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Whether you’re a fresh grad just starting out or a legal professional seeking a new role, a cover letter is a must. Finding attractive positions in this competitive environment is challenging, but with the right techniques, it can be overcome.

A cover letter is important to get right for job seekers. It’s an introduction to your prospective employers and your opportunity to make a great first impression.

Here are our tips for writing a cover letter that will get your resume read and prompt the call for the interview.

Why a Strong Cover Letter Matters

The economic fallout from COVID-19 is still upon us, and the shift to remote or hybrid work made the market more competitive for job seekers . The legal market isn’t immune to this, but people still need legal expertise, and law firms still need legal professionals to serve them.

When employers have a mountain of applications to narrow, a cover letter could mean the difference between being in the “interview” pile or getting an automated rejection response — or none at all. Cover letters are often read before the resume and entice the employer to look further.

The days of mailing hard-copy cover letters may have passed, but the modern equivalent in an email message or online application still serves its purpose.

What Is a Cover Letter for Lawyers?

No matter the industry, cover letters should always be tailored to the prospective employer. In this case, the cover letter is an opportunity to match your skills, connections, and passion for the law to the law firm’s needs.

Your cover letter should be:

Personalized: Customize your cover letter to the tone of the firm and the skills you have that are listed in the job description.

Brief: Keep it short and simple. Your cover letter should only be one page, if not less, and hit on all the points that make you an attractive candidate. Avoid the urge to just summarize your resume and overwhelm the reader.

Positive: This is an opportunity to highlight how your past educational and professional experiences give you a unique edge over the other candidates, and why you’re the best fit for the position.

Professional: Writing professionally is essential for lawyers. Keep your cover letter professional to showcase that you have this necessary skill set.

How to Address a Cover Letter for Lawyers

Addressing the cover letter correctly is a must to set the right tone for the reader. It doesn’t say much for your attention to detail if you don’t get the basics right.

Do your research and address the cover letter to the specific person in charge of hiring, such as the hiring manager or partner. If you’re not sure, look on the firm’s website, check LinkedIn, or contact human resources to find out. This will make a much better impression than “to whom this may concern.”

For the salutation, make sure to show respect for the reader to reinforce your attention to detail. For example, if you know the preferred gender prefix for the recipient, you may use “Ms.” or “Mr.” If you’re not sure, don’t assume! Just write the person’s full first and last name, being careful of correct spelling.

Cover Letter Introduction

The cover letter’s opening paragraph must capture the attention of the reader. Introduce who you are and why you’re a good fit for the firm. Mention your current position, such as a new law school graduate or an associate at a firm.

If you have mutual acquaintances or referrals, mention them right away. Then, discuss the specific reasons you’re a good fit for the firm.

Cover Letter Body

The body of the cover letter is where the bulk of your summary will go. In just a paragraph or two, give an overview of your education and experience to show why you want to work for the firm and why you’re an ideal fit.

For example, discuss the reasons you want to work for this firm specifically. Maybe it has a great reputation or you admire a lawyer who works there. Maybe the practice areas align with your desired career path.

When you’re connecting yourself to the role, use some key attributes that the firm is looking for that you possess. These may include academic or research specializations, community service history, past legal positions, publications, or awards.

This is also a great place to speak about your familiarity with legal technology. With more than 65% of law firms citing they use law practice management software, it’s worth highlighting your experience in the cover letter.

Pro Tip : Set yourself apart by getting a certification in law practice management software. PracticePanther is trusted by tens of thousands of lawyers and offers a comprehensive certification program. The program is free and you can work at your pace.

Again, don’t just summarize your resume. The hiring team can look at your resume independently. This is your opportunity to capture attention by putting your resume and experience into context and connecting it to the specific position.

Cover Letter Conclusion

The concluding paragraph is where you wrap everything up and make a positive impression. Make sure to say thank you for their consideration and outline your next steps. You don’t have to wait endlessly for an answer to your application — be clear about how and when you intend to follow up. Make sure you keep your word!

Finally, make sure your cover letter has relevant contact details, including your phone number, email, and address. These may be included in the header in a conventional letter format, but if not, put them at the bottom of the letter where they’re readily available for the hiring manager.

Tips to Stand Out

The legal industry keeps evolving. Candidates need to set themselves apart to get hired, no matter the circumstances. Here are some tips:

Keep it human: Many of the candidates you’ll be up against have similar education and experience, so simply highlighting these aspects won’t help you stand out. The cover letter is where you can showcase how you are different and what you have to offer that other candidates may not.

Stay succinct: You don’t want to overwhelm the reader with a long and drawn-out cover letter. Keep it short and to the point — you want to be memorable. Challenge yourself to stay under a page to see how well you can summarize your unique value.

Set the tone: It’s vital that you are professional in your cover letter, but that doesn’t necessarily mean formal. If the firm you’re applying to takes a more casual or personable tone, it’s best to mimic that in your cover letter. If the firm is large and prestigious, it may be best to speak formally. The firm websites should give you some insight.

Always proofread: The worst thing you could do in your cover letter is have typos and grammatical errors. There’s a lot of competition, not to mention that lawyers and legal professionals need to have command of the English language for their job responsibilities. Proofread, and if possible, enlist someone’s help to catch any errors, awkward phrasing, or ambiguities.

Sample Cover Letters for Inspiration

Drawing a blank on what to say? Here’s some inspiration from sample cover letters for lawyers with different educational backgrounds and experiences.

Law student cover letter

Graduate with previous experience cover letter

Experienced IP attorney cover letter

Let these samples inspire you to construct a compelling cover letter that gets you into the “interview” pile.

Final Thoughts

Being a job seeker in a competitive market is challenging, but taking the time and care to draft a well-written and personalized cover letter is the best way to get yourself noticed and get the interview.

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5 Attorney Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide in 2024

Attorney Cover Letter
Lateral Attorney
Associate Attorney
Senior Attorney
Trademark Attorney
Writing Your Best Attorney Cover Letter

As an attorney with unparalleled writing skills, legal acumen, and a knack for winning justice, your first challenge is to prove your worth. Although your history of victorious cases speaks volumes, securing a job hinges on the strength of your attorney resume and cover letter, highlighting your on-the-job skills and qualifications.

