Boston University School of Law Graduate and International Programs Professional Development. LLM Cover Letter Handbook

Transcription

1 Boston University School of Law Graduate and International Programs Professional Development LLM Cover Letter Handbook

2 The purpose of a cover letter is to make the case to a potential employer that you will add value to their firm/organization. Your job is to convince the employer that you can help them not that they can help you. You do this by showing the employer that you are knowledgeable and passionate about what they do and that your skills are a good match for the role they are seeking to fill. Writing a good cover letter is much like legal writing: you need to make a statement and back it up with facts. In a cover letter, your facts are specific examples from your background, most (if not all) of which should be listed on your resume. If you are responding to a job posting, your cover letter should serve as a bridge that connects the skills and qualifications in the job posting with the skills and qualifications you list on your resume. Even if an employer does not require a cover letter, you should prepare one. A cover letter can help get your resume read, and may particularly help candidates whose greatest strengths are not apparent on their resume. Cover letters for U.S. employers should be: one page addressed to a specific person tailored to a particular employer written in your own words (i.e., don t cut and paste sentences from cover letter samples) A. GETTING STARTED A well-written cover letter requires that you think strategically about your skills, experiences and unique strengths. You must then communicate this information to an employer in an engaging and concise way. Following the simple steps below can help you with the process of figuring out your message. 1. Research the employer and the position When you are marketing yourself, it is important to understand your audience. You should review the employer s website and LinkedIn and carefully study the job description, if one is available. The more information you have about the employer and the role for which you are applying, the better you can tailor your cover letter. 2. Consider what you have to offer Think of the key reasons why this employer should want to hire you rather than another candidate. Possible reasons might include your language skills, your prior legal or academic experience, or a demonstrated interest that is relevant to the position. If you do not have a good reason for why the employer should hire you over someone else, it will be hard to convince the employer to do so! 3. Step into an employer s shoes If you were a legal employer, what would you want in an employee? One of the most common weaknesses in a cover letter is that it talks about what the job will do for the applicant, rather than what the applicant can do for the employer. Don t make this mistake focus on and anticipate the employer s needs!

3 4. Prove it For each selling point you have chosen about yourself, think of concrete examples demonstrating the point. Too often, cover letters list qualities without backing them up with specifics. Do not just tell the employer I am hard working and detail-oriented or I have had significant exposure to international business. Instead, show the employer that these statements are true with detailed proof. B. FORMAT AND PROCESS A cover letter should ideally be on one page, and should aim to match the style and formatting of your resume (you can copy and paste your resume heading for the heading of your cover letter). Your letter should be addressed to a specific individual rather than to a title, Dear Sir or Madam or To Whom It May Concern. If you are not sure whose name to put on the letter, a quick internet search or call to the firm/company can usually help you figure out the person in charge of hiring or the person who supervises the role. If you cannot find a specific name and have to list a job title, make sure that the title actually exists at the company. Once you prepare your cover letter and other application materials in Word, you should always save them in PDF before you submit them. This ensures that your formatting is retained and that your revision history is not visible. When submitting your application materials by , you should include the text of your cover letter in your (without a heading, the date, or contact info of the person you re writing to) and also include the full letter as an attachment with your resume. C. STRUCTURE 1. Opening Paragraph Your Introduction In your opening paragraph, get the reader s attention by introducing yourself and distinguishing yourself from other applicants. Example: Example 2: I am an Italian lawyer with three years of experience in a large Italian international law firm. I am currently pursuing an LLM in Banking and Financial Law at Boston University School of Law, and also hold an LLM in Corporate Law from a top university in Rome. I am a Chinese legal professional with a strong interest in public interest law who is currently enrolled in the American Law LLM program at Boston University School of Law. You should mention any contact or networking connection that you may have with the employer. Example: Jessica Smith, the supervisor from my City of Boston internship, suggested that I contact you about a potential internship opportunity. If you are applying for a particular position advertised by the employer, you should identify the role. 3

