Anaya Nolan
Emailing a law firm about an internship opportunity is a great way to get your foot in the door and gain valuable experience in the legal field. Law interns are usually students or recent graduates who work in legal settings to gain real-world experience and build essential skills. Cold emailing, or sending an unsolicited email, is an effective way to reach out and create opportunities at your firm of choice. This method allows you to showcase your passion for law, academic background, and relevant skills that make you a strong candidate. In this digital age, cold emailing is an accessible strategy to connect with law firms, whether you're contacting an attorney or the receptionist. This introduction to your skills and interests can be a powerful tool to make a lasting impression and get noticed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Subject | Express interest in a legal internship |
| Email recipient | Address the recipient by name, avoid generic salutations |
| Email sender | Include your name, year, law school, and email address |
| Body | Highlight qualifications, academic background, skills, and passion for a specific area of law |
| Discuss relevant legal research projects, writing samples, and extracurricular activities | |
| Tailor your email to the firm's requirements and expectations for interns | |
| Demonstrate knowledge of the firm and express genuine interest in their work | |
| Include your available time frame | |
| Attachments | Attach your resume and cover letter |
| Follow-up | Wait before following up, then send a friendly reminder |
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What You'll Learn
Cold emailing a law firm
Research and Shortlist Firms
Before sending out cold emails, it is essential to research and shortlist 2-3 organisations or firms that align with your areas of interest or convenience. This targeted approach demonstrates your genuine interest and avoids the pitfall of bulk mailing, which can be ineffective and unprofessional. Take the time to learn about the recruiter and the firm, including their recent cases, achievements, and areas of practice.
Craft a Compelling Introduction
Begin your email with a strong introduction that showcases your knowledge of the firm and your enthusiasm for their work. Mention specific teams or areas of law that interest you, and indicate the time frame you are applying for. For example, "For the past six months, I have closely followed your firm's achievements in intellectual property law. I am writing to inquire about summer internship opportunities within this department."
Highlight Your Relevant Experience
After the introductory paragraph, provide a brief overview of your professional and academic background, emphasising how your skills and experiences align with the firm's work. For instance, if you are applying to an intellectual property law firm, mention any research papers or projects related to this field. This demonstrates your passion and suitability for the internship.
Share Your Academic and Professional Interests
Discuss your academic and professional interests, especially if they align with the firm's specialties. For example, if you have a strong academic background in finance and an interest in the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency regulation, this could be a compelling addition to your email. It showcases your knowledge and enthusiasm for relevant, contemporary legal issues.
Follow Up
After sending your cold emails, remember to give the contacts adequate time to respond before following up. Law firms are busy environments, and your point of contact may need a few days to get back to you. A friendly reminder after a week or more is a good practice. Send the follow-up email in the same thread as the original application to make it easier for the recruiter.
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What to include in your email
A well-crafted email is crucial when applying for an internship at a law firm. It serves as the first point of contact, presenting a professional introduction and demonstrating the applicant's research on the firm. Here are some key elements to include when writing your email:
Begin with a strong introductory paragraph that showcases your knowledge of the firm and your interest in their work. Mention specific cases, achievements, or practice areas that have impressed you. For example, "For the past six months, I have closely followed your firm's groundbreaking cases in securities litigation and antitrust law. I am writing to express my keen interest in contributing to your team as a legal intern."
Background and Experience
In the body of the email, provide a brief overview of your academic and professional background, highlighting relevant experiences, skills, and coursework that align with the firm's requirements for interns. Discuss any legal research projects, writing samples, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your passion for the law and make you a strong candidate.
Alignment with Firm's Values
Showcase your alignment with the firm's values, culture, and specific practice areas. Mention how your own interests, values, or legal specialisations match those of the firm. This demonstrates your commitment, attention to detail, and genuine interest in the organisation.
Notable Achievements
Briefly mention any notable academic achievements, honours, leadership roles, or awards you have received during your studies. This adds credibility to your application and showcases your potential as an intern.
Availability and Timeframe
Clearly state your available timeframe for the internship. Specify the months or season you are applying for to help the recruiter understand your expectations and make the necessary arrangements.
Resume and Contact Information
Attach a well-organised resume that highlights your academic history, relevant coursework, legal experience, and other pertinent information. Include your contact information, such as your phone number and email address, to make it easy for the recruiter to reach out for further discussion or to schedule an interview.
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$34.94
Following up on your application
When following up, it is important to be mindful of the tone of your email. You want to remind the recipient about your previous message and encourage them to respond without coming across as impatient or pushy. Begin the letter with the hiring manager's name or a polite salutation, and thank them for considering you for the role. It is also a good idea to address the email to a specific person, as this shows that you've done your research. If you are unable to find a point of contact, you can call the company directly and ask for the name and email address of the hiring manager.
In the body of your email, briefly remind the hiring manager of your interest in the position and why you are a great fit. If you have any new accomplishments or experiences that you did not include in your original application, be sure to mention them. You can also attach your application materials to make it easy for the hiring manager to review your qualifications again. Here is an example of what you could write:
> "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
> Thank you for taking the time to consider my application for the [Internship Role] at [Law Firm]. I am writing to follow up on my application and to reiterate my strong interest in this opportunity. With my background in [Relevant Experience], I believe I can contribute to your team by [Explain How You Can Add Value]. I am eager to learn more about the next steps in the process and am excited about the prospect of joining your team. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide. Thank you for your time and consideration.
