover Letter Example

A law clerk cover letter should show strong legal research and writing fundamentals, academic performance, and eagerness to support a judge's or firm's caseload with precision.

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Law Clerk Cover Letter Sample

A complete, recruiter-ready example you can use as a starting point. Open it in the builder to edit every line.

Emily Sato

Law Clerk

Boston, MA · e.sato@email.com · (555) 415-2298

Dear Hiring Attorney,

I'm writing to apply for the Law Clerk position at your firm. I am a second-year student at Boston University School of Law, ranked in the top 10% of my class, and I recently authored a case note on data privacy standing doctrine that was selected for publication in our law review.

As a research assistant to Professor Elena Marsh, I drafted memoranda on emerging antitrust issues that she cited directly in a forthcoming article, and through my school's civil litigation clinic I drafted three motions and a mediation brief for actual clients under attorney supervision. I am proficient in Westlaw and LexisNexis and comfortable turning around thorough, well-cited research memos on tight deadlines.

I understand your firm's docket includes significant intellectual property litigation, which aligns closely with my coursework in patent law and my clinic experience with a trade secrets dispute. I would welcome the opportunity to support your attorneys this term, and I am available to begin immediately or on whatever schedule works best for your office.

Sincerely,

Emily Sato

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Keywords to Weave into a Law Clerk Cover Letter

Recruiters and ATS scan cover letters too. Work these terms in naturally where they reflect your real experience.

Legal ResearchLegal WritingBluebook CitationMemo DraftingCase AnalysisWestlawLexisNexisMoot CourtJudicial ProcedureBench MemosCite-CheckingLaw Review

How to Structure a Law Clerk Cover Letter

Four short paragraphs is the sweet spot. Here is what each one should accomplish:

  1. 1Opening: role + academic standing + a concrete research/writing achievement
  2. 2Body 1: relevant research, writing, and clinic/journal experience with specifics
  3. 3Body 2: work ethic, discretion, and familiarity with the docket/practice area
  4. 4Closing: enthusiasm for the position + call to action

Writing Tips for Law Clerk Cover Letters

  • Mention your law school, class year, and relevant coursework or journal.
  • Highlight moot court, law review, or clinic experience with specifics.
  • Show research and writing skill with a concrete work sample or memo example.
  • Reference the judge's or firm's specific docket or practice area to prove research.
  • Demonstrate reliability and discretion with confidential drafts.
  • Keep the tone humble but sharp; this role is judged on writing quality itself.
  • Close with your availability for the clerkship term or internship dates.

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