The task of crafting these documents might seem daunting, especially after long days filled with legal research and complex language. However, our resources, including a free cover letter builder , five attorney cover letter examples, and a comprehensive writing guide, are here to simplify the process.

With our assistance, you’ll easily write a cover letter that not only gets you noticed but also establishes a strong precedent for your career moves.

Attorney Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

Just as you would for your resume, include metrics in your attorney cover letter. If you drafted a new substantive motion, explain how your efforts created a positive impact for the client or company.
As much as you can, include experience that matches the attorney job description .
If you don’t have experience in the chosen field, share your transferable skills and your eagerness to transition to a new practice area.

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifiting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Lateral Attorney Cover Letter Example

It’s like riding back in time through your career, starting from your latest, most senior roles and backward to the junior positions. You bet the recruiter will be hooked on an intriguing tale of your progression from rookie phases to the top leagues.

Associate Attorney Cover Letter Example

Just like Jayden recalls his friend’s legal tussle, all thanks to remarkable representation, a powerful personal narrative instantly captures the attention and sets the right tone for the rest of the masterpiece.

Senior Attorney Cover Letter Example

In your senior attorney cover letter, follow an outline (like the one we’ll provide in a bit) to ensure you’re including the necessary details.
Specifically for your body paragraphs, shoot for three objectives: explaining your experience, a specific task or requirement you accomplished, and what resulted from it.
Derive a theme (or multiple) from the organization’s mission or job description to center your cover letter around; then, include details from your experience that relate to that theme.

Trademark Attorney Cover Letter Example

It’s okay to get a little personal if you can connect it with the job description. Use your experiences and knowledge of the company to discuss a goal, ideal, or passion you both share.
Not every past position you’ve held will perfectly fit this new role, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t transferable skills you can include in your trademark attorney cover letter.
Scour the attorney job ad for general responsibilities instead of strict specifics. Look for keywords like “collaboration,” “develop,” “identify,” and “research;” then incorporate positions where you used those job skills .

Need a Matching Resume for Your Attorney Cover Letter?

You can start editing this template immediately, you can choose a template that matches the first two attorney cover letter samples, or you can choose a completely different resume template . They’re all free, and they’re all there to make your life a little easier as you work on securing your next attorney position.

Attorney Resume

Need a resume to pair with your attorney cover letter?

or download as PDF

Beat the Competition with Your Best Attorney Cover Letter

Two colleagues collaborating to create attorney cover letter

As an attorney, you know how you can best help your client, but do you know how to advocate for yourself? Your cover letter must present a favorable argument for your qualifications, exhibit knowledge of the company, and relate your skills to the job description’s requirements—all with a professional yet ardent tone.

It’s a lot, but if anyone can effectively present their accomplishments to a tough crowd, it’s you. Write a hard-hitting attorney cover letter with these simple tips.

Tip 1: Due diligence is a must

There’s no point in submitting a generic cover letter . If your cover letter looks like it’s been submitted to multiple organizations, employers will assume you’re not all that interested in the job.

Moreover, if your cover letter doesn’t speak to their job description, they’ll assume you aren’t a good fit. Instead, hit the books (figuratively) and research the company. Then address their specific needs based on what you find online and in their job description.

If you reveal a strong link between your qualifications and their requirements, employers will be hard-pressed not to consider you.

Tip 2: Detail a couple of major accomplishments

No one likes a broken record, so your attorney cover letter can’t simply repeat your resume. A cover letter’s purpose is to relate your experiences and skills to the company in a way your resume can’t.

A cover letter also gives you the space to examine specific accomplishments in detail. You may argue that you’ve covered everything in your resume, but we know that’s not the case. Go beyond the basics to explore the motivations behind your achievements and how they reveal your value on the job. Are you exceptionally thorough? Find a task that highlights your attention to detail. Are you a whiz at research? Integrate that detail into a metric about your cases.

Here’s one example that gives you a glimpse into the candidate’s methods and motivations.

As a senior associate with Pincus & Associates, PC, I mentored summer and junior associates throughout their onboarding process. After the initial training period, I realized many mentees were struggling with repeat issues, such as voir dire and preparing witnesses. To combat this, I created video lectures and PowerPoint slides to explain procedures and laws surrounding the issues and gave examples, both good and bad. After two months of video training, the new hires completed double the number of tasks, and their client satisfaction scores rose by 18 percent.

These examples show the candidate’s passion for the job and their relevant experience. Moreover, the candidate demonstrates the value they’ll bring to their next role.

Tip 3: Nail down a winning tone & persuasive message

You’ve successfully incorporated your research, accomplishments, and personal style into your cover letter, but a cover letter is more than that. Here comes the tricky part: adjusting your message and tone.

The correct message and tone can mean the difference between getting dismissed or getting noticed. Remember, although we’ve compared a cover letter to a trial, your letter shouldn’t sound like a cross-examination. It also shouldn’t come across as flattering, casual, or confusing.

Think of your cover letter as the pre-interview. It’s a way to get your foot in the door and encourage further communication. Nailing the right message and tone isn’t easy, but there is good news: unlike a trial, you can start over.

Revision plays a huge part in writing cover letters. No one has a perfect first draft, and oftentimes, even the second or third drafts aren’t ideal (ask us how many times we’ve revised our cover letter examples). Luckily, you can keep revising and editing until you have an error-free draft that accurately sums up your experience and fervor for the job.

If you think your judgment isn’t perfectly sound, you can appeal to a coworker and ask them to suggest edits. Their new perspective is more likely to catch content errors and grammatical faux-pas.

Think of your cover letter as the pre-interview. It’s a way to get your foot in the door and encourage further communication.

All that’s left is one last round of revision before you save it and send in your application to the attorney job you’ve been eyeing.

Build Your Attorney Cover Letter with Our Handy Outline

Giant screen with hands putting together an attorney cover letter outline

Building arguments are your strong suit, which will help you immensely when writing your cover letter. But even the most experienced of writers can find themselves paralyzed by the blank page. Use our outline to build a case employers can’t refuse.

