Sample Materials - UDC David A. Clarke School of Law

Cover Letters | Resumés | Thank You Letters

Cover Letters

General Cover Letter Template

Your Name
Address
City, State, Zip
E-mail
Phone

Date

Contact Person, Title (e.g. Esquire, Recruitment Coordinator)
Full Name of Employer
Address
City, State Zip

Dear : (Do not use "Sir" or "Madam")

First paragraph: Introduce yourself in the law school context; explain why you are writing; and name the position for which you are applying.

Second paragraph: Refer to the attached resumé and provide a summary of your training, experience, and interests; also make reference to any other enclosed material, such as a writing sample.

Third paragraph: Indicate why you are interested in working for this particular employer; specify your interest in this type of work; point out any relevant qualifications, experience, accomplishments, and training in this field or type of work. (Second and third paragraphs may be combined into one paragraph.)

Fourth paragraph: Use the closing to mention the interview; state when and where you may be reached for an interview; for an out-of-state employer, specify the dates during which you will be in that location and request a meeting at that time; make clear your desire for an interview and your appreciation of their consideration of you as an applicant.

Very truly yours,

(Your Signature Here)

Your Name Typed

More Specific Cover Letter Example

Juanita Q. Public
4200 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008
E-mail: juanitaq@udc.edu
202-555-1212

August 11, 20XX

Ralph Wiggum, Esq.
Managing Attorney
Public Defender's Office
7212 Madeup Drive N.W.
Washington, DC 20006

Dear Mr. Wiggum:

I recently spoke with Charles Goodson who informed me of your opening for a Family Advocate. My understanding is that the position entails representing incarcerated PDS clients in family court proceedings. I would be honored to work with DC PDS in protecting the rights of prisoners.

Your office would gain a dedicated advocate of social justice. As you will note, I have the following qualifications:

Clinical experience working with disadvantaged populations, including juveniles and people with HIV/AIDS
Commitment to and proven history of advocacy for the poor
Knowledge of criminal and civil law
Lifetime resident of the Washington DC area
Scheduled to take the DC Bar in (Month, Year)

Additionally, I offer excellent communication skills, including fluent Spanish and the ability to work with many different kinds of people. These qualities, combined with my clinical experience and commitment to justice, make me an excellent fit with your office.

Enclosed is my resumé for your review. I would appreciate a chance to meet with you to discuss your needs and objectives and how I may contribute toward them. Please contact me so that we can arrange a time to meet. If I have not heard from you by (date), I will call your office.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

(Your Signature Here)

Juanita Q. Public, J.D.

Resumés

Resumé Layout Examples

Juanita Q. Publico 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 555-1212 E-mail: juanitaq@udc.edu
EDUCATION
University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law
Juris Doctorate expected	May 2003
Vice President, Environmental Law Society Treasurer, Student Bar Association
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Bachelor of Arts, English Literature	May 2000
Writer, Snow, the campus literary magazine Resident Assistant
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Ayuda Inc., Washington, DC Intake Volunteer	Sept. 2000-present
Conduct intake interviews with clients in Spanish and English Write intake memoranda to staff attorneys
Equal Justice Works Annual Conference, Washington, DC Participant	December 2000
Attended workshops on challenges faced by public interest lawyers, ways to increase support for public interest law programs, and funding resources for public interest law students
WORK EXPERIENCE
Anchor Savings Bank, Ann Arbor, MI Summer Teller	Summers 1999-2000
Assisted customers, interacted with many different types of people on a daily basis Audited daily accounts Performed under tight deadlines
SKILLS & ACTIVITIES
Native Spanish Speaker Volunteer Food Server, Angel of Hope Shelter, Ann Arbor, MI, 1993-1996 Team Member, Ann Arbor High School Color Guard, State Champions 1995
COMPUTER SKILLS
Microsoft Office, Corel Office Suite, Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis

