Sample Cover Letter 2 Mark Davis 10 Evan Crescent Eastwood NSW 2122 4 June 2013 Kristie Barton HR Advisor DLA Piper Level 38, 201 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 Dear Ms Barton, RE: APPLICATION FOR SUMMER CLERKSHIP I am writing to apply for the position of summer clerk at DLA Piper for the 2013 clerkship program. I am in the penultimate year of a combined Arts/Law Degree at Macquarie University. My strong academic record, which includes a distinction average (80%) across my law subjects and a University Merit Certificate for outstanding academic performance, which would indicate that I would endeavour to produce similar results for DLA Piper. Whilst studying at Macquarie, I have been active in a range of extra-curricular activities, including representing the university in national mooting competitions and most recently participating in the 2012 ALSA Conference. Through my extensive mooting experience, I have learnt the value of implementing creative, yet practical approaches in confronting novel and complex questions of law. My role on the Law Society Executive as the Competitions Officer significantly enhanced my ability to work effectively in a team based environment. The position required that I collaborate with a range of lecturers, students and practising lawyers to ensure the efficient organisation of the competition. I believe this will be of great benefit to DLA Piper due to your high emphasis on strong team-work and communication. My present employment as a research clerk at Baker & McKenzie requires strong research and written communication skills. I am responsible for producing current awareness reports and conducting research into specific issues such as ‘legal professional privilege’ to assist in the preparation of cases. The role entails close teamwork with fellow clerks and the supervising professional support lawyers. However, I also assume a high degree of personal responsibility in ensuring I manage time effectively. I am attracted to DLA Piper because of its reputation as a leading Australian Law Firm, evidenced by its recognition as the Australasian Law Firm of the Year in 2007 at the Chambers Global Awards. Peers who have completed the clerkship at DLA Piper describe the clerkship induction as invaluable in allowing them to gain confidence and make a meaningful contribution to the Firm. I perceive DLA Piper as a firm that is distinguished from its competitors by a culture that achieves a positive balance between being commercially focused and providing opportunities for post graduate study and pro bono initiatives. I would welcome the opportunity to attend an interview to further discuss my application with you. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information regarding my application. Yours sincerely, Mark Davis 18 Clerkship Guide 2013