How to start an attorney cover letter

Your contact info: Don’t leave your future employer wondering how to contact you. Include your email, number, and address (city and state) at the top of your cover letter. Many employers also like to see your LinkedIn profile.

Formatting: Don’t include your name in the address, whether in a template or block format. In block format, you’ll only need to include your name in the signature. In a template, your name goes on the letterhead, too.

Date: Adding a date to your cover letter is a professional touch, and it can help both you and the employer keep track of your documents. Just change the date to reflect the actual day you submit your application.

Formatting: Write out the full date, e.g. January 3, 2023.

Inside address: Although a virtual cover letter doesn’t need to be sent by post, you should still include the employer’s address, also known as the inside address. Include the hiring manager’s name, their official title, and the company’s physical location.

Some companies are a bit tricky to track down, especially if they have multiple locations. Scouring Facebook, LinkedIn, and the company’s website usually yields favorable results. Also, check the job description—sometimes they specify where or to whom your documents should be sent. If there are multiple locations, use the address of the location in which you’ll work.

Heather Adams, Firm Administrator Reed McClure 1215 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1700 Seattle, WA 98161

Formatting : Each part of the address should be on a new line. Double-space between the inside address and greeting.

Greeting: Every word of your cover letter matters, including your greeting (also called the salutation). A poor greeting indicates a lack of etiquette (dangerous in the highly competitive legal field). The good news? A good greeting is pretty easy to get right. Use “dear” and the name of the hiring manager.

Dear Ms. Adams:

Formatting: Plenty of letters use a comma in the greeting, but colons are more professional, especially for an attorney.

How to write your attorney cover letter

Body: Just as a case has clearly defined sections, a cover letter has a structure.

Opening paragraph: Applying to job after job might get monotonous, but your opener has to sound genuinely excited. Don’t underestimate the power of sincere enthusiasm for the organization and knowledge of its operations. It can also help to include personal details to empathize with the employer. Although, we would urge you not to include intimate details like this:

Your law firm values hard work and dedication, which sums up my career. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to become a lawyer. I even acted out cases with my stuffed animals! As I grew older, I made sure I received top marks in every class so I could attend Harvard, the law school of my dreams. My commitment was so intense that I never had a relationship that lasted more than 3 months, but it was so worth it.

Although this opener definitely keeps the hiring manager reading, it’s probably because they find your cover letter funny (also known as you don’t stand a chance) instead of compelling. It’s far too personal and has no real relevance to the job. Instead, include details that relate to the company and what you can offer:

The Conservation Law Center’s mission to provide legal assistance to conservation organizations exemplifies my goals as a senior attorney. Throughout my career, I have offered at least 60 hours a year of pro bono work surrounding environmental law. The senior staff attorney position at your law center is a way to combine my passion for conservation, my love of mentorship, and my years of experience to provide assistance where needed most.

Here, Valente explains his background in environmental law and why he wants to work for the company. He leaves no doubt that he wants to work for them specifically, which will make any hiring manager take notice.

Paragraphs 2-3: Each paragraph should substantiate your claims in the opening paragraph. Your space is limited, so focus on the highlights. Ideally, keep each paragraph focused on one accomplishment like this:

Later, as a trademark attorney for Classics United Entertainment, I had the opportunity to work with a cross-functional team of designers, actors, producers, directors, and artists to create trademarks for all six departments within the Spears & Things division. For each trademark, I conducted a rigorous trademark clearance search to ensure trademark law compliance and eligibility. Once completing the trademark clearance process, my team and I successfully gave our efforts to developing clearance search procedures for future legal staff, creating a cohesive system across the three CUE divisions.

Although this paragraph isn’t focused on one task, it is focused on one process, and one aspect of that process in particular. Stella explains the overall trademark clearance process but keeps the focus on teamwork with phrases like “work[ing] with a cross-functional team” and “[giving] our efforts.” She effectively shows her legal abilities and her team-building strategy, both of which bode well for future employers.

Closing paragraph: Good endings are hard to achieve because they have to leave the recruiters both curious yet satisfied. Scale back and reiterate the big-picture view of your values and qualifications and how they align with what the company/organization needs. End with a call to action that encourages the employer to reach out. Just don’t fall into arrogance like this:

This job requires someone who has years of experience and who values justice. In that case, I am your perfect candidate. In my 10 years of work, I have never lost a case, and I love to argue until everyone knows I’m right. I know I can win the most cases for your company; reach out to me if you want to hire a winner.

Not only is this arrogant, but it’s also unprofessional. Instead, write something that humbly indicates your enthusiasm:

My goal has always been to provide clients with trustworthy, honest service that makes clients feel safe and valued. Reed McClure shares my vision of providing litigation services to improve the lives of both clients and the community. At your convenience, I welcome the chance to further demonstrate how our goals are aligned and how I can personally contribute to Seattle’s civil case resolution.

This close reminds the employer of the candidate’s persona, values, and aligned goals. It’s also clear that a follow-up is desired and anticipated.

Formatting : Single-space your paragraphs, but double-space in between paragraphs.

How to end an attorney cover letter

Signature: Mind your manners and say “thank you” if you haven’t already said it in the closing paragraph. Then, sign off with a professional closer along with your name.

Respectfully,

Valente Ferreira

Formatting : If you’re presenting any hard copies of your attorney cover letter, quadruple space to sign your name in blue/black ink.

Enclosure(s): This is an important piece to include although many cover letters miss it. This section delineates any other documents you’re attaching, which shows employers you’ve done your research regarding their requests and requirements. In addition to your resume, you may need to include documents like your law school transcript, a writing sample, and/or the job application.

Enclosures: Resume J.D. transcript Writing sample USPTO Law School Clinic Certificate

Formatting : Use the singular or plural form of “enclosure” depending on what you’re enclosing.

Your Dream Attorney Role Awaits…Almost

Yellow envelope carrying acceptance letter for attorney position on its way to deliver message

Your cover letter is finished! Case closed, right? Objection—you still have to perfect your attorney resume . Both resume and cover letter work in tandem to affirm and defend your qualifications, so both must be polished and complete.