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Faye Caname 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 555-1212 E-mail: fcaname@udc.edu
EDUCATION
University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC-DCSL)
Juris Doctor expected	May 2001
President, Equal Justice Works Rauh Chapter; Law Review; Student Bar Association
State University of New York at Stony Brook, Long Island, NY
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, magna cum laude	May 1995
Coordinator, Campus Safety Council; Golden Key Honor Society
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
HIV/AIDS Clinic, UDC-DCSL Student Advocate	Sept. 2000-May 2001
Challenged social security disability rulings on the behalf of clients with HIV/AIDS; prepared wills, powers of attorney, and advanced directives for clients; arranged transfer of custody orders for parents
Law Offices of Phillip M. McQuilken Jr., Westmont, NJ Law Clerk	Summer 2000
Drafted and filed trial and appellate pleadings for general practice law firm; propounded discovery requests and answered adversary’s discovery requests; interviewed clients to gather case information and discuss answers to interrogatories; researched substantive law and procedural issues including removal and venue
Juvenile Law and Special Education Clinic, UDC-DCSL Student Advocate	Sept. 1999-May 2000
Represented parents in child neglect and special education matters before the DC Public School Board and the Family Court; drafted documents, developed and implemented case plans, negotiated, and handled administrative hearings and courtroom representation; assisted clients in obtaining Individual Education Plans, conducted follow-up on progress
WORK EXPERIENCE
Public Interest Research Group, Washington, DC Environmental Advocate	Summer 1999
Organized volunteers and employees to conduct canvassing; canvassed neighborhoods to publicize ‘Campaign to Save the Forests’
American Education and Training, Inc., Syracuse, NY Administrative Assistant	Nov. 1995-June 1998
Reported to President of International Division; conducted research for proposals and financial reports; composed correspondence; organized international corporate filing systems; planned meetings and special functions; and engaged in extensive telephone contact with clients

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William R. Jones 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 555-1212 E-mail: willjones@udc.edu
EDUCATION
University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC-DCSL)
Juris Doctorate expected	May 2001
Teaching Assistant for Legal Research and Writing Treasurer, Black Law Student Association Member, Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity
Villanova University, Villanova, PA
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science	May 1998
Member, Political Science Honor Society Dean’s List, Fall 1997 - Spring 1998
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Community Development Law Clinic, UDC-DCSL Student Advocate	Jan. 2001-present
Assisted client in obtaining permanent bond financing through HUD Successfully negotiated settlement between housing co-op and project architect Prepared comprehensive research memo on federal housing laws Drafted client opinion letters
Law Offices of Wiggum, Skinner and Crabapple, Washington, DC Law Clerk	Summer 2000
Researched and wrote memoranda on family and insurance defense topics Assisted with counseling and interviewing clients Attended trials in Family Court
Public Citizen Litigation Group, Washington, DC Legal Intern	Summer 1999
Conducted research using Westlaw Co-drafted memorandum on proposed campaign finance regulation Screened telephone calls for Senior Project Attorney
COMPUTER SKILLS
Microsoft Office, Corel Office Suite, Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis
ACTIVITIES
Point Guard, Villanova Fighting Falcons, 1995-1998 Counselor, Allegheny Special Needs Summer Camp, Summers 1997-1998

