how to address a cover letter to a judge

The Law Dictionary

Your Free Online Legal Dictionary • Featuring Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed.

Best Way to Write a Professional Letter to a Judge

Writing a letter to a judge can be extremely impactful if it is written properly. Whether you are writing as a victim or on behalf of a defendant , it must be written in business-style and in a professional tone in order for the judge to take the letter seriously.

There are a few main reasons someone would need to write a letter to a judge. In many cases, family members or friends will write a letter to a judge before sentencing, to illustrate a defendant’s character. Other times, these letters are written by victims (or their family members) to showcase how the defendant’s actions have been damaging to them.

The letter will express how the person on trial has impacted others — positively or negatively. It will ask for a specific outcome from the judge, whether it is a reduced sentence or maximum sentence.

Another reason someone might write a letter to a judge is regarding custody of a child. Family members and friends of the parents and child may feel obligated to share their experiences with the adult and why or why not they would make a fit parent. Other reasons for writing include a request for an inmate’s early release or a recommendation for someone’s legal status.

In this article, we will discuss how to write a formal letter to a judge, along with the proper format and a sample letter.

How to Write a Professional Letter to a Judge

If writing a letter on behalf of the defendant, talk about the positive aspects of the defendant’s character and explain how the sentence will affect the defendant and his or her family.

A victim can write his or her own victim statement as well, which is quite impactful since he or she is the person most closely affected by the crime. If a family member or friend of the victim writes the letter, include statements regarding how others around the victim have been affected.

Writing in a Professional Tone

The best way to write a letter to a judge is in business style, which is a formal way of structuring your message (outlined below). In addition to following a business-style structure, you should write the letter in a professional tone to ensure the judge will take your letter seriously.

Write in the language you are fluent in, whether or not that is English. This will help you get your ideas across accurately and clearly, rather than writing in a language you are not entirely comfortable with. There will be someone available to the judge to translate your letter.

You do not have to be a professional writer to draft a clear, concise, and accurate letter. However, the best way to write a letter to a judge is to pay very close attention to detail while writing, ensuring you run the letter through a grammar checker (like Grammarly ) and spelling checker to remove errors. But remember, grammar and spelling checkers are not foolproof, so proofread your letter a couple of times before finalizing it.

How to Address a Judge in a Letter

Start with the envelope, writing to the judge in this format:

• Honorable Judge [First Name Last Name]
• Judge of [Name of the Court]
• [Mailing Address]

Letter to Judge Format

There is much more to consider than the professional tone — there is a precise and proper format to follow when writing a letter to a judge. If you choose to type the letter on a computer, get it printed on high-quality stationary or card stock, not regular printer paper. If you choose to write the letter by hand, again — use high-quality paper and stay away from lined paper.

As you start writing the contents of the letter, keep everything left-aligned, starting with your information. Follow the order of this format, leaving a space in between each section:

1. Your Information (first thing that goes on the inside of the letter)

• City, state, and zip code
• Telephone number and/or email address

2. The Date

3. The Judge’s Information

• Honorable Judge First Name Last Name
• Judge of Name of the Court

Mailing Address

4. What the Letter Is Going to Address

• Follow this format — “Re: Sentencing of [First Name Last Name of Defendant], Case No. [XXXXXXX]”

5. Salutation

• Dear Judge [Last Name]

Before you write the address on the envelope and on the letter itself, be sure you know the judge’s proper title, whether it is Chief Justice, Justice, Chief Judge, or Judge. If you are unsure, you can look up this information on the Federal Judicial Center website .

After addressing the letter, you will start by clearly stating who you are — your first and last name — as well as your occupation and your state of residence. If you are well known in your community, your family name or place of work might make you more reputable in the eyes of the judge.

Next, express exactly why you are writing. Include the name of the victim or the defendant, how you know the defendant, and why you’re writing on behalf of them. Then, state specifically what you want the outcome to be.

If you are a victim or writing on behalf of one, you can write about how the crime has affected the victim physically, emotionally, or socially. Explain how the victim’s life and the lives around him or her have been changed.

If you are a defendant writing your own letter requesting leniency, you should include in the letter that you accept responsibility and explain what you will do to change your life.

The letter should be no longer than one page.

7. Signature

When signing the letter, you should close out with “Respectfully” or “Sincerely,” followed by both a typed and handwritten signature with your first and last name.

Sample Letter to Judge

Honorable (Name of Judge)

Judge of (Name of Court)

Re: Defendant’s Name, Case Number

Dear Judge (Last Name):

My name is (first and last), and I am a doctor in the state of Nevada. I am writing on behalf of my brother, (defendant) to request that he receives primary custody of his two children, (name and name). The custody hearing is scheduled for (date).

