law school Cover Letter Example — Free Template

Law school admissions committees look for genuine passion for legal studies, strong analytical skills, and clear motivation for pursuing law. Your cover letter should demonstrate intellectual curiosity and commitment beyond grades and test scores.

About the role

Law school admissions committees evaluate candidates based on academic excellence, demonstrated interest in legal issues, and potential for success in rigorous legal studies. They seek students who show critical thinking abilities, strong communication skills, and clear reasons for pursuing a legal career rather than simply wanting prestige or high earnings.

Example cover letter

“A couple of words from a future student”

My name is Charlotte Brown, and I am currently a business major at Rice University. The education I have received thus far has been both interesting and gratifying, but I feel that I want to take the step towards law studies.

I believe that I am the perfect fit for you! There are several reasons why I believe I would be a good fit for you.

First of all, I'd like to bring up my passion and genuine interest, not just in justice but in the law industry in general. Being truly interested in something translates into a level of commitment, and I am confident that my strong desire to work in law will help me perform well in classes and get me up to speed quickly.

Secondly, I would like to emphasize my education. As I mentioned, I will be graduating with a Bachelor's degree in business from Rice University in the near future.

Aside from the knowledge I have acquired during my studies, I have also learned how to quickly and efficiently take in and make use of new information.

Last, but certainly not least, I think that my personal traits and abilities make me the right person for this job.

I try to look at various situations from a holistic perspective, and I know that my ability to deliver results has been appreciated by my previous professors.

I hope that this brief presentation has given you an idea of who I am, and what I can bring to Harvard. I feel strongly that I would be able to meet your expectations, and look forward to being called to an interview so that I might introduce myself further. Sincerely, Charlotte

Tips for your cover letter

Connect your background to legal thinking

Explain how your undergraduate major, work experience, or research has developed skills relevant to legal analysis and reasoning.

Show specific knowledge of the law school

Reference particular programs, clinics, or faculty that align with your interests rather than generic praise about the school's reputation.

Demonstrate commitment through experience

Include internships at law firms, court observations, legal research, or volunteer work that shows sustained engagement with legal issues.

Articulate your career goals clearly

Explain what type of law you want to practice and why, showing you've thoughtfully considered your legal career path.

Do this

✓Mention specific courses, professors, or clinics at the law school that interest you, like 'Professor Smith's environmental law clinic'
✓Include concrete examples of legal exposure, such as internships at public defender offices or paralegal work
✓Connect your undergraduate thesis or major projects to legal thinking and analysis skills
✓Explain how your background brings unique perspective to legal studies, like business knowledge for corporate law

Avoid this

✗Write generic praise like 'your prestigious law school' without mentioning specific programs or features
✗Focus primarily on financial motivations or job security as reasons for pursuing law
✗Submit the same cover letter to multiple schools without customization for each institution
✗Oversell yourself with claims like 'I've always wanted to be a lawyer' without supporting evidence

FAQ

How long should a law school cover letter be?+

A law school cover letter should be one page, typically 3-4 paragraphs. Admissions committees review hundreds of applications, so concise, well-structured letters that highlight key qualifications work best.

Should I mention my LSAT score in my cover letter?+

Only mention your LSAT score if it's exceptional or if you're explaining improvement from a previous score. Focus instead on experiences and motivations that numbers can't convey.

What if I don't have legal work experience?+

Highlight transferable skills from other experiences like research, writing, debate, or leadership roles. Many successful law students come from diverse backgrounds without direct legal experience.

Do I need a cover letter if the law school doesn't require one?+

Submit a cover letter even when optional, as it demonstrates genuine interest and gives you another opportunity to stand out. Many applicants skip optional materials, making yours more noticeable.

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