But don’t stress—we have you covered. We offer free modern resume templates for you to use, or you can try one of our Word resume templates (there’s one created especially for a lawyer). You can craft a winning resume in no time; in fact, if you like this attorney resume example, you can begin editing it now.

Senior Attorney Resume

Need a resume to pair with your AP English teacher cover letter?

Senior attorney cover letter example with 5 years of experience

Whether you’re outlining your resume or checking it over a final time, our smart resume tool will help you identify gaps and errors. We’re here for you every step of the way, so you can keep doing what you do best—fighting for justice.

You know the significance of formalities in the legal profession, so optimizing the greeting is an important step. Carefully review the attorney job description to see if a hiring manager or decision-making partner is listed as a contact person. Additionally, check the law firm’s website or LinkedIn profiles to see if you can find the name of a specific person in charge of hiring. If you still can’t find anything, you can simply lead off with “Dear [Name of Law Firm] hiring staff” or a similar greeting.

Legal cover letters should be more formal than other careers. Think about all the formal correspondence you must write up for contracts and legal proceedings. However, you should still review the job description’s tone to determine the level of formality. Some firms do value a more friendly and casual atmosphere, so adjusting your tone in those instances is a good idea.

Consider the stylistic choices you’d make when writing up a case brief for a client. Everything should be concise, well-spaced, in an easy-to-read 11-12 point font, and ideally addressed to a specific person. It helps present a professional feel and allows hiring managers to easily identify your top skills in aspects like settlements and tort laws.

Lawyer Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates & Tips for 2024)

You've come a long way to reach your legal goals.

From your early dreams to helping justice thrive to making a career in the world of law, your journey has been amazing.

But as you’re preparing for your next big professional step, there's a challenge: writing a great lawyer cover letter.

We don’t blame you; showing off your legal skills can be tough.

That’s why, in this article, we'll help you create a cover letter that highlights your skills and gets you closer to your dream legal job.

Here’s what’ll cover:

An Outstanding Lawyer Cover Letter Example
5 Essential Steps to Crafting a Top-tier Legal Cover Letter
3 Lawyer Cover Letter Tips

...and much more!

Lawyer Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Law Cover Letter

You've just had a glimpse of what a stellar cover letter looks like, and now you're well-equipped to craft your own .

It's as simple as following a few straightforward steps to make it shine, starting with:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Your cover letter should start with your contact information neatly placed in the header, just like on your resume.

Here's what you should include:

Full Name: Your complete name should be at the top of the page.
Professional Title: Tailor your professional title to match the precise job you're seeking. Hiring managers juggle applications for several roles at the same time, so making the position you’re interested in clear can help make their lives easier.
Email Address: Opt for a professional and straightforward email address, like a combination of your first and last name. Those quirky high school email addresses won't cut it. (e.g., [email protected] is good, but [email protected] isn't)
Phone Number: Ensure the number you provide is accurate for easy contact. If you're applying for an international position, include the appropriate dial code.
Location: Typically, your city and state or country suffice. However, if you're pursuing a remote position or considering relocation, make that clear in your lawyer cover letter.
Relevant Links (Optional): You can include links to pertinent websites or social media profiles, such as your LinkedIn.

Next, it's time to include the hiring manager's details:

Company Name: Specify the name of the company you're applying to.
Hiring Manager's Name: If possible, identify the hiring manager for the department you're interested in. You can check the job listing, the company's website, or their LinkedIn page to find this information.
Hiring Manager's Title: If you discover the name of the hiring manager for the specific job listing and realize they're the head of the department, use that instead of "Hiring Manager."
Location: Mention the city, state, or country, particularly for globally operating companies. If you want to be more specific, you can add the company's exact street address.
Email Address (Optional): If available, include the hiring manager's email address.
Date of Writing (Optional): Consider adding the precise date when you composed your cover letter for a professional touch.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

After jotting down all the necessary contact details, ensure you address your cover letter to its intended audience.

And, skip the old-fashioned "To Whom It May Concern" while you’re at it.

The way you address your cover letter can set a positive tone with the recruiter, especially if you give it some thought.

Start with a bit of digging around. Scour the job advertisement, law firm's website, or LinkedIn profile to pinpoint the person in charge of hiring for the position you're eyeing. A bit of effort can help you discover their name and email contact.

Next, greet them respectfully. Opt for Ms. or Mr., followed by their surname. If you're uncertain about their gender or marital status, simply use their complete name. For instance:

Dear Mr. Thompson,
Dear Jordan Thompson,

If you can’t find out their details, though, no worries! You can address your letter to the specific department or the law firm more broadly:

Dear Legal Department,
Dear Legal Hiring Committee,
Dear HR Selection Team,
Dear Lead Attorney,

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers often spend just seven seconds scanning an application to decide whether it’s worth their time and attention.

So, it's crucial to grab their attention fast with your lawyer cover letter.

Start your cover letter with your name and why you're interested in the legal job. Show your passion for law to make them want to know more about you.

Researching the law firm also helps. Knowing about their work and values lets you show what a great fit you’d be for the job. Not to mention, it proves you're really interested in this specific role, not just any role out there.

If you've got lots of legal experience, mention an important achievement , like a big case you've won, or special skills you have that are relevant to the position. But remember to keep your introduction short. Your aim is to get the hiring manager to read the rest of your cover letter.

Check out our other cover letter examples to write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The main part of your legal cover letter lets you explain why you're the right fit for the job in more detail.

The trick here is to not merely repeat your lawyer resume. This is where you get to put your top legal skills and experiences into the spotlight. Your goal? To show the hiring manager you're the best choice among all the candidates.

For starters, mention any big achievements in law and explain how you accomplished them or what skills it took you. Let the job ad guide you through for the best possible outcome. For example, if the role you’re gunning for is related to intellectual property law, focus on your knowledge of that instead of other law areas.

Additionally, show that you know about the firm's big cases or how they work. This proves you're really interested in working with them and that you fit their culture.

End by showing how passionate you are about the role. Say how you believe you can add value to their team with your legal skills and experience.