My brother has been an excellent father since both of his children were born, attending every sporting event, maintaining a well-paying, steady job, and taking them to church each week. Through his divorce from his wife, he remained stable and active in his children’s lives, never wavering in his love and support for them. In addition, he has familial support including myself, our parents, and our sister.

Respectfully,

Other Considerations When Writing a Letter to a Judge

While we’ve covered the best way to write a letter to a judge, there are some things that are not appropriate to write about, such as evidence for a case . If you have information about a case that has not been presented to the authorities, you are responsible for contacting the police and turning over the evidence.

If you are a victim and need help communicating your story, here is our guide on How to Write a Compelling Victim Impact Statement .

Need More Help With a Legal Matter?

If you or someone you care about is facing the court system, you probably have lots of questions. A local attorney can evaluate your case for free so you can get some answers and peace of mind.

This article contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. The Law Dictionary is not a law firm, and this page does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

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How to Address a Letter to a Judge

Let’s say you plan to write a letter to a judge. To begin, it’s important to understand that in the United States there are some instances where it would be inappropriate to contact a judge. So, before you get started with your letter, ask yourself these two questions:

• Is this an ex parte communication? If you’re a plaintiff or a defendant in a case, you should not reach out privately to the judge handling your case.
• Are you requesting that the judge make a decision about something? If so, your request should be filed as a motion with the court and delivered to all parties involved in the case. 

Assuming that you still want to communicate with a court judge, let’s discuss the best way to format your letter. We’ll review the proper way to address the envelope, compose a letter, and write a salutation and sign-off.

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Addressing the Envelope

When you address the envelope, you should use the following formatting:

The Honorable [First Name] [Last Name] [Formal Title] [Name of the Court] [Postal Address of the Court ] 

Let’s take a look at a few examples, using real judges. 

The Honorable Robert J. Jonker Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan 685 Federal Bldg. 110 Michigan St NW Grand Rapids MI 49503

The Honorable Erin M. Peradotto Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York Appellate Division Fourth Department 50 East Avenue, Suite 200 Rochester, New York 14604

The Honorable Terry Fox Judge of the Colorado Court of Appeals, 22nd Judicial District 2 East 14th Avenue Denver, CO 80203 United States

To find these addresses and titles, you would simply look up the court website or ask for assistance at a library. If the name of the court is too long to fit on one line, you can carry over into a second line. 

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court does not need to be addressed by name. He is one of a kind! There’s only one Chief Justice of the U.S. at a time. 

The Chief Justice of the United States The Supreme Court One First Street, NE Washington, DC 20543

Let’s say you know a judge personally, and you wanted to send her an informal note or an invitation. You might address an envelope to a judge and her husband at their home address, as follows:

Honorable [First Name] [Last Name] and Mr. [Last Name]  [Street Address]

Formatting the Letter

Begin your formal letter with the date and the court’s address in the upper left. Next, add two blank lines, and then write your own contact information including your full name and mailing address. Under that, type your salutation. Depending on the judges title, you should write one of the following, followed by a comma:

• Dear Judge [Last Name] or Honorable Judge [Last Name]
• Dear Justice [Last Name]
• Dear Chief Judge [Last Name]
• Dear Chief Justice [Last Name]

Here’s an example:

The Supreme Court One First Street, NE Washington, DC 20543

John Smith 123 Apple Street Miami, Florida 33101

Dear Chief Justice Roberts,

Next, in the body of your letter, you should refer to the case name and number. For instance, you might say, “I am writing to you about The State vs. Andrea Clinton , case number 0308001.” It’s also important that you identify yourself and your relationship to the case early in the letter, preferably in the first line. You might say, “As Andrea’s former employer, I am writing to request leniency in sentencing…” Keep your message short and simple. By the time you’re done, the body of the letter shouldn’t be more than one page long. Maintain a professional tone, and try not to throw in complicated legal language if you’re not a lawyer. 

To conclude the letter, it’s common to sign-off with the phrase “respectfully” or “respectfully yours.”

Reasons to Write a Letter

There are many occasions when you shouldn’t write to a judge. It’s inappropriate to introduce new evidence in a letter to a judge. As we explained earlier, the court prohibits any ex parte communication from a defendant or plaintiff. In other instances, sending a request to a judge wastes time because any motion should be filed through a different process. Still, in certain circumstances, a formal letter to a judge would be appropriate. 

Here are a few instances when it makes sense to write to a judge directly:

• Custody Cases—Family and friends may want to share information about the fitness of a parent.
• Early Release—An inmate may provide information about why a judge should consider an early release date. Also, a friend or family member may provide a letter of support to explain why someone should be released on bond.  
• Legal Status—Family and friends may send a letter of support, demonstrating that a detained person has ties to the community.
• Sentencing—Family and friends of the defendant may want to illustrate his or her good character. Alternatively, family and friends of the victim can share information about the damaging nature of the crime. 

