Applying for multiple positions Forum

[LWilson]

Only post here if you have useful advice. No condescending remarks:

I recently passed the NJ Bar after a few attempts. I DESPERATELY need money. I'm 31 and I still live with my parents. I already deferred my student loans twice.

I'm currently working at a unpaid internship at a legal aid organization in Newark, as well as a part time non-legal job. I'm interested in being a public defender. Just one caveat: there are multiple divisions in the NJ public defender office (criminal defense, appellate, post conviction release unit, juvenile defense). I really want this job. I want to apply to all of the positions (in order to increase my chances of getting hired). I obviously can't submit 4 different cover letters. How should I handle this situation?

[Mr. Archer]

Does each position have a different contact person? If the person is the same, you could ask that person about submitting one application package that covers all positions. You could make a more generic cover letter about a desire to be a public defender but not focus it on only wanting a particular unit. This would be about general skills/experience applicable related to being a public defender. You could throw in some geographic ties about just wanting that particular office if that's an option.

[Anonymous User]

Sorry if this is stating the obvious, but just say so in your cover letter: "I would like to be considered for entry-level positions in the criminal defense, appellate, post conviction release, or juvenile defense units."