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I was wondering how much of a stretch it is to claim geographic ties in a cover letter for ties beyond where you plan to practice long term, and where you attended law school. For instance, is claiming geographic ties where you attended undergrad, grew up as a kid, or have family in the jurisdiction etc. too tenuous to claim ties?

fingaztwisting wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 28, 2021 8:47 pm

I was wondering how much of a stretch it is to claim geographic ties in a cover letter for ties beyond where you plan to practice long term, and where you attended law school. For instance, is claiming geographic ties where you attended undergrad, grew up as a kid, or have family in the jurisdiction etc. too tenuous to claim ties?

I mentioned that I grew up in an adjacent state, and I think it helped my app. I also have extended family in the city where chambers are located, but I do not recall if I mentioned that in my cover letter.

fingaztwisting wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 28, 2021 8:47 pm

Is claiming geographic ties where you attended undergrad, grew up as a kid, or have family in the jurisdiction etc. too tenuous?

I think all of these are fine examples. I got a clerkship in a state I had never been, in part because my sibling was going to college there (and not even in the same city). Generally, as long as it passes the laugh-test, I think its fine to mention but the strength of the connection will have something to say with how much you emphasize it.

I applied to a district judge in the Rockies/Mountain West who said several times that they appreciated the fact that I had grown up in a neighboring state (which I mentioned in my cover letter) and that it was a serious factor in reviewing my application, even though I’ve lived in a major coastal city for the last ten years.

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I think in order of strength it goes something like (1) demonstrable intent to practice long-term, (2) hometown or law school city, (3) family connections. And for any the closer to the place of the actual judge the better.