4 Example: I am writing to apply for an internship in your Office of Legal Affairs. 2. The Middle Paragraph(s) Your Pitch. The core of your cover letter should explain in detail what you can offer and why the employer should hire you. Start with the most important or impressive parts of your background first, which usually means starting with your professional experience. A common cover letter mistake is to simply repeat the contents of your resume, which wastes this new opportunity to make your case. When you refer to something in your resume, emphasize or add information that demonstrate why you are a good fit for the employer or the position. Before: After: I worked at Smith & Jones Law Firm in Guatemala, first as a legal intern, and then as an associate lawyer. In these roles, I gained legal work experience. During my four years at Smith & Jones Law Firm, I participated in all phases of the employment litigation process. I independently conducted client interviews, analyzed evidence and drafted dozens of legal briefs. Don t forget to market yourself. If you write bland or vague sentences that could describe any candidate and do not illustrate what is unique and exciting about you, you are wasting your time. Some LLMs fear over-selling themselves or sounding arrogant, but it is important to sing your own praises. If you feel that you are too shy or humble to write confidently about your skills in a cover letter: Try to write the letter as if you were talking about a very impressive friend or associate Use specific examples Avoid any mention of your shortcomings or weaknesses as a candidate As a foreign LLM student applying to work in the U.S., you may want to address your visa status and work authorization. If you are a U.S. citizen or resident and permanently authorized in the U.S., you may even want to include this information in your opening paragraph. Example 5: Example 6: After the completion of my LLM program in May 2018, I will have Optional Practical Training authorization to work in the U.S. for up to one year. I am dual citizen of Saudi Arabia and the U.S., and am eligible to work here. 3. Final Paragraph The last paragraph of your cover letter should be short and sweet. It should briefly repeat your interest in the employer and/or position and refer to any additional materials (such as a resume or writing sample, if one is requested) that you are attaching. Do not mention that you can supply references upon request. Be positive and don t be afraid to express your enthusiasm: I am eager for the opportunity to make a contribution your firm s intellectual property practice and would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you while I am in New York. 4

5 D. PROOFREAD Your cover letter together with your resume is the first (and often only) sample of your work product that an employer sees. Your cover letter demonstrates your ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and concisely. If your cover letter is poorly organized or contains grammatical errors, the employer will question your attention to detail, work either, and qualifications and you ll risk not getting the job! U.S. Cover Letter Template: NAME U.S. Address U.S. phone number address [Date] [First and last name] [Job Title] [Company Name] [Street Address] [City, State, Zip] Dear Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]: Opening (1 paragraph): who you are and what you are seeking Introduce yourself, summarizing key facts capture reader s attention. State why you are writing or what position you are applying for, and mention any connections to the person you are writing to and/or the company. Conclude with one sentence on why you are a good candidate for the job and how you will benefit the company. Body (1-2 paragraphs): Your Pitch This paragraph is the most important part of your cover letter and the place where you make your key argument(s) that you are the right fit for the job and/or employer. Explain how your qualifications or skills match the job s requirements. Give specific examples that demonstrate you have a particular skill, and tie them to the open position and the skills it requires. If you are unsure how to start, begin with work experience and follow with academic experience. Your second paragraph can focus on soft skills rather than key legal skills (such as research and writing). This is a good place to speak about your international experience and/or particular personal qualities. You can also discuss any other aspects of the role and/or your situation for example, your visa status, willingness to relocate or your ability to meet because of an upcoming travel plan. Closing (1 paragraph): Next steps Thank reader for their time and consideration and note your eagerness for the role and/or a meeting. Sincerely, [Your Name Typed] 5

6 Xian (Helen) Kang 1000 Smith Road, Brookline, MA (617) May 16, 2017 Jane M. Smith Human Resources Manager Boss & Boss, LLP 100 Madison Avenue New York, NY Dear Ms. Smith: I am an LLM candidate in American Law at Boston University School of Law, and also hold a law degree from a top Chinese university with a major in Civil and Commercial Law. After completing my LLM program in May 2017, I plan to sit for the New York Bar Exam. I write to apply for the position of Legal Intern at Boss & Boss. I am confident that my practical experience as a legal intern and my strong academic background would make a valuable contribution to your law firm. Through my internships at Zhong Law Firm and Xinchao Law Firm, I developed valuable legal and analytical skills. In these roles, I worked closely with senior attorneys in the litigation and corporate departments, receiving constructive feedback and learning legal strategy from participating in attorney meetings. I effectively communicated with clients, prepared drafts of key legal documents, and served as a translator and interpreter using my English skills. Prior to working in law firms, I honed my administrative skills and attention to detail while serving as a court clerk, where I managed hundreds of court records and case files and prepared legal documents for court proceedings. In addition to my professional experience, I have a strong academic background that illustrates my work ethic and ability to learn quickly. Prior to my LLM program, I excelled in my law studies at one of China s most prestigious law universities, while also serving as captain of a winning debate team and volunteering in a legal aid center. Through studying both the common and civil law systems, I have been trained to analyze legal issues from different angles. I now look forward to applying and testing my knowledge and skills in a legal position in the U.S. I am authorized to work in the U.S. for one year as part of my Optional Practical Training after the completion of my LLM program in May I have enclosed my resume for your review. I will be in New York in early June, and would welcome an opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualifications and your hiring needs. Sincerely, Xian Kang 6