Also, make sure to avoid making any of these common cover letter mistakes to make sure your application is spotless.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Ending your cover letter is like giving a strong closing in court.

Make sure your ending leaves the hiring manager convinced about your abilities and interested in calling you in for an interview. It should build trust in what you offer and remove any doubts that you may not be the right fit for the role.

Your cover letter’s ending is your time to summarize your top legal skills and why you're a great fit for their team. Alternatively, talk about your biggest achievements or the unique things you can bring to the table.

After that, urge the hiring manager to take the next step by including a call to action. That could be a chat or an in-person meeting. This shows you're invested in the position and could help you get an interview.

Finally, when you sign off, stay professional. End with a simple sign-off and your full name. For example:

Should you wish for further clarification or insights regarding my legal qualifications, please reach out via the provided email or contact number. I eagerly anticipate the prospect of delving deeper into how I can contribute to your esteemed legal firm.

Yours sincerely,

If you feel "Yours sincerely" is rather commonplace, here are some alternative sign-offs tailored for the legal profession:

In utmost respect,
With appreciation,
Thank you for your due consideration,

3 Essential Law Cover Letter Tips

You've mastered the cover letter fundamentals! Let's step it up and delve into some key cover letter tips specifically designed for lawyers to make your letter truly stand out:

#1. Match Your Resume

When applying for a legal position, consistency is your best friend.

Make sure your cover letter matches your resume visually as much as it matches it in content quality. This will help you come across as attentive to detail and well-organized.

Your name and contact details should sit tidily on the page. Also, keep your fonts and their sizes uniform throughout both documents. Remember to also adjust the margins and space between lines to keep your cover letter to a single page .

Ready to make a great impression?

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Starting from scratch can be a drag.

Take advantage of our cover letter templates for a swift fix. Together with our free resume templates , they can be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Made hand-in-hand with global hiring pros, they hit all industry marks and just pop. Go on, match that resume with style!

#2. Emphasize Your Achievements

Highlighting your achievements isn't just about a humble brag; it's about showcasing the tangible results of your dedication and expertise.

When hiring managers sift through stacks of cover letters, they're not just looking for claims. They want evidence. They want to see that spark of exceptional talent and commitment. Achievements offer a snapshot of what you've accomplished and hint at what you're capable of achieving in the future.

Now, here's the tricky part. While your resume might list your achievements in bullet points, your cover letter should weave them into a compelling narrative. Think of it as telling a story, where your achievements serve as key plot points and demonstrate your ability to handle challenges and achieve results.

For instance, instead of just stating you led a high-profile case, delve a bit into the complexities of the case and how your innovative approach made a difference. Link these accomplishments directly to the requirements of the job you're applying for. This not only reinforces your capabilities but also illustrates your deep understanding of the role.

#3. Add Any Relevant Links

Including relevant links in your cover letter is like opening a door for hiring managers to step right into your professional world. While your resume provides a structured outline of your career journey, links offer a more dynamic glimpse into your accomplishments, be it published articles, notable cases, or a well-curated LinkedIn profile.

Imagine the hiring manager's perspective. They’re intrigued by your cover letter and think you might be a good fit. Now, instead of Googling you or hunting down that specific case you mentioned, they have instant access via a link you provided. It's immediate, efficient, and showcases your proactive nature.

Links also offer a chance for you to steer the narrative. By guiding hiring managers to specific pages or platforms, you're highlighting the parts of your career you're most proud of. It might be a detailed portfolio, showcasing your prowess in legal briefs, or perhaps glowing recommendations on your LinkedIn profile.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to crafting a stellar lawyer cover letter! Hopefully, you’re on track to secure that ideal legal position in no time.

But before you send off your cover letter, here are some main points from our article:

Start your lawyer cover letter by detailing both your contact information and that of the hiring attorney or law firm's HR representative. Ensure your details are accurate so that they can reach out to you for a potential interview.
The opening paragraph of your lawyer's cover letter should capture the interest of the hiring party, compelling them to continue reading.
In the main section of your cover letter, emphasize your most notable achievements and skills that align with the legal role you're pursuing.
It's effective to include a persuasive call to action towards the conclusion of your law firm cover letter, prompting the hiring party to consider calling you or arranging an interview.
Maintain a consistent design between your cover letter and resume. If you're short on time, think about using one of our resume and cover letter templates for a cohesive appearance.

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How to Write a Legal Cover Letter for Lawyers That Stands Out

The legal industry is competitive, making it crucial for lawyers to have a cover letter that makes them stand out. A cover letter is important to get right for job seekers. It’s an introduction to your prospective employers and your opportunity to make a great first impression.

Here are our tips for writing a cover letter that will get your resume read and prompt the call for the interview.

Why a Strong Cover Letter Matters

The days of mailing hard-copy cover letters may have passed, but the modern equivalent in an email message or online application still serves its purpose.

What Is a Cover Letter for Lawyers?

Your cover letter should be:

Personalized: Customize your cover letter to the tone of the firm and the skills you have that are listed in the job description.
Brief: Keep it short and simple. Your cover letter should only be one page, if not less, and hit on all the points that make you an attractive candidate. Avoid the urge to just summarize your resume and overwhelm the reader.
Positive: This is an opportunity to highlight how your past educational and professional experiences give you a unique edge over the other candidates, and why you’re the best fit for the position.
Professional: Writing professionally is essential for lawyers. Keep your cover letter professional to showcase that you have this necessary skill set.

How to Address a Cover Letter for Lawyers

Addressing the cover letter correctly is a must to set the right tone for the reader. It doesn’t say much for your attention to detail if you don’t get the basics right.

Cover Letter Introduction

If you have mutual acquaintances or referrals, mention them right away. Then, discuss the specific reasons you’re a good fit for the firm.

Cover Letter Body

This is also a great place to speak about your familiarity with legal technology. With more than 65% of law firms citing they use law practice management software , it’s worth highlighting your experience in the cover letter.

Pro Tip : Set yourself apart by getting a certification in law practice management software. PracticePanther is trusted by tens of thousands of lawyers and offers a comprehensive certification program . The program is free and you can work at your pace.