When writing a character reference letter, you should aim to give concrete examples. Rather than sharing your personal opinion, give the judge an idea of the behaviors that the person displayed that helped you form your opinion. For example, if you wanted to write a letter to a judge to advocate for someone’s early release from prison, you might point to the person’s accomplishments and actions while incarcerated. In addition, you could explain any community support that the inmate can expect to receive upon release, such as housing opportunities, work opportunities, counseling, or mentorships. 

The judge is more likely to be persuaded by logic than by emotion. Whether you’re writing a letter to a judge about the fitness of a parent, an early release, a person’s immigration status, or a recommendation for sentencing, you should try to list factual examples to bolster your argument. Keep your letter brief, and be respectful. Don’t call the judge by his or her first name or use informal language. 

Conclude the letter by thanking the judge. You may include a CC field at the bottom of the page to indicate anyone else who has received a copy of the same letter. After your sign-off, you should include your full name, professional title (if relevant), and any additional contact information—such as phone number or email address—that you’d like the judge to have. 

• https://thelawdictionary.org/article/best-way-to-write-a-professional-letter-to-a-judge/
• https://eforms.com/recommendation-letter/character-reference-letter-for-court/#HowtoWrite
• https://www.encyclopedia.com/articles/best-way-to-write-a-professional-letter-to-a-judge/
• https://www.michigan.gov/documents/Sample_Letter_to_Judge_110114_7.pdf
• https://legalbeagle.com/8143300-write-letter-leniency-judge.html

Kari Lisa Johnson

I’m an award-winning playwright with a penchant for wordplay. After earning a perfect score on the Writing SAT, I worked my way through Brown University by moonlighting as a Kaplan Test Prep tutor. I received a BA with honors in Literary Arts (Playwriting)—which gave me the opportunity to study under Pulitzer Prize-winner Paula Vogel. In my previous roles as new media producer with Rosetta Stone, director of marketing for global ventures with The Juilliard School, and vice president of digital strategy with Up & Coming Media, I helped develop the voice for international brands. From my home office in Maui, Hawaii, I currently work on freelance and ghostwriting projects.

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How to Address a Judge

Judge of a U.S. Court

—- Envelope, official: —- —- The Honorable —- —- (Full name) —- —- (Name of Court) —- —- (Address) —- —- —- or —- —- The Honorable   (Full name) —- —- (Name of Court) —- —- (Address)

—- Letter salutation: —- —- Dear Judge (surname):

—- Conversation: —- —- Judge (surname)

—- Direct address in the courtroom: —- —- Your Honor *

His Honor, Her Honor Your Honor Your honor is an oral form of address used in conversation with a presiding official. Both a judge in his or her courtroom and the mayor in his or her city may be addressed as Your Honor. Neither a visiting judge in another judge’s courtroom nor a former mayor are addressed as Your Honor .   You honor is not used in writing — use it orally in direct conversation.

—- —- —- — From: Honor & Respect by Robert Hickey

– Robert Hickey     How to Address a Judge of a Federal Court

Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”

How to Address a Judge and Spouse?

How to I address a letter’s envelope to a judge and her husband? —————— – Sam O’Brien

I am writing a letter to a Judge and his wife. What is the proper salutation for the letter? —————— – Thanks, D.N.

Dear Sam & D.N.: —- The formula for the envelope is

– ——- The Honorable (Full Name) – ——- and Mrs. (Surname) – ——- (Address)

—- —- Which looks like —- —- —- The Honorable Stephen Jennings —- —- —- and Mr. Jennings —- —- —- (Address)

– ——- The Honorable (Full Name) – ——- and Ms/Dr.. (Full Name) – ——- (Address)

—- —- Which looks like —- —- —- The Honorable Thomas Jennings —- —- —- and Dr. Linda Nelson —- —- —- (Address)

– ——- The Honorable (Full Name) – ——- and Mr. (Full Name) – ——- (Address)

—- —- Which looks like —- —- —- The Honorable Nancy Jennings —- —- —- and Mr. Franklin Jennings —- —- —- (Address)

—- The most formal salutation for a judge and spouse (if the spouse uses the same last name) would be: ——– Dear Judge Jennings and Mrs. Jennings ——– Dear Judge Jennings and Mr./Ms./Dr. Nelson —- —- Dear Judge Jennings and Mr. Jenning s:

—- In a salutation you always use the form of the name used in conversation.

Formally people who hold high offices get their full name as a unit … so  Dear Judge and Mrs. Jennings –  is informal.

Wives who use the same surname as their spouses traditionally lose their given name when addressed with their husband: They become simply Mrs. (Surname).    Thist is not a tradition everyone follows, but it is the traditional format. See the post on Mrs. & Ms. i n the list of links at right for more on writing women’s names.

