The 5 Most Important Cover Letter Writing Tipsfor a Judicial ClerkshipPresented by LawClerkCareer.com2012www.LawClerkCareer.comThis template can be used as a starter file for presenting training materials in a group setting.

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1After Law school, many graduates start to consider a judicial clerkship, which is a great experience and resume builder.

Special Care needs to be taken when crafting your cover letter so it makes the judge want to know more about you!IntroGive a brief overview of the presentation. Describe the major focus of the presentation and why it is important.Introduce each of the major topics.To provide a road map for the audience, you can repeat this Overview slide throughout the presentation, highlighting the particular topic you will discuss next.2

#1: Proofread!Youre probably thinking this is common sense, but I cant tell you how many cover letters arrived with misspelled words and incomplete or incoherent sentences. This is simply inexcusable and will almost certainly mean the end of your clerkship dream.

Read your cover letter aloud. Have someone else read it to you. And then do these things again. Do whatever it takes to make sure your letter makes sense.

If you cannot successfully write one page about a subject you know well (you), the judge, if your letter even gets past the clerk, will have little confidence that you can write about complex legal issues; you wont even get to the interview stage.This is another option for an Overview slides using transitions.

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#2: Keep it shortThe judge doesnt want to read a lengthy, drawn-out description of an applicant and why she is simply perfect for the position of law clerk. Be concise and include only those achievements that make you stand out. If you have extensive experience in research and writing or in any areas that may be relevant to that particular chambers, be sure to include it.

For example, if youre applying to a bankruptcy judge, be sure to mention your semester spent in a bankruptcy clinic.

Good writing, whether in cover letters or court memoranda, gets to the point quickly and effectively. Besides, the fewer words you write, the less likely you are to make typos or grammatical errors.4

You may think you are hilarious, and the judge or clerk may appreciate that--in the interview. But you have to get to the interview first, and the way to do that is to present yourself in a professional way in your cover letter. Save the stand-up routine for your stint in Vegas.#3: Dont Attempt to be witty or funny!5

Many qualified candidates will be applying for the same clerkship; dont make yourself stand out in a bad way by extolling your virtues too much. You should be proud of your accomplishments, but simply highlighting what youve done will do that.

Its a fine line, to be sure, so this is another reason you should have someone else read your letter; be sure to ask them for an honest opinion as to whether youre coming across as pompous. For the record, sentences like No one can write a legal memorandum like I can are over the line.Dont Be Arrogant!6

As a practical consideration, email and cell phones are the easiest way to reach you, so make it easy for the judge to offer you an interview. Dont forget to include all of your contact information on your cover letter.

No one is guaranteed a judicial clerkship upon graduation, but these tips will help increase your chances of getting an interview with the judge of your choice. Scoring the job thereafter is up to you and your sparkling personality.Include all Contact Information!7

For more informationThis informational slideshow was created and presented to you by LawClerkCareer.com, a informational website devoted to answering any and all questions pertaining to the legal clerkship occupation.

www.lawclerkcareer.com8