SAMPLE COVER LETTER #1: FIRST-YEAR STUDENT
123 York Street, Apt. 21K
New Haven, CT 06511
(617) 860-4569
December 1, 2018
Ian Marcus Amelkin, Esq.
Assistant Federal Defender
Federal Defenders of New York
52 Duane Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Dear Mr. Amelkin [or Dear Ian Marcus Amelkin]:
I am a first-year student at Yale Law School and am seeking a summer intern position in the
Manhattan office of the Federal Defenders of New York for summer 2019. I worked in New York
City for several years before law school, and I plan to return to the area following graduation. If
funding is not available for summer interns in your office, Yale is able to fund my employment.
I am interested in the Federal Defenders because of its client-centered and holistic approach to
indigent defense, as well as its ongoing commitment to society’s most vulnerable members. As an
undergraduate, I interned at the Public Defender Agency of Massachusetts, and I was struck by
the horrors of mass incarceration and the disparate impact our nation’s harsh criminal justice
system has on poor and minority communities.
After graduation, I worked for the Mayor’s Office in New York City, where I helped manage a
cognitive behavioral therapy program for incarcerated adolescents. Working directly with those
affected by the system has been the most formative work I have done, and I ultimately decided to
attend law school because of my passion for direct services and desire to pursue public defense.
At Yale, I am involved with the Capital Assistance Project, which aids public defenders across
the country in their capital defense work, and I plan to further my understanding of the criminal
justice system through clinical opportunities in the spring.
As requested, I have attached a resume, transcript and writing sample. For your information, first-
term courses for first-year students are graded on a credit/fail basis. I look forward to the
opportunity to speak with you further about the ways in which I can make a positive contribution
to your office and your clients. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jessica Jones
Jessica Jones
,SAMPLE RESUME #1: FIRST-YEAR STUDENT
JESSICA JONES
(617) 860-4569 www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-jones
123 York St., Apt. 21K, New Haven, CT, 06511
EDUCATION
YALE LAW SCHOOL, New Haven, CT
J.D. expected, June 2021
Activities: Temporary Restraining Order Project, Volunteer
Yale Journal of Law & Feminism
Yale Law Women
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, Evanston, IL
B.A., summa cum laude, History and Psychology, May 2014
Honors: Phi Beta Kappa
Study Abroad: Danish Institute for Study Abroad, Copenhagen, Denmark, Fall 2013
Activities: Northwestern Interdisciplinary Law Review, Editor-in-Chief
Peer Health Exchange, Leadership Council and Health Educator
The Northwestern Relationships Lab, Research Assistant
Dance Marathon Fundraiser, Dancer and Committee Member
EXPERIENCE
CAPITAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT, New Haven, CT Fall 2018
Student Volunteer
In partnership with the ACLU Capital Punishment Project, provide legal research and writing support for indigent
clients facing the death penalty.
THE PARTNERSHIP FOR A NEW AMERICAN ECONOMY (PNAE), New York, NY 2017 - 2018
Program Manager for Operations (Jan. 2018 – June 2018), Policy Advisor (Feb. 2017 – Dec. 2017)
Produced policy reports and ads on the economic benefits of comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). Wrote op-eds on
behalf of business, tech, and agriculture leaders in support of CIR. Organized nationwide events with stakeholders,
advocates, and elected officials. Created and oversaw protocols for PNAE’s internal operations and external
communications. Managed the recruitment, hiring, and integration of new employees.
THE NEW YORK CITY MAYOR’S OFFICE, New York, NY 2014 - 2016
Special Assistant to Chief of Staff, Office of Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services
Helped implement and track the nation’s first Social Impact Bond (SIB), designed to lower recidivism rates by providing
services to incarcerated youth. Solicited and evaluated SIB proposals. Served as City Hall liaison to the Department for the
Aging.
PUBLIC DEFENDER AGENCY OF MA, YOUTH ADVOCACY DIVISION, Roxbury, MA Summer 2013
Intern
Created fact sheets on racial and economic issues related to the criminal justice system. Developed training materials used
in statewide seminars for juvenile justice attorneys. Prepared convicted felon’s Innocence Project application.
THE GO PROJECT, New York, NY Summer 2012
Teaching Assistant
Worked with a class of 15 rising, low-income 4th graders struggling academically and socially. Led small work groups in
math, reading, and writing.
SKILLS AND INTERESTS
Proficient in Spanish. Enjoy adventure travel, outdoor activities, and everything related to food.
,SAMPLE COVER LETTER #2: FIRST-YEAR STUDENT
P.O. Box 208203
New Haven, CT 06520-8203
(203) 432-8000
December 1, 20XX
Jeanne E. Cole-Amos
Assistant Director of Personnel & Planning
Office of the Attorney General
900 East Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Dear Ms. Cole-Amos [or Dear Jeanne E. Cole-Amos]:
I am a first-year student at Yale Law School and am seeking a position in the Attorney General’s Office
for Summer 20XX. My family resides in Arlington, and I plan to return to the area following my law school
graduation. If funding is not available for summer interns in your office, Yale is able to fund my employment.