– Robert Hickey    How to Address a Judge of a Federal Court How to Address a City County or State Judge

Related Posts: — — – — Couples: Private Citizens — — – — Couples: Christian Clergy — — – — Couples: Rabbis — — – — Couples: Military — — – — Couples: U.S. Officials — — – — Couples: Same Sex

When Should You Use the Forms on this Page?

You can use these forms of address for any mode of communication: addressing a letter, invitation, card or Email. (If there are differences between the official and social forms of address, I will have mentioned the different forms.)  The form noted in the salutation is the same form you say when you say their name in conversation or when you greet them. ___ What I don’t cover on this site are  many things I do cover in my book: all the rules of forms of address, about names, international titles, precedence, complimentary closes, details on invitations, place cards, all sorts of introductions , etc. I hope you’ll get a copy of the book if you’d like the further detail.

Not Finding Your Answer?

—- #1)    At right  on desktops , at the bottom of every page on tablets and phones , is a list of all the offices, officials & topics covered on the site.

—- #2)   If you don’t see the official you seek included or your question answered send me an e-mail . I am pretty fast at sending a reply: usually the next day or so  (unless I am traveling.)   Note: I don’t have mailing or Email addresses for any of the officials and I don’t keep track of offices that exist only in history books.

—- #3)   If I think your question is of interest to others, Sometimes I post the question  – but always change all the specifics.

— Robert Hickey 

Recommended Resources:    The Protocol School of Washington (PSOW)  and  Protocol and Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA)     For more information see the Protocol Resources page.

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Forms of Address for Cover Letters

Regular federal appellate and district judges.

1. The Honorable Jane Doe

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

2. The Honorable John Doe

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin

Dear Judge Doe:

Chief Federal Appellate and District Judges

Chief Judge

Dear Chief Judge Doe:

Federal Magistrate Judges

The Honorable Jasper Doe

Magistrate Judge

U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin

Dear Magistrate Judge Doe:

Bankruptcy Judges

The Honorable Janice Doe

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin

Senior Status Judges

The Honorable Julius Doe

U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

State Supreme Court Justices

The Honorable Joe Doe

Wisconsin Supreme Court

Dear Justice Doe:

Chief State Supreme Court Justices

The Honorable Judy Doe

Chief Justice

Dear Chief Justice Doe:

State Appellate Judges

The Honorable John Doe

Wisconsin Court of Appeals

(Note: Some states' intermediate appellate judges use the title "Justice." Check the Judicial Yellow Book to be sure.)

State Trial Judges

The Honorable Jack Doe

Dane County Circuit Court

(Note: Some states use different titles for their trial court judges. Check the state court web site to be sure.)

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• Writing Letters to Officials

How to Write a Letter to a Judge

Last Updated: March 27, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD . Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,606,401 times.

There are occasions when you may find it pertinent to write a letter to a judge. You may believe that what you have to say can impact how a judge approaches the task of sentencing someone you know. Knowing what to include in your letter and how to say it can determine how effective the letter ends up being. That is why it is important to format the letter properly and make sure that the content of the letter is effective and not detrimental to the defendant's case. Do not communicate with a judge if you are a party yourself to a criminal trial because it is generally illegal to do so.

Setting out the Letter

• Honorable [Judge’s Full Name], United States District Judge, 11 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75242. This name and address should be left-justified and written out as you would an address at the top of any letter, below the date.
• Below the name and address of the judge, provide the appropriate salutation. The appropriate salutation for addressing a judge is “Your Honor” or “Dear Judge [Judge’s last name].

Writing the Content of the Letter

Sample Letters

Expert Q&A

• The best time to write a letter to a judge is before a formal sentencing but after a verdict has been made. Doing so will prevent you from accidentally revealing information that could negatively affect your case, but more significantly, the most effective letters are those meant to sway sentencing rather than those meant to sway a verdict. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 2

• Do not send your letter directly to the judge. Defense attorneys prefer that their clients’ friends and relatives send the letter to the attorney first so that the attorney can read over the letter and confirm that there is no information in the letter that may be detrimental to the defendant’s case. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Do not communicate with the judge if you are a party to ongoing judicial proceedings, as such communication is generally prohibited as “ex parte communication.” [11] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/find-legal-answers/going-to-court-for-criminal-charge/writing-character-reference
• ↑ https://thelawdictionary.org/article/best-way-to-write-a-professional-letter-to-a-judge/
• ↑ https://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/Pages/representing/lawassist_readingwritinghome_wysk/lawassist_letters_wysk/lawassist_letters_courts.aspx
• ↑ https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/12/263.9

About This Article

To write a letter to a judge, start by introducing yourself and stating your profession. Then, explain how you know the defendant you're writing about. In the second paragraph, offer a general statement of support by letting the judge know you're aware of the defendant's wrongdoing and you're still willing to support him. In the third paragraph, highlight the defendant's positive character traits to show the judge they're a good person. Finally, conclude your letter by stating why you believe the defendant doesn't deserve a harsh sentence. To learn more from our Civil Litigator co-author, such as how to address the top of the letter, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Court Letter (With Template)

4-minute read

• 1st June 2023

Sending a letter to court personnel is a serious matter, so if you need to write one, ensure it makes an impact and conveys your message well. In this post, we’ll discuss the reasons you might need to write a court letter, the essential information to include, and an example of what one might look like.