Cover Letter Conclusion

Tips for Lawyers to Make Their Cover Letter Stand Out

The legal industry keeps evolving. Candidates need to set themselves apart to get hired, no matter the circumstances. Here are some tips:

Sample Legal Cover Letters

Drawing a blank on what to say? Here’s some inspiration from sample cover letters for lawyers with different educational backgrounds and experiences.

Law student cover letter
Graduate with previous experience cover letter
Experienced IP attorney cover letter

Let these samples inspire you to construct a compelling cover letter that gets you into the “interview” pile.

Final Thoughts

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in September 2022. Last update: January 2023.

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Cover Letters

E. common cover letter mistakes.

Vide o and Slides from the CDO program “ Cover Letters That Do The Job” and handouts: Job Postings & Tips and Sample PIPS Cover Letters .

Your cover letter is as important as your resume because it is often read first and plays a vital role in your quest for an interview. A cover letter is not a transmittal letter, and you may be surprised at how time-consuming it is to craft a good one. A cover letter has a purpose, which is to let an employer know why they should bother reading your resume and why they should meet you. It also serves as an example of your written work product; thus it should be clear, brief, and written in a business letter style, without any typographical errors.

1. Cover letters for unsolicited applications come in three main types:

Personal Letter. These are the most effective cover letters and are sent to people you have met or with whom you have a mutual acquaintance. These letters should all start with the sentence: “_______ recommended that I contact you.” As this type of letter is most likely to get a response, if you have any possibility of establishing this sort of connection to a prospective employer in advance of sending your letter, you should try your best to do so.
Targeted Letters. Next best thing. Targeted letters are based on research of the employer, and are individually tailored. Your letter should incorporate the information learned through your research to show the employer that you have skills they will be able to put to use.
Mass Mailers. Least desirable. These are generic except for the name and address of the employer, and have a very low success rate of getting interviews.

2. When you respond to a job listing, you will usually be requested to submit a cover letter as part of your application. In this case, use the job description and requested qualifications as a guide. While not simply imitating the language of the listing, your letter should demonstrate that you have what the employer is looking for.

3. A few employers at OCI request that students bring a cover letter to the initial interview. This is essentially to require students to think about why they want to work for this employer, but it makes for a letter which deviates from the usual “please consider me for an interview” approach. See below for suggestions on OCI cover letters.

Cover letters should follow standard business letter format, as to spacing, salutation, etc. If you are not sure of the fine points, consult a business correspondence reference source. Avoid abbreviations, contractions and shortcuts (such as a slash instead of “or”), although if there is an accepted short form of the name of the organization you are writing to (e.g., ACLU or Coblentz) it is acceptable to use it in the text of your letter. Your telephone number and email address should appear somewhere in the letter, either at the top with your address, or in the closing paragraph, when you ask them to contact you. Note that your resume is “enclosed,” not “attached” (which means clipped or stapled).

If you are not sure to whom you should send your letter, it is always acceptable to write to the executive director of a nonprofit, or the hiring partner or head of recruiting at a firm; they can forward your application to the appropriate person within the organization. If at all possible, write to an individual by name, not to “Director” or “Recruiting Coordinator.” Firm and organization web sites are very useful in finding this information (and for confirming correct spellings and the like); it may be more difficult to find the name of an individual addressee for government job opportunities. If you do not have the name of an individual, the salutation should be “Dear Sir or Madam” (not “To Whom It May Concern”). Of course if you are responding to a job posting, address your letter exactly as instructed.

As for the appropriate salutation, traditionally, it is “Dear [Mr./Ms.] [Last Name]. However, we understand that this prevailing business norm may not be inclusive of individuals who do not use either of those titles (for example, because they identify as gender nonconforming). One alternative, “Dear [First Name] [Last Name]”, avoids presuming how the recipient may identify, but it is not without some risk.

If you use this approach, a recipient less attuned to thinking about gender inclusivity (and accustomed to seeing only “Dear [Mr./Ms] [Last Name]”) may wrongly conclude that you were unfamiliar with professional etiquette or that you used a mail merge template and did not bother to customize it. While awareness around these issues is increasing, we believe that, unfortunately, it is still not a small number of recruiting representatives and attorneys who might draw the wrong conclusion.

One way to navigate this tricky situation might be to see if the recipient has an online presence (e.g., on the firm website or LinkedIn) that might give you a strong clue as to how they would like to be addressed. Otherwise, you will need to make your own judgment as to whether recipients are more likely to recognize your inclusivity or to view the greeting as awkward or erroneous.

In our office, we are also working to help employers become familiar with gender-inclusive approaches like “Dear [First Name] [Last Name],” but like any process of education, this will take time. In the meantime, our primary goal is to make sure that all Berkeley Law students are fully informed as you navigate legal job markets. We are always available to discuss individually what approach would be the best fit for you.

First Paragraph. Begin your letter with a statement of who you are and why you are writing. Introduce yourself as a law student (including the year you are in) or a graduate of Berkeley Law and specify what it is you are seeking: a summer job, an associate position, a clerkship, part-time work during the school year, etc.

The goal of this paragraph is to give the reader a reason to want to finish reading the letter. If you don’t have a personal connection to cite, try to establish a nexus between yourself and the employer, such as knowledge of their practice, an established commitment to or interest in their work, a connection to their city, or something else which conveys that you are not just writing to them as part of a mass mailing for any job in any location. (If that in fact is what you are doing, try not to be too obvious about it. An employer wants to think that you sought him or her out purposely rather than randomly.)

Body Paragraph(s). This is the section in which you “sell” your experience and qualifications to the employer. Your goal here is to answer the question, “Why should the employer meet you?”

Call attention to something which substantiates your interest in this particular employer. It could be coursework in their specialty, the recommendation of a professor in their area of practice, undergraduate residency in their city, or any other indication of your interest. Try also to show how your experiences will translate into skills which will be useful to this particular employer. Highlight relevant qualifications which are not on your resume, such as coursework, research, or a prior connection to the organization or the issues they work on. If you have general legal skills such as negotiation, litigation, client counseling, interviewing, mock trials, etc., you may want to include them. As much as possible, try to convey understanding of, and enthusiasm for, the aims of the organization.