My background and interests are well-suited to the work conducted by your office generally, and the Civil
Law Division in particular. As an undergraduate, I learned about the trial process through my work as a counselor
and student judge for the University Judiciary Committee. I enjoyed interviewing and preparing witnesses for
hearings, analyzing the facts of cases, and drafting opinions.
I will be in Virginia from December 23 to January 2 and would welcome the opportunity to speak to you
about a position as a summer intern in the Office of the Attorney General. I will call your office later this month
to see if an interview might be arranged during that time. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
John Q. Student
John Q. Student
, SAMPLE RESUME #2: FIRST-YEAR STUDENT (Font: Times New Roman, 11 pt.)
JOHN Q. STUDENT
CURRENT ADDRESS PERMANENT ADDRESS
P.O. Box 208203 10035 Arrow Drive
New Haven, CT 06520-8203 Arlington, VA 22111
(203) 432-8000 (703) 555-1212
EDUCATION
YALE LAW SCHOOL, New Haven, Connecticut
J.D. expected, June 20XX
Activities: Yale Journal on Regulation, Editor
Asian Pacific American Law Students Association
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, Charlottesville, Virginia
B.A., summa cum laude, History and Economics, May 20XX. GPA 3.89
Honors: Phi Beta Kappa
Duncan Clark Hyde Award for Highest GPA in Economics Department
Distinguished Majors Program in Department of History
Thesis: Extremism in the Pursuit of Liberty: Activism in the ACLU in the Late 1960's
Activities: Jefferson Literary and Debating Society
EXPERIENCE
LOWENSTEIN PROJECT WITH WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, Yale Law School Fall 20XX
Volunteer
Conduct legal research and draft materials for publication on organization’s website. Topics of articles include
refugee rights and international health issues.
SOUTHEASTERN RURAL MENTAL HEALTH CENTER, University of Virginia Summer 20XX
Research Assistant
Revised and critiqued articles in preparation for submission to professional journals. Collaborated with
researchers investigating physical and mental health care among rural, minority and impoverished populations in
Virginia.
UNIVERSITY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, University of Virginia
Student Judge 20XX-20XX
Heard cases, conferred with counselors, drafted rulings, and implemented sanctions for violations of the
University Standards of Conduct.
Counselor 20XX-20XX
Counseled students accused of violating University Standards of Conduct through trial process. Investigated facts,
interviewed and prepared witnesses, and determined case strategy in preparation for trial. Represented students at
trial by examining witnesses and arguing before the judiciary committee.
SKILLS/INTERESTS
Proficient in Spanish. Enjoy marathon running and playing drums.
123 York Street, Apt. 21K
New Haven, CT 06511
(617) 860-4569
December 1, 2018
Ian Marcus Amelkin, Esq.
Assistant Federal Defender
Federal Defenders of New York
52 Duane Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Dear Mr. Amelkin [or Dear Ian Marcus Amelkin]:
I am a first-year student at Yale Law School and am seeking a summer intern position in the
Manhattan office of the Federal Defenders of New York for summer 2019. I worked in New York
City for several years before law school, and I plan to return to the area following graduation. If
funding is not available for summer interns in your office, Yale is able to fund my employment.
I am interested in the Federal Defenders because of its client-centered and holistic approach to
indigent defense, as well as its ongoing commitment to society’s most vulnerable members. As an
undergraduate, I interned at the Public Defender Agency of Massachusetts, and I was struck by
the horrors of mass incarceration and the disparate impact our nation’s harsh criminal justice
system has on poor and minority communities.
After graduation, I worked for the Mayor’s Office in New York City, where I helped manage a
cognitive behavioral therapy program for incarcerated adolescents. Working directly with those
affected by the system has been the most formative work I have done, and I ultimately decided to
attend law school because of my passion for direct services and desire to pursue public defense.
At Yale, I am involved with the Capital Assistance Project, which aids public defenders across
the country in their capital defense work, and I plan to further my understanding of the criminal
justice system through clinical opportunities in the spring.
As requested, I have attached a resume, transcript and writing sample. For your information, first-
term courses for first-year students are graded on a credit/fail basis. I look forward to the
opportunity to speak with you further about the ways in which I can make a positive contribution
to your office and your clients. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jessica Jones
Jessica Jones
,SAMPLE RESUME #1: FIRST-YEAR STUDENT
JESSICA JONES
(617) 860-4569 www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-jones
123 York St., Apt. 21K, New Haven, CT, 06511
EDUCATION
YALE LAW SCHOOL, New Haven, CT
J.D. expected, June 2021
Activities: Temporary Restraining Order Project, Volunteer
Yale Journal of Law & Feminism
Yale Law Women
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, Evanston, IL
B.A., summa cum laude, History and Psychology, May 2014
Honors: Phi Beta Kappa
Study Abroad: Danish Institute for Study Abroad, Copenhagen, Denmark, Fall 2013
Activities: Northwestern Interdisciplinary Law Review, Editor-in-Chief
Peer Health Exchange, Leadership Council and Health Educator
The Northwestern Relationships Lab, Research Assistant
Dance Marathon Fundraiser, Dancer and Committee Member
EXPERIENCE
CAPITAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT, New Haven, CT Fall 2018
Student Volunteer
In partnership with the ACLU Capital Punishment Project, provide legal research and writing support for indigent
clients facing the death penalty.