What Is a Court Letter?

A court letter, also known as a legal letter or court correspondence, refers to a written document used in legal proceedings. It’s a type of formal communication addressed to court personnel, such as a judge, attorney, or another party involved in a legal case.

Court letters can serve many purposes, including requesting information, providing evidence, or asking for consideration from the court. For example, you could write a court letter on behalf of a defendant to highlight their positive qualities prior to sentencing. Or you could write a letter to a judge to provide a positive context for a family member involved in a child custody dispute.

Due to their serious nature, court letters should always be written using a professional tone of voice . It’s important to convey your ideas clearly and concisely, and while the recipient won’t be expecting perfection, do your best to ensure your letter is free of grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typos.

What to Include in a Court Letter

Whatever the reason for your letter, include the following information:

●  Your contact information (name, address, telephone number, email address)

●  The date

●  The recipient’s name and the name of the court

●  A subject line stating what the letter will address (if in email form)

●  A greeting or salutation

●  Body content

●  A closing signature

Here’s a sample template for a court letter – it’s asking a judge to consider a specific claim, but it can be adapted to suit other purposes.

Court Letter Template

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[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Date]

[Judge’s Name] [Name of Court] [Address of Court]

[City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Judge’s Name],

I am writing to bring your attention to a claim I have against [name of defendant] regarding [briefly describe the nature of the claim]. I am writing this letter in support of my claim and to request that the court consider my case.

On [date of incident], I [briefly describe what happened]. As a result of this incident, I have suffered [describe the relevant injuries, losses, or damages]. I have attempted to resolve this matter with [name of defendant] but have been unsuccessful in coming to a resolution.

I am requesting that the court hear my case and am seeking [describe the specific relief you’re seeking, such as monetary damages or a specific action by the defendant]. I have attached the relevant documents and evidence to support my claim.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.

[Your Name]

Structuring Your Letter

As you can see above, the letter begins by formally stating the purpose for writing. The second and third paragraphs briefly and clearly describe the nature of the incident, its impact, and the desired outcome of the request. It ends by referring to supporting documents and evidence included with the letter.

If you’re writing on behalf of someone else, include your relationship with them (coworker, family member, etc.) and one or two examples that demonstrate their character to provide context for your claims.

If you’re unsure of the correct title to use for the salutation, look it up beforehand (on the court’s or law firm’s website). And when signing off, use a respectful closing signature, such as sincerely or respectfully , and your full, legal name (rather than a nickname).

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Judge Cover Letter Sample

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Judge Cover Letter Sample (Full Text Version)

Natalie Anderson

Dear Hiring Committee,

As a judge and advocate with 15 years of experience presiding over court proceedings, prosecuting cases, and tirelessly pursuing justice in Scotland, I apply with enthusiasm for this opportunity.

I am currently a Circuit Judge at Judiciary of Scotland, where for the past four years I have presided over a diversity of civil and criminal cases. My work involves travelling to cities across Scotland to oversee ~150 cases per year, involving matters ranging from felonies to tax disputes. A particular highlight is successfully overseeing the prosecution and conviction of a complex 2-year trial of high-profile corporate corruption case in the face of extraordinary publicity. Amongst other steps, I personally interviewed reluctant witnesses in Bulgaria, the Philippines, and New Zealand.

This draws upon my experience as a Procurator Fiscal and Advocate, where I investigated and prosecuted crime under Scots Law, and conducted complex cross-border investigation. My investigations background is broad, ranging from employment law, employee relations, misconduct, and discrimination to loan fraud, procurement fraud, bank fraud, tax fraud, and identity theft.

My accomplishments provide robust evidence of my interest in the types of complaints involved in employment law and employee relations, such as workplace discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment. I was recently nominated for an award by the Law Society of Scotland for my role in the above-mentioned corruption case.

In addition to my lengthy professional expertise, I hold a Certificate in International Law (Foundation), a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, and a Master of Laws. I am also a long-standing member of the Faculty of Advocates (Scotland).

I have enjoyed my time as a Circuit Judge and am proud of my positive influence on justice in Scotland. I am now seeking an opportunity to have an even greater impact as a High Court Judge.