* * *

Donald Liu 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 555-1212 E-mail: dliu@udc.edu
EDUCATION
University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC-DCSL)
Juris Doctor expected	May 2002
Teaching Assistant, Legal Writing; Law Review; Student Bar Association
Philadelphia University, Philadelphia, PA	June 1992
Master of Arts, Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
Level I Teaching Certification
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN	June 1986
Bachelor of Arts in English, Minor in English as a Second Language (ESL) Instruction
Treasurer, Chinese Students Association; Member, Tau Beta Chi Fraternity
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
HIV/AIDS Clinic, UDC-DCSL Student Advocate	Jan. 2001-present
Challenged social security disability rulings on the behalf of clients with HIV/AIDS; prepared wills, powers of attorney, and advanced directives for clients; arranged transfer of custody orders for parents.
National Labor Relations Board, Washington, DC Contempt Litigation and Compliance Branch Law Clerk	Summer 2000
Assisted in successful settlement negotiation of a case; drafted subpoenas and deposition questions; researched and drafted legal memoranda on various points of labor law and NLRB internal policy for branch attorneys; attended settlement agreement negotiations; conducted factual research; Shepardized and cite checked various legal documents for branch attorneys.
National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium, Washington, DC Legal Intern	Summer 1999
Conducted legal research and analyses of civil rights issues, including statutory interpretation of federal laws and regulations; drafted comment letters to federal agencies on proposed rules, wrote memoranda, legislative alerts, press releases, and newsletter articles; tracked legislation; monitored congressional hearings and coalition meetings with national civil rights organizations.
WORK EXPERIENCE
St. John’s University, Philadelphia, PA Adjunct Instructor	Sept. 1995-June 1999
Taught courses in English language, reading, writing, grammar, and conversation to students from various language backgrounds; taught to all proficiency levels from beginning to advanced; served on curriculum and textbook committees; wrote curricula and syllabi for courses; conducted placement and progress tests; assisted in placing students, served as academic advisor for ESL students.
English Language Institute, Harrisburg, PA ESL Instructor	Oct. 1992 - July 1995
Provided college level instruction in English language, conversation, reading, and writing to students from Asia; prepared group and individualized lesson plans; developed and administered placement and progress tests; served on curriculum development committee; designed course syllabus and weekly lessons.
Philadelphia University, Philadelphia, PA Adjunct Instructor	Sept. 1991 - May 1992
Taught English conversation class for ESL students attending the university; directed small and large group activities; developed lessons and units. Selected as Adjunct Instructor based on academic performance and success as a Teaching Assistant.
Teaching Assistant	Sept. 1990 - May 1991
Assisted in and taught classes of beginning to intermediate level ESL students; provided one-on-one tutoring; administered and graded tests; supported students in adjusting to campus life.
Center for Cultural Exchange, Philadelphia, PA Asia Program Director	June 1987 - June 1989
Coordinated workshops and events for international students participating in Center’s programs; hosted foreign guests of honor; served as Center’s Chinese translator for programmatic meetings and correspondence; conducted tours and workshops on American culture and language.
Project Assistant	Sept. 1986 - June 1987
Assisted Deputy Director with meeting preparation, scheduling, and translation; participated in planning and implementation of cultural events; performed clerical duties.
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN Teaching Assistant	Sept. 1984 - June 1986
Assisted professor with two sections of ESL. One of two Seniors selected by Modern Language Department faculty to serve as a Teaching Assistant.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Microsoft Office, Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, WordPerfect, Internet Research

Thank You Letters

Thank You Letter Layout

Your Name
Address
City, State, Zip
E-mail
Phone

Date

Contact Person, Title (e.g. Esquire, Recruitment Coordinator)
Full Name of Employer
Address
City, State Zip

Dear (Name of Interviewer):

FIRST PARAGRAPH. Thank the interviewer for meeting with you. Express your enthusiasm about gaining employment in the organization.

SECOND PARAGRAPH. Reiterate your qualifications for and continuing interest in the position. Include any personal skills you forgot to mention during your interview. Emphasize a particular skill or accomplishment that would make you an asset as an employee.

CLOSING PARAGRAPH(S). Briefly thank the interviewer again for consideration. Express confidence in your ability to perform well in the organization. State that you look forward to hearing from the interviewer and give a specific date if you plan to follow up with a phone call.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Your name (typed)

More Specific Examples

7 Apple Court
Eugene, OR 97401
503-555-1212

March 10, 20XX

Mr. Stan Marsh
Vice President

Parker Investments, Inc.
25 Sacramento Street
South Park, C0 94102

Dear Mr. Marsh,

Thank you for taking the time to discuss with me the general counsel position at Parker Investments, Inc. After meeting with you and observing the company's operations, I am further convinced that my background and skills coincide well with your needs.

I really appreciate that you took so much time to acquaint me with the company. It is no wonder that Parker Investments retains its employees for so long. I feel I could learn a great deal from you and would certainly enjoy working with you.

In addition to a knowledge of securities law gained during my time at the SEC, I will bring excellent work habits and judgment to this position. With the countless demands on your time, I am sure that you require people who can be trusted to carry out their responsibilities with minimal supervision.

I look forward to hearing from you concerning your hiring decision. Again, thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Wendy Testaburger

* * *

Phillip J. Fry

300 Debs Road, Apt 201
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-555-1212 Office
301-555-1234 Home
pjf@zapp.net

July 8, 20XX

Mr. Hubert Farnsworth
Human Resources Manager
Planet Defenders
Three Center Plaza, Suite 500
Philadelphia, PA 19004

Dear Mr. Farnsworth:

Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the position of Staff Attorney at Planet Defenders. I was impressed with the organization and the progress you have made in defending the planet.

Your comments gave me a good understanding of the organization and your expectations for the attorney you are seeking. I am confident that my background and experience in environmental law and my ability to analyze statutes and regulations in detail would be useful to Planet Defenders. If you were to offer me this position, I believe that I could provide services that would meet the high standards of your organization.

I look forward to speaking again with you soon.

Very truly yours,

Phillip J. Fry

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Cover Letters

Resumés

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Thank You Letters

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