Sample Graduate Cover Letter

The following is a good sample of a graduate cover letter. In this letter, David M. Sullivan tells Atty. Carol Newman how he is very interested in a position in the Criminal Division of the United States Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New State.

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December 3, 2010 
 
Carol Newman 
United States Attorney 
One Federal Plaza 
City, New State 11111 
 
Dear Ms. Newman: 
 
I am a 2006 graduate of Harvard Law School and a litigation associate at Colby Bates LLP.  Although I have 
been fortunate to have had a terrific experience at Colby, my long-term goal has always been a career in 
public service. I am writing to express my strong interest in a position in the Criminal Division of the United 
States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New State. 
   
During my time at Colby Bates, I have gained extensive litigation and investigative experience in a wide 
range of civil and criminal cases. I spent much of last year, for example, preparing for trial in a securities 
matter brought by the Securities & Exchange Commission.  In that case, I drafted and argued motions and 
prepared many of our third party and expert witnesses for deposition and for trial.  In addition to this matter, 
I have helped to conduct investigations regarding allegations of kick-backs to health care providers, 
backdating of stock options, and theft of trade secrets.  
 
I have also had exceptional opportunities in my pro bono practice to develop as a litigator and to pursue my 
commitment to public service. This summer I secured political asylum for a client persecuted in her home 
country for her religious beliefs, authoring all submissions to the Department of Homeland Security and 
representing her before the Hearing Officer. In a second case, I successfully represented a client facing 
eviction from public housing, including the examination and cross-examination of witnesses at the Housing 
Court hearing. I am currently representing an indigent criminal defendant in the appeal of his state court 
conviction. In addition to authoring the brief, I will be arguing the case next month before the New State 
Court of Appeals. 
 
My longstanding interest in serving as an Assistant United States Attorney dates to my first summer in law 
school, when I interned in the Major Crimes Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western 
District of Illinois. I found my work, from assisting in trial preparation on a drug trafficking case to drafting a 
section of an appellate brief on a Sentencing Guidelines issue, incredibly engaging. Seeing the talent and the 
dedication of the AUSAs in that office inspired me to want to pursue a career as a federal prosecutor. 
The chance to join your office would be a tremendous opportunity and honor.  I believe that my academic 
and professional training, combined with my passion and dedication, make me a strong candidate for a 
position as an Assistant United States Attorney.  I have enclosed my resume for your review.  I hope that you 
will allow me the chance to speak with you in person about the possibility of joining your office and can be 
reached at (201) 545-3354 or [email protected]. Thank you for your time and consideration. 
 
 
Sincerely, 
 
 
David M. Sullivan