I would be delighted to be interviewed for this uniquely rewarding role. Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to hearing from you regarding next steps.

Yours faithfully,

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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Magistrate Judge Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these Magistrate Judge cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Table Of Contents

• Magistrate Judge Example 1
• Magistrate Judge Example 2
• Magistrate Judge Example 3
• Cover Letter Writing Tips

Magistrate judges preside over a variety of legal proceedings, including preliminary hearings, arraignments, and bail hearings. They also rule on motions, including requests for search warrants and subpoenas.

To be a successful magistrate judge, you need excellent legal knowledge and strong communication skills. Use these examples and tips to write a cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition.

Magistrate Judge Cover Letter Example 1

I am excited to be applying for the Magistrate Judge position at the Federal Court. I have the experience and qualifications that you are looking for, and I am confident that I would excel in this role.

I have been a practicing attorney for the past 10 years, during which time I have represented clients in criminal and civil court proceedings. I have also served as a law clerk to a Magistrate Judge, giving me a unique insight into the role of a Magistrate Judge. I am confident that my legal experience and my commitment to justice would make me an excellent Magistrate Judge.

I am also a strong leader and team player. I have served as the President of the local bar association and have been involved in many other professional and community organizations. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, and I believe that the Magistrate Judge role is a perfect opportunity for me to use my skills and experience to help people and make a positive impact in the community.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the Magistrate Judge position in more detail. I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for, and I am eager to begin my career as a Magistrate Judge with the Federal Court.

Magistrate Judge Cover Letter Example 2

I am writing to apply for the Magistrate Judge position that was recently advertised on your website. I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for, and I am eager to put my experience to work for your organization.

As an experienced Magistrate Judge, I have a proven track record of success. I have successfully handled a wide range of legal cases, and I have a deep understanding of the law and the judicial system. I am also an effective communicator and I have a strong working relationship with colleagues, judges, and clients.

Most importantly, I am passionate about helping people and I firmly believe in the justice system. I am committed to providing my clients with the best legal representation possible, and I am always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.

I would like to thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Magistrate Judge Cover Letter Example 3

I am writing to express my interest in the magistrate judge position that is currently available. I have been a practicing attorney for the past 10 years and have served as a magistrate judge for the past five years. I believe that my experience as an attorney and magistrate judge make me an ideal candidate for this position.

I have extensive experience in both civil and criminal law, which makes me well-suited for this position. I have represented clients in both state and federal courts on matters ranging from contract disputes to murder charges. My experience has given me a unique perspective on how the legal system works, which will be an asset to your court.

I also bring a wealth of experience as a magistrate judge. I have presided over more than 100 cases during my time on the bench. I have gained valuable insight into how the judicial system works and how to best serve the needs of all parties involved. I am confident that my experience as a magistrate judge will allow me to hit the ground running if you decide to offer me this position.

I would like to thank you for considering me for this position. I believe that my background and experience make me an ideal candidate for this position. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss my qualifications in greater detail.

Magistrate Judge Cover Letter Writing Tips

1. show your legal experience.

When applying for a magistrate judge position, it’s important to highlight your legal experience in your cover letter. This can be done by providing specific examples of cases you’ve worked on in the past and how you successfully resolved them. You might also want to talk about any legal research you’ve done, or how you’ve helped train new attorneys.

2. Explain why you’re interested in the job

In your cover letter, it’s important to explain why you’re interested in the magistrate judge position. This can be done by highlighting your passion for the law and how you want to help make a difference in the community. You might also want to talk about how you’re looking for an opportunity to use your legal skills in a new way.

3. Highlight your strong communication skills

As a magistrate judge, you’ll need to have strong communication skills so you can effectively communicate with all parties involved in a case. In your cover letter, be sure to highlight how you’ve used your communication skills in the past to resolve disputes or reach agreements.

4. Proofread your cover letter

Proofreading your cover letter is one of the most important steps in ensuring your application is error-free. Hiring managers will be looking for candidates who have excellent writing skills, so it’s important to make sure your cover letter is well-written and free of mistakes.

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Judge Articles

From the Judges, to the People

Writing Effective Cover Letters

Written by Paul Baranay

Written by Evan Cherry

The purpose of a cover letter is straightforward: convince the people reading it that YOU are the right person for the job! While this article can’t guarantee that you’ll be accepted every time you apply, it will give some general tips to improve your cover letters for future events.

Cover letters for judging events are quite different from cover letters in other fields.   For one thing, there’s no need to put your name and address at the top like you would for a traditional letter. That information is automatically included by JudgeApps when you apply, along with your JudgeApps profile photo.

A cover letter is your first impression when applying to an event. Typos and grammatical issues appear unprofessional and make Judge Managers question the level of attention to detail you’ll bring to their event. “Joke” cover letters make Judge Managers question your maturity.  Take the extra minute to make sure everything looks correct before pressing submit.

