Mentioning Diversity in 1L Cover Letter Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for advice on how to mention my diversity in my cover letter. I have 1L OCI coming up and I am also mass mailing a number of firms. What is the best way to mention my diversity if I am part of an ethnic group that is vastly underrepresented in the legal community, or in the region where I am applying to. I'm not sure if I should be as direct as I just put. Like would firms care about that? Also if you have a good sample cover letter that focuses on diversity I would appreciate it.

More info on me: Currently attending a T-20 school and finished above the median last semester.

Thanks.

[lawlorbust]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for advice on how to mention my diversity in my cover letter. I have 1L OCI coming up and I am also mass mailing a number of firms. What is the best way to mention my diversity if I am part of an ethnic group that is vastly underrepresented in the legal community, or in the region where I am applying to. I'm not sure if I should be as direct as I just put. Like would firms care about that? Also if you have a good sample cover letter that focuses on diversity I would appreciate it.

More info on me: Currently attending a T-20 school and finished above the median last semester.

Thanks.

"As an active member of [X Students Association], I have gained ..."

"In addition, my previous experiences have taught me the value of diversity in a professional environment. As a person growing up in [community], I ..."

[Anonymous User]

Thanks. It's just hard to word that in a way that shows how it will benefit the firm. Does anyone have a sample cover letter which mentions diversity?

[mjb447]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for advice on how to mention my diversity in my cover letter. I have 1L OCI coming up and I am also mass mailing a number of firms. What is the best way to mention my diversity if I am part of an ethnic group that is vastly underrepresented in the legal community, or in the region where I am applying to. I'm not sure if I should be as direct as I just put. Like would firms care about that? Also if you have a good sample cover letter that focuses on diversity I would appreciate it.

More info on me: Currently attending a T-20 school and finished above the median last semester.

Thanks.

"As an active member of [X Students Association], I have gained ..."

"In addition, my previous experiences have taught me the value of diversity in a professional environment. As a person growing up in [community], I ..."

This is about right. I wouldn't worry much about expressly addressing the value of diversity to the firm. If the firm values it (or wishes to appear to value it), it's not really a connection you'll have to draw once you flag that you're a member of an underrepresented group. (Also, as a 1L, you're probably not going to be a net benefit to the firm for a very long time, which is OK.)

[Anonymous User]

But what if I want to mention it for a diversity application?