Judicial Clerkship Cover Letter Tip Sheet
Most judges prefer short cover letters. Do not use your cover letter to rehash your job experience, education, etc. If you are at the top of your class, state that. If grades are not your strongest asset, tell the judge what you bring to his/her court: excellent research and writing skills, unique qualifications, and what you hope to gain from a clerkship – a unique insight into judicial practice. You should state what is included in the application (recommendation letters from specific professors, resume, writing sample, and transcripts). Three or four paragraphs tops!
Make sure you include certain pieces of information like connection to the city or state if you have one (particularly important for state court clerkships), classes you have taken that may pertain, judicial externships you have had, or, if possible, prior experience in a field relevant to the court. If you do not have anything concrete to offer in terms of geography, do not mention it all.
PROOFREAD! Typos show a lack of attention to detail.
If you use our sample cover letters or some that you find elsewhere, do not copy the language! Personalize your letters!
Sample Judicial Clerkship Cover Letter
[Your address]
[Date]
The Honorable Beth Z. Moore
United States District Court
Street Address
City, State Zip
Dear Judge Moore:
I am currently a second year law student at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, and I am writing to apply for a clerkship in your chambers. I expect to graduate in May, 2017 and will be available to begin work any time after that. [If you have a specific term for which you want to clerk, state the years. Having an open timeline, might give you a better chance at a clerkship. If you have a geographical tie to the area, you might state “As a native Texan, I am particularly interested in returning home to clerk.”]
[The second paragraph should highlight particular skills or work experience you could offer, or describe relevant law school classes or externships. You will want to include items such as high grades and class rank, journal membership, moot court experience, and any publications. Consider the type of court to which you are applying and discuss why a fast-paced environment or an academic environment, as the case may be, appeals to you.]
Enclosed please find copies of my resume, law and undergraduate transcripts, writing sample, as well as letters of recommendation from Professors X, Y and Z. I welcome the opportunity to interview with you to further discuss my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration of my application.
Sincerely,
Susie Student
Enclosures