It’s also important to make sure you actually answer all the questions called for in the application. Read the Event Information carefully to make sure you address all requested information. Some common questions are how many days you’re willing to work for multi-day events and whether you’re willing to accept standby sponsorship.  When answering any extra questions, be complete and unambiguous. Do not answer “Do you have a specific goal for this event” with “yes.”  Pay attention to the posted questions so that Judge Managers have enough information to give your application the consideration it deserves!

Experience, Goals, and Needs

Everyone writes cover letters a little differently, but successful cover letters often include these common elements: your experience judging, your goals for the event, and any special needs you have.  Figuring out how you would answer these three questions is a great place to start.

If you choose to use this structure, you can write a cover letter that simply consists of three paragraphs that are explicitly titled Experience, Goals, and Needs.  This is an easy way of ensuring that the Judge Manager can find exactly what they’re looking for in your application.

An Experience paragraph is a great place to humbly but confidently state any particular strengths, skills, or perspectives you bring to the event.  This is true even if you haven’t worked any Competitive REL events.  New judges sometimes simply state that they don’t have any experience at Competitive REL yet and don’t put much other information into their letter.  This strategy is simply not very effective because it doesn’t provide any compelling reason for a Judge Manager to take you.

Remember: the point of a cover letter is to emphasize what you can do for an event.  Rather than focusing on what you haven’t done, emphasize what you do and will bring to the event.  Do you run a lot of Regular events for your local store or playgroup?  Have you read the IPG?  Are you a whiz at rules interactions?  Do you know the basic deck archetypes and answers to common rules questions for the format of the event?  Focus on what you will contribute to the event, not on your shortcomings.

If you have worked some events, you don’t need to list all of them one-by-one.  Consider grouping similar events together and expressing them as a single sentence that succinctly summarizes your overall experience.  For example, this:

“EXPERIENCE: I’ve Head Judged three GPTs at my store, and I’ve floor judged an SCG Open and a PTQ”

is much easier to parse than this long list:

“EXPERIENCE:

• Sealed GPT at ConnectiCon – Head Judge (5/4/2014)
• PTQ Magic 2015 in New York (5/10/2014)
• Standard GPT at ConnectiCon – Head Judge (5/11/2014)
• Standard GPT at ConnectiCon – Head Judge (5/18/2014)
• SCG Open Baltimore: Standard (6/1/2014)

References and RCs

An important part of judging is making connections.  If you’re just getting started, mentioning who certified you and/or some judges you’ve worked for in the past can be a big help.  You can do this in the Experience section, or a separate References section.

Another good resource for you is your Regional Coordinator.  Regional Coordinators (RCs for short) are experienced Level 3+ judges who help guide judges across a particular geographic area.   Introducing yourself to your RC is a great strategy , not only because they’re fantastic resources in general, but also because RCs are asked to provide feedback on applications to certain large events such as Grands Prix and SCG Opens.  If your RC is able to put in a good word for you, that will make your chances of being accepted much greater!

Being able to articulate specific, measurable, realistic goals is one of the major ways you can distinguish yourself when applying for events.  For example:

“I’d like the opportunity to meet and review a judge that I’ve never worked with.” “I would like to be on Logistics Team and learn how to do End-of-Round Procedure.”

If you have a medical condition, food allergy, personal habit, or travel limitations that are relevant to your ability to serve on staff, you should disclose those for consideration.  Putting these requirements into a paragraph labeled “Needs” is a good way of making sure the Judge Manager can’t miss them when reviewing your application. For example:

“I have to monitor my blood sugar throughout the day and may need occasional mini-breaks to get a snack.” “The earliest available bus to the venue arrives 10 minutes before the event starts.”

Have a Useful Profile Photo on Judge Center & JudgeApps

Your profile picture pops up when scrolling over your application in JudgeApps. With over 5,000 judges in our program, there’s a good chance that your name is not uniquely identifiable. Even if the reviewers don’t know your name, a reviewer might recognize your face and recall working with you.

Conversely, when there are multiple applicants without profile pictures, the text tends to blend together. This requires extra concentration to clearly identify the candidate. Including a picture helps the reviewer consider you as a full person, rather than a name on a page.

If you’re a Level 2 judge, please remember to take photos of judges you certify and suggest they join JudgeApps!

Don’t Oversell

Your cover letter should be specific and accurate.  Don’t fill your cover letter with blanket statements that can be perceived as unreasonable or over-confident.

For example, consider this hypothetical excerpt from an L2’s cover letter for an upcoming Grand Prix: “I’m looking for leadership experience for insight into my L3 Self-Review. I’d like to be considered for Deck Check Lead. I’ve served as DC Lead for three past events, including a large event with positive feedback from Paul Baranay.”