> Best regards,
> [Your Name]"
Remember to keep your email concise and to the point, as hiring managers are busy and may not have time to read a lengthy message. Following up on your application demonstrates your persistence and can help set you apart from other candidates.
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Types of internships available
There are several types of internships available in the legal field, catering to students at different stages of their legal education. Here are some of the most common types:
Summer Internships
Summer internships are typically geared towards law students approaching their final year of school. These internships can be at large or small firms, and the experience varies depending on the firm's size and needs. Interns primarily help the firm manage its workload while learning about law practice. For example, an intern at a family law firm may learn about divorce proceedings, while an intern at a corporate firm may gain exposure to business mergers and acquisitions. Summer internships are often competitive, especially at top firms, and can serve as a pathway to a job after graduation.
Undergraduate Summer Internships
Undergraduate internships are often administratively based, with interns performing basic tasks such as copying, filing, and phone-based work. These internships are usually offered by smaller firms to college students interested in exploring a career in law. Undergraduate internships can provide valuable hands-on experience and an understanding of the legal profession, even if they are unpaid.
Judicial Clerkships
Judicial internships are popular among law students and offer valuable insight into the workings of trial and appellate courts. Interns work for state or federal court judges and gain first-hand experience in judicial processes. These internships may be unpaid and can be more demanding than internships in law firms.
Pro Bono Projects
Pro bono programs place students in law offices, courts, and public interest organizations. Under the guidance of legal professionals, interns gain real-world legal experience and contribute to socially or economically relevant causes. Pro bono internships allow students to apply their classroom knowledge to practical legal situations and make a positive impact.
Legal Clinics
Legal clinics are designed for second and third-year law students to apply their academic knowledge to real-life legal cases. Students work under the supervision of practicing attorneys or faculty members and represent clients from vulnerable segments of society. Examples of cases handled in legal clinics include juvenile court matters, fair housing litigation, real estate transactions, and drafting wills. Legal clinics offer a valuable opportunity to build practical legal skills and serve the community.
Externships
Externship programs provide students with the opportunity to work in practice settings outside of their academic institution. They allow students to explore different areas of law and gain experience in a variety of legal environments, broadening their perspective beyond their law school curriculum.
When applying for internships, it is common to cold email law firms or recruiters. This strategy can be effective in creating opportunities, especially when coupled with research and a personalized approach. Networking and word-of-mouth recommendations are also powerful tools in securing internships.
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How to find internship opportunities
Finding an internship opportunity as an undergraduate can be challenging, but there are several ways to go about it. Firstly, it is important to identify your interests, goals, availability, qualifications, and skills. Think about what type of law you want to practice and consider the kind of legal profession that would be most interesting to you. For example, if you are interested in tech law, you could explore tech internships in programming or business, whereas if you are interested in immigration law, you might consider interning with a non-profit group that works with asylum seekers. Knowing your interests will help you decide on the best fit for your internship.
Once you have a clearer idea of your preferences and what you hope to gain from an internship, you can begin your search. A simple internet search can be a good starting point to find internship opportunities. You can also try networking with legal professionals through job-related social media platforms or in-person events. Attending career fairs, visiting your school career centre, or asking instructors about potential leads are also recommended strategies.
Another option is to directly contact small, local firms to inquire about internship possibilities. Cold emailing is a strategy that can be employed here, which involves sending unsolicited emails to recruiters or relevant personnel at law firms. When cold emailing, it is important to avoid bulk mailing, as this can be ineffective and unprofessional. Instead, take the time to research and shortlist a small number of organisations or firms that align with your interests and goals. Customise your emails to showcase how your experiences and skills match the firm's work and how you could contribute to their team.
It is worth noting that legal internships are often competitive, so applying to multiple positions may increase your chances of securing one. Additionally, consider the timing of your internship and your availability. A summer internship may be a good choice if you are unable to commit to an internship during the school semester.
Lastly, don't underestimate the power of networking and building connections. Your instructors, advisors, or peers may be aware of internship opportunities or have connections with attorneys or law firms that could lead you in the right direction.
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Frequently asked questions
A cold email is an unsolicited email sent to a receiver with no prior contact. It is an effective way to reach out to law firms and create opportunities.
You should include an introduction about yourself and your academic background, and clearly state your intention to apply for an internship. Demonstrate your knowledge of the firm and express your genuine interest in their work. Highlight specific skills and experiences that make you a suitable candidate.
Avoid generic salutations such as "To Whom It May Concern". Take the time to research and identify the appropriate contact person and address them by name. This shows attention to detail and a genuine interest in the position.
Shortlist 2-3 organisations or firms based on your areas of interest or convenience. Tailor your email to align with the firm's requirements and expectations for interns. Include your availability and be unambiguous about the months you are applying for.
Wait some time before following up, as everyone at a law firm is likely to be busy. After a week or more, send a friendly reminder in the same thread as the original application.
