SAMPLE 1L LETTER

Times New Roman 12 Pt. Font

75 Gorham Street, Apt. 4

Madison, WI 53714

December 1, 2009

Mr. Henry C. Street

Johnson, Street & Willis
423 First Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55165

Dear Mr. Street:

I am writing to you as a fellow alumnus of the University of Minnesota. I am currently a first-

year student at the University of Wisconsin Law School and would like to apply for a summer
associate position with Johnson, Street & Willis. I am interested in consumer law, but would
like to work in a variety of legal areas this summer. Your firm is particularly appealing to me
because of its plaintiff-focused practice areas and because I would like to return to the Twin
Cities to begin my career after I graduate. Enclosed please find a copy of my résumé for your
review.

I believe my skills and experience would benefit your firm in a number of ways. First, as an
undergraduate at the University of Minnesota, I was the associate news editor for The Minnesota
Daily. My degree in English and my journalism experience have given me significant writing
and research skills, as well as the ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines. Additionally,
as an intern this past summer with Kemper Insurance Group, I developed strong organizational
skills and learned to work effectively on group projects. Finally, my current volunteer work at a
battered women’s shelter, in addition to my full-time studies, has strengthened my time
management skills.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you further and will contact
you shortly to see if we can arrange an appointment during my semester break, December 19 to
January 5, when I will be in Minneapolis visiting my family. Thank you in advance for your
consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Kari M. Haveland

Enclosure