THE PARTNERSHIP FOR A NEW AMERICAN ECONOMY (PNAE), New York, NY 2017 - 2018
Program Manager for Operations (Jan. 2018 – June 2018), Policy Advisor (Feb. 2017 – Dec. 2017)
Produced policy reports and ads on the economic benefits of comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). Wrote op-eds on
behalf of business, tech, and agriculture leaders in support of CIR. Organized nationwide events with stakeholders,
advocates, and elected officials. Created and oversaw protocols for PNAE’s internal operations and external
communications. Managed the recruitment, hiring, and integration of new employees.
THE NEW YORK CITY MAYOR’S OFFICE, New York, NY 2014 - 2016
Special Assistant to Chief of Staff, Office of Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services
Helped implement and track the nation’s first Social Impact Bond (SIB), designed to lower recidivism rates by providing
services to incarcerated youth. Solicited and evaluated SIB proposals. Served as City Hall liaison to the Department for the
Aging.
PUBLIC DEFENDER AGENCY OF MA, YOUTH ADVOCACY DIVISION, Roxbury, MA Summer 2013
Intern
Created fact sheets on racial and economic issues related to the criminal justice system. Developed training materials used
in statewide seminars for juvenile justice attorneys. Prepared convicted felon’s Innocence Project application.
THE GO PROJECT, New York, NY Summer 2012
Teaching Assistant
Worked with a class of 15 rising, low-income 4th graders struggling academically and socially. Led small work groups in
math, reading, and writing.
SKILLS AND INTERESTS
Proficient in Spanish. Enjoy adventure travel, outdoor activities, and everything related to food.
,SAMPLE COVER LETTER #2: FIRST-YEAR STUDENT
P.O. Box 208203
New Haven, CT 06520-8203
(203) 432-8000
December 1, 20XX
Jeanne E. Cole-Amos
Assistant Director of Personnel & Planning
Office of the Attorney General
900 East Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Dear Ms. Cole-Amos [or Dear Jeanne E. Cole-Amos]:
I am a first-year student at Yale Law School and am seeking a position in the Attorney General’s Office
for Summer 20XX. My family resides in Arlington, and I plan to return to the area following my law school
graduation. If funding is not available for summer interns in your office, Yale is able to fund my employment.
My background and interests are well-suited to the work conducted by your office generally, and the Civil
Law Division in particular. As an undergraduate, I learned about the trial process through my work as a counselor
and student judge for the University Judiciary Committee. I enjoyed interviewing and preparing witnesses for
hearings, analyzing the facts of cases, and drafting opinions.
I will be in Virginia from December 23 to January 2 and would welcome the opportunity to speak to you
about a position as a summer intern in the Office of the Attorney General. I will call your office later this month
to see if an interview might be arranged during that time. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
John Q. Student
John Q. Student
, SAMPLE RESUME #2: FIRST-YEAR STUDENT (Font: Times New Roman, 11 pt.)
JOHN Q. STUDENT
CURRENT ADDRESS PERMANENT ADDRESS
P.O. Box 208203 10035 Arrow Drive
New Haven, CT 06520-8203 Arlington, VA 22111
(203) 432-8000 (703) 555-1212
EDUCATION
YALE LAW SCHOOL, New Haven, Connecticut
J.D. expected, June 20XX
Activities: Yale Journal on Regulation, Editor
Asian Pacific American Law Students Association
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, Charlottesville, Virginia
B.A., summa cum laude, History and Economics, May 20XX. GPA 3.89
Honors: Phi Beta Kappa
Duncan Clark Hyde Award for Highest GPA in Economics Department
Distinguished Majors Program in Department of History
Thesis: Extremism in the Pursuit of Liberty: Activism in the ACLU in the Late 1960's
Activities: Jefferson Literary and Debating Society
EXPERIENCE
LOWENSTEIN PROJECT WITH WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, Yale Law School Fall 20XX
Volunteer
Conduct legal research and draft materials for publication on organization’s website. Topics of articles include
refugee rights and international health issues.
SOUTHEASTERN RURAL MENTAL HEALTH CENTER, University of Virginia Summer 20XX
Research Assistant
Revised and critiqued articles in preparation for submission to professional journals. Collaborated with
researchers investigating physical and mental health care among rural, minority and impoverished populations in
Virginia.
UNIVERSITY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, University of Virginia
Student Judge 20XX-20XX
Heard cases, conferred with counselors, drafted rulings, and implemented sanctions for violations of the
University Standards of Conduct.
Counselor 20XX-20XX
Counseled students accused of violating University Standards of Conduct through trial process. Investigated facts,
interviewed and prepared witnesses, and determined case strategy in preparation for trial. Represented students at
trial by examining witnesses and arguing before the judiciary committee.
SKILLS/INTERESTS
Proficient in Spanish. Enjoy marathon running and playing drums.
