How to Write a 'Why City' Paragraph

If you're applying to firms in a city where you didn't grow up, don't go to school, and don't have obvious connections, the firm is going to wonder: why here? The "why city" paragraph in your cover letter answers that question before they have to ask it.

Why It Matters

Firms care about geographic ties because they want to extend offers to people who will accept. If you're a law student in Chicago applying to Houston firms, the hiring committee worries you'll take a Chicago offer instead. A convincing city paragraph reduces that risk.

What Works

Concrete connections. Family in the area, a partner who lives there, you grew up nearby. These are the strongest ties and require the least explanation.

Professional reasons. "I want to practice energy law, and Houston is the center of that market." Practice-area-driven city choices are credible and show thoughtfulness. Use the firm directory to verify which cities are strongest for your target practice.

Personal experience. You lived there for a summer, visited extensively, have close friends there. Real familiarity is convincing.

Long-term plans. "I plan to build my career in [city] because [specific reason]." This needs to be genuine — screeners have heard every version of this.

What Doesn't Work

• "I've always wanted to live in New York." Everyone has. This says nothing.
• "I'm open to any city." This suggests you'll take the first offer that comes along.
• Leaving the question unaddressed entirely. The hiring partner will notice.

How Long Should It Be?

Two to three sentences. It's a paragraph within your cover letter, not a separate essay. Be direct and move on.

Placement

The "why city" paragraph works best as the final substantive paragraph of your cover letter — after you've discussed why the firm and why you, but before the closing. See our full cover letter guide for the complete structure.

If You Have Obvious Ties

You don't need a "why city" paragraph if you go to school in the city, grew up there, or have other obvious connections. In that case, a brief mention suffices: "As a lifelong Boston resident..." and move on.