7 JOHANNES KRAUS 3399 St. Paul Street, Brookline, MA (617) April 1, 2017 Richard J. Berenstein, Esq. Director of Legal Recruiting Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP 1285 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY Dear Mr. Berenstein: I am an experienced German lawyer currently attending Boston University School of Law and expect to receive an LLM degree in Banking and Financial Law in May I am interested in applying for a foreign associate position in the corporate department of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. I am confident that my international transactional training and top academic credentials would make me a strong addition to your legal department. Although I am originally from Germany, I am a permanent resident of the United States and have authorization to work here. I have been licensed to practice law in Germany since During my five years as an associate in the corporate department of Simmons & Simmons s Munich office, I developed an expertise in international transactions and gained substantial experience dealing with international clients. For example, I participated in the firm s largest ever transnational purchase, and negotiated the purchase of over 26 billion U.S. dollars in machinery from an American manufacturer for a French client. As part of this project, I managed a team of junior attorneys and legal staff, coordinated communications with attorneys in France, and actively contributed to legal strategy discussions with senior lawyers of the firm. The Banking and Financial Law LLM program at Boston University has complemented and expanded my knowledge of the financial industry, and I have concentrated my studies on International Business Practice. This semester, I am enrolled in courses focusing on financial policy and global securities markets. Through my international work at Simmons & Simmons and my legal studies, I have developed a strong interest in the U.S. legal system and its impact on international commerce I would welcome the chance to apply my significant skills and knowledge to contribute to the international corporate practice at your world-class firm. Enclosed please find a copy of my resume. I look forward to speaking with you to discuss my qualifications and your hiring needs in greater detail. Sincerely, Johannes Kraus 7

8 LILIAN REZENDE 100 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA Matthew Morris, Esq. Senior Partner Morris, Bradlee & Loehmann 60 Congress Street Boston, MA Dear Attorney Morris: April 20, 2017 I am a Brazilian attorney with several years of experience in corporate law at a major publicly-held Brazilian corporation. I am currently enrolled in an LLM Program in Banking and Financial Law at Boston University School of Law, which I will complete in May I am interested in applying for an associate position at Morris, Bradlee & Loehmann. Through my work as in-house counsel and my international legal education, I have acquired strong legal and business skills that would add value to the Transactional Department at your firm. Before starting the LLM program in the U.S., I worked as an in-house counsel at Grupo Global, where I provided legal assistance on corporate matters (e.g. corporate restructurings, shareholder and board of director meetings), negotiated commercial agreements, and prepared legal opinions on compliance with a variety of regulations. I led a group of ten lawyers in transactional corporate work and legal consulting, guiding them to seek the best solutions for their clients. In addition, I managed projects in the financial, energy, and water industries for companies based in Brazil and Latin America. I consulted with boards of directors and CEOs of corporations on key legal issues, development of master plans, and strategic programs. I have also excelled academically in all phases of my legal studies. I graduated with a degree in law from a top Brazilian university, and received a merit scholarship for an exchange program in England. During this exchange program, I had the opportunity to study the European Union s laws, leading to a better understanding of the international legal systems and a fascination with cross-border transactions. In my LLM Program at Boston University, I won a Dean s Award for outstanding achievement in my Corporations course. I believe my significant practical experience and outstanding academic credentials have prepared me to excel in an associate position at your firm. I have enclosed my resume for your consideration, and would be glad to provide any additional materials upon your request. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely Yours, Lilian Rezende 8

9 ALEXA M. GARRISON 411 Shamut Avenue Boston, MA October 6, 2016 Jennifer Rhoads Professor of Public Interest Law Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School 122 Boylston Street Jamaica Plain, MA Dear Professor Rhoads: Professor Timothy Albert of the University of Melbourne recommended that I write to you to express my interest in the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic at the Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School. In May 2016, I completed the Taxation LLM program at Boston University School of Law. Since then, I have been working as a volunteer at Greater Boston Legal Services, where I assist low-income taxpayers in resolving their tax controversies and disputes of tax deficiency, tax refund, and innocent spouse relief. My experience working with low-income taxpayers in Boston has given me excellent preparation for a full-time opportunity in your Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. In addition, I have valuable experience serving as an intern at several Australian law firms and the Massachusetts Superior Court, which have honed my strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. My legal experience in Australia was focused on both tax and international financial transactions. I directly assisted senior and junior tax partners, researching and drafting legal memoranda on issues involving conduit companies, interpretation of foreign tax treaties, and tax haven countries. More recently, I served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Judge Jones in the Massachusetts Superior Court. In this role, I observed jury trials, plea hearings, motion hearings, and other courtroom proceedings. I spoke directly with the judge and discussed the issues of concern, specifically in 1 st degree murder and rape cases. I also had the opportunity to observe a civil trial on medical malpractice. My practical experience with courtroom procedure will also help me to add value to your team. I am confident that my skills, education, and enthusiasm make me an excellent candidate for your Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. In both Australia and the United States, I have excelled in high volume, demanding legal environments with a focus on multiple projects. I have demonstrated that I can effectively prioritize my work and manage multiple assignments to ensure that all deadlines are met. Finally, I am committed to practicing in the field of tax law, and I am passionate about working for low-income taxpayers I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to further discuss my interests and qualifications for this position. Thank you for your time and consideration. Very truly yours, Alexa M. Garrison 9