This is great!  It includes a specific goal and informs the reviewers that the applicant is working towards a long-term goal of advancing to Level 3.  Using just two sentences, the author has included verifiable facts, provided a reference, and given an impression that he or she is adequately confident in their ability to handle the responsibility.

As a counterexample, consider this hypothetical excerpt from an L1’s cover letter to a PTQ: “I’m pursuing L2. I have a keen eye for logistics and will bring much-needed efficiency to the event.”

This is not as good. It doesn’t give the reviewer a clear understanding of your current situation or how much preparation you’re putting into advancement.  It indicates that logistics is an area of interest, but does not include a way to gauge your abilities. Also, you may or may not be in a position to impact the overall flow of the event and you’re possibly making promises beyond your scope.

Not Being Accepted

Suppose you’re not accepted to an event.  What then?

First of all, reflect on why you may have been declined.   Perhaps your application could have been improved, or maybe your experience level wasn’t yet in line with the type of event you were applying for. It is extremely unlikely that your application was denied due to personal reasons, so try to not take it personally.

Second, consider asking the Judge Manager or RC if they have any feedback on your application. Perhaps the style or content of your cover letter could be improved. Judging is a constant quest for self-improvement, and improving applications to events is no exception.

Regardless of whether you were accepted or not, please refrain from sharing your acceptance status on social media or the JudgeApps forums.  If your application was accepted, sharing this can come across as insensitive to those who were declined.  Likewise, posting about being declined will often be perceived negatively by others.  Saying nothing is the most professional and courteous option.

Conclusions

While applying for events can seem like an arduous task, we hope you’re now feeling more confident about what to put in that blank space on JudgeApps. This article is not intended as a formula for writing cover letters; you will eventually become more comfortable expressing yourself effectively and find a style that works well for you. The most important things in an application are to be clear and to be yourself!

If you’re applying for a larger event such as a Grand Prix, consider reading Gregory Schwartz’s article on how to improve your chances.

As always, feel free to post any questions or comments in the forum. Good luck!

How to Address a Letter to a Judge

Tanya mozias slavin, 25 jun 2018.

Writing a letter to a judge is bound to be an intimidating experience. It is especially true if that judge is presiding over a trial related to you or your family and will be making decisions that might significantly impact your life. The important thing is to use a formal tone and the correct form of address.

Explore this article

• Examples of Letters to a Judge
• Addressing the Judge on the Recipient Line
• Addressing the Judge on the Salutation Line

1 Examples of Letters to a Judge

There are several situations in which a person would need to write a letter to a judge.

For instance, a defendant will sometimes write a letter to a judge requiring lenient consequences for themselves. If they have children or other dependants under their care who would suffer in their absence, they may ask if the judge would consider sentencing them to house arrest instead of a jail term.

A letter to a judge could also be a victim impact statement whose goal is to convey to the judge how the crime has affected the victim or the family.

Finally, there maybe a situation where you would want or may be asked to write a character reference letter to support your family member or friend or employee, describing how you know them and explaining, for instance, that the crime they committed may be out of character for them.

2 Addressing the Judge on the Recipient Line

First, you need to address the letter to the judge on the recipient line of the envelope where you write the address of the court. You also need to write this information on the top left corner of the letter itself.

On the envelope, in the recipient line, write “The Honorable” followed by the judge’s first and last name, for instance, “The Honorable Jennifer Smith.”

3 Addressing the Judge on the Salutation Line

At the beginning of the letter, in the salutation line, you should address the judge as “Judge” followed by their last name. For instance, “Dear Judge Smith”. But this varies slightly depending on what kind of judge they are.

Specifically, for Regular Federal Appellate and District Judges, Bankruptcy Judges and Senior Status Judges, write “Dear Judge (last name)” on the salutation line (For example, “Dear Judge Smith”.)

For Chief Federal Appellate and District Judges, you need to address them as “Chief Judge”. For example, you would write “Dear Chief Judge Smith.”

For Federal Magistrate Judges, address them by the title “Magistrate Judge”, for instance, “Dear Magistrate Judge Smith.”

For State Supreme Court Justices, use the address “Dear Justice (last name),” and for Chief State Supreme Court Justices use “Dear Chief Justice (last name).”

The way you address State Appellate Judges and State Trial Judges differs by state. Some states use the title “Judge” and others “Justice.”

If you are addressing the judge again later in the text of the letter, use the same form of address as in the salutation line.

• 1 Study.com: How to Write a Letter to a Judge
• 2 University of Wisconsin Law School: Forms of Address for Cover Letters

About the Author

Tanya Mozias Slavin is a former academic and language teacher. She writes about education and linguistic technology, and has published articles in the Washington Post, Fast Company, CBC and other places. Find her at www.tanyamoziasslavin.com

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Types of Court Letters

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