Employers do not expect first-year students to have highly-developed legal skills to offer. Therefore, for first-year students writing to private firms, this section can be a single, short paragraph, unless you have a strong background in a relevant area. However, even inexperienced first-year students writing to public interest/sector organizations should make an effort to describe skills and interests that are relevant to the employer.

It is appropriate and not uncommon for a public interest cover letter to be somewhat more detailed or personal than a private sector cover letter. Of course, it is still very important to be concise, but it is acceptable for the letter to be a full page if your experience dictates. In a public interest cover letter, it is important both to highlight your demonstrated commitment to the mission/work/client base of the organization through your own relevant work or life experience, and to illustrate your relevant skills. Take another look at your resume for items that show your interest, commitment and skills. Even if you do not have experience in the specific area in which an organization works, it is still important to emphasize your demonstrated commitment to the public interest, and to draw connections between that general commitment and the specific work of the organization. As it is important not to merely regurgitate your resume, consider including a story that illustrates you are interested or qualified in the position.

If your application raises questions that are readily answered, such as availability after the Bar exam, judicial clerkship plans, etc., the letter can address those; other issues may be better deferred to the interview stage. Consult a CDO attorney-counselor if you’re not sure whether to include something in your cover letter.

Final Paragraph. In your last paragraph, thank them for their consideration, and say you hope to hear from them soon. For out-of-town employers, indicate when you plan to be in their geographic area and state your availability for an interview. Be sure to include your phone number and email in this paragraph unless you use a letterhead style that includes them at the top of the page. If you state that you will call the employer to follow up on your application, be sure you do so.

If you are bringing a cover letter to an on-campus interview (which you should do only if the employer requests you to), the content will be a bit different. You don’t need to introduce yourself, as you will be there in person, and you won’t request an interview at the closing. But you can thank the employer for interviewing you and say that you welcome the opportunity to learn more about the employer and to discuss the possibility of working for them. The important thing is to show why you are interested in this particular employer, and how you think your background makes you a good match for them.

The mistakes most commonly found in student cover letters are:

Restating your resume. “ I graduated from the University of Oregon in 2005, with a B.A., cum laude, in Political Science, then worked as a substitute teacher in an urban high school before starting law school in the fall of 2008 .” Don’t waste space with facts that are readily gleaned from your resume! Instead, you could say (briefly) how your work experience led you to pursue a legal career in an area practiced by the employer.
Focusing on what you stand to gain from the job . “ I am particularly interested in your firm’s excellent training program for summer associates, and in gaining exposure to a variety of different practice areas.” Remember, employers only grant interviews to candidates who offer something of potential use to the employer. Try to say how your skills and enthusiasm will help the employer serve its clients, or otherwise further its aims.
Being too informal or familiar. “I’m thrilled by the possibility of working with you this summer, and would love to meet with you in person/by phone to chat about what the options might be.” Enthusiasm is good, but it must be presented professionally.

Other cover letter mistakes include: being defensive or apologetic; appearing arrogant or entitled, and being too long and wordy. Unsupported statements of your qualities (“I am highly motivated and a quick study”) do not help your case. Generic reasons for your interest in the employer (e.g., its “excellent reputation”) tend to demonstrate your lack of specific knowledge. Of course typos and inaccuracies, such as misspelled names, or (please!) stating an interest in a practice area that the firm doesn’t have, are automatic application-killers.

Our cover letter template provides suggestions only; please do not feel excessively constrained by its approach. Your letter should, of course, be original work that reflects your unique background and the job you are aiming at.

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Lawyer / Advocate Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

A truly compelling lawyer cover letter highlights your legal expertise and professional achievements in a way that makes you irresistible for potential employers. Because nobody understands the power of persuasion and well-built arguments quite like you.

For that reason, we've prepared this comprehensive guide to lead you through the cover letter writing process step by step. Discover all the best writing tips, detailed examples, real-life samples, and elegant templates that will, beyond reasonable doubt, make you seem the perfect candidate for your dream job.

In this guide, we teach you all the crucial steps for writing a cover letter as a lawyer. Keep reading to learn all about how to:

Create a well-formatted header & headline as a lawyer
Tailor your lawyer cover letter for the exact job you are applying to
Craft an excellent introduction that hooks employers’ attention
Demonstrate your value by describing your skills & accomplishments
Conclude your lawyer cover letter with an effective closing statement
Access top resources for job-seeking lawyers

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

1. Create a well-formatted header & headline as a lawyer

To begin your lawyer cover letter , the first key step to take is to create a well-formatted header and headline. These elements give your letter more visual structure and flow.

First up is your cover letter header , which should include:

Your name and professional title
Your professional contact information
The name of the law firm or organization you are applying to
The address of the law firm or organization

Here is an example of a well-formatted lawyer header

Joe King, Business Lawyer (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/joe-king

To: Pollock Corporate Offices Legal Department 1234 Street Address Boston, MA 02108

Directly after your header is your cover letter headline , which should include:

A keyword or keyphrase related to the job
An eye-catching number or trigger word
An appropriate adjective and/or verb
A promise to the employer that this letter is written exclusively for them

Here is an example of a well-written lawyer headline, followed by a quick breakdown of its primary components

My 3-Step Approach as a Corporate Lawyer & How It Will Positively Impact Your Business

Trigger Word/Number : 3-Step Approach Keyword: Corporate Lawyer Adjective/Verb: Positively Impact Promise: Your Business

Let your cover letter write itself — with AI!

2. tailor your lawyer cover letter for the exact job you are applying to.

Whenever you write a cover letter as a lawyer, it's crucial to tailor that letter for the exact job or position you're applying for.

By tailoring your cover letter , you can help your letter to stand out from your competing applicants’ letters. The tailoring process involves thoroughly researching the company before applying, looking for specific and relevant information that can be referenced throughout your letter.

Additionally, while researching the employer, take note of which staff member is most likely to review applications. You can use this information to include a personalized greeting that addresses that specific person by name.

Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings

Dear Firm Manager John Doe,

Dear Mr. John Doe,

Dear Legal Manager Jane Smith,

Find out your resume score!

3. Craft an impactful lawyer cover letter introduction

A cover letter introduction is one of the most powerful elements of the document, as it not only helps to hook an employer’s attention but can often be the defining factor in whether or not an employer continues reading.

To write an excellent introduction that grabs an employer’s attention, make sure to include:

A brief overview of your professional history and specializations
A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
A mutual acquaintance (when possible)

Pro Tip: Mutual acquaintances help you to get a foot in the door immediately by providing a trustworthy professional reference. To gain a mutual acquaintance, try connecting with relevant employees of the companies you are most interested in on LinkedIn.

Here is an example of a great introduction from a lawyer’s cover letter

I am a business lawyer with more than 6 years of specialized experience working with small businesses to protect against tax exploitation. As your firm is also focused on supporting the small business industry, I believe my joining your team would be nothing short of a match made in heaven. My longtime colleague, Ms. Jane Smith, is one of your legal managers and has agreed to serve as a professional reference who can advocate for my skills and qualifications.

4. Showcase your best skills & accomplishments as a lawyer

Your skills and accomplishments have a vital role to play in your cover letter .

Unlike a resume, a cover letter gives you ample space to fully describe and contextualize your skills and accomplishments. As such, you must always strive to describe these qualifications in a way that is highly specific and quantifiable to give the employer the best overview of your professional prowess.

Here are 6 examples of lawyer skills to describe in a cover letter

Providing thorough consultations to clients
Coordinating communications with legal counsel
Drafting and presenting legal documents
Collecting and analyzing evidence
Interpreting laws and regulations
Performing legal research

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a lawyer’s cover letter

As a constitutional lawyer at [Former Employer], I worked with members of minority communities to bring greater equity and financial fairness to their workplaces. Of the firm’s 200 annual cases, I handled roughly 110 of these directly, with an average win rate of 90%.

5. Conclude your lawyer cover letter with an effective closing statement

The fifth and final step to writing your lawyer cover letter is to finish with an effective closing statement.

Your goal when writing your conclusion should be to encourage the employer to get in contact with you, including key details such as:

An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
An additional sentence stating when and how you can best be contacted
Information on when and how you plan to follow up
A formal sign-off

Here is an example of an effective closing statement from a lawyer’s cover letter

I am eager to get to know your team and apply my expertise for the benefit of your firm and clientele. To best reach me to schedule a meeting, call me at (123) 456-7890 any weekday between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I hope to hear from you soon and plan to follow up next Wednesday morning if I have not yet heard back.

Until Then,

[Applicant Name]

If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.

6. Useful job search resources for job-seeking lawyers

Now that you know how to plead your case in both your lawyer resume and cover letter, there's just one thing standing between you and your dream job — finding the right work opportunity. Whether you're a new kid on the court or a seasoned veteran, these resources might be of use:

Industry-specific job boards: Websites that aggregate niche job postings especially aimed at lawyers, such as Lawjobs , LawCrossing , or TotallyLegal can be great entry points to this profession.
LinkedIn : This platform is more than a job search tool — it's an opportunity to network and connect with fellow industry experts and potential employers.
Legal associations & organizations: Besides job listings, associations like the American Bar Association (ABA), the Bar Council , or the International Bar Association (IBA), can give you access to networking events, specialized publications, further training, and latest legal news.
Recruitment agencies: The internet is brimming with agencies that specialize in matching legal experts with appropriate job opportunities. You can take a look at, for example, BCG Attorney Search , Lawson Clark , or Taylor Root .
Law school career centers: In case you're still studying, pay a visit to your school's career services office. They can offer you job listings as well as resume help, and career advice.
Specialized publications: To stay abreast of legal trends, case law, and industry developments, you can follow law-focused media like “ Harvard Law Review ,” “ Law360 ,” or “ ABA Journal .”

The process of job hunting can be frustrating, stressful and winding. But having a compelling cover letter can help you sway any recruitment jury in your favour. So, make yours count!

Lawyer / Advocate Cover Letter FAQ

Yes, you should! Try to demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the profession. But keep it real and not over-the-top. You'll score more points with genuine, grounded excitement than with any overblown hyperbole.

You're a lawyer. And you know that precision matters. Any grammar mistakes, misspellings, or typos are cardinal sins. Always double or triple check your cover letter just to be sure that it's error free. Also, steer clear of using too much legal jargon — unless relevant, of course. Remember, the hiring manager doesn't have to be in the know.

Show, don't tell. You should avoid simply listing your abilities and skills. Instead, put them into a real-life context. For example, pull out a notable case or project you handled. Describe your role in it and what results you achieved.

No, not really. Instead, you should make your cover letter all about why you want to join the new employment. Stick to selling your skills, not discussing your departure. Why turn the spotlight on the past, when the future role is so much more promising. But make sure to never EVER speak ill of your former employer — no matter how much they deserve it. This may reflect badly on your professionalism.

That depends on your years of professional experience. If you're still a student, your education is probably all you have to vouch for your skills, so that should be the focus of your cover letter. However, with years of experience under your belt, real-world cases and projects matter more than your education. But, if the job posting mentions a particular degree or institution in their requirements, make sure to write that in your cover letter too.

Julia Gergelova

Julia is a professional writer, translator and graphic designer. She holds degrees in translation and interpretation, and has international work experience from a number of different countries in Europe as well as China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and as a graphic designer contributed to outlets such as The Business of Business . She has a passion for lifelong learning and good coffee.

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1 Lawyer Cover Letter Example

Lawyers excel at presenting persuasive arguments, meticulously dissecting complex information to build a compelling case. Likewise, your cover letter is your opening statement, meticulously weaving your professional experiences, skills, and passion into a persuasive narrative that captures the attention of recruiters. In this guide, we'll delve into top-notch Lawyer cover letter examples, helping you to construct a convincing case for your candidacy.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Lawyer cover letter is by addressing the hiring manager directly, if their name is known. If not, "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable. Then, introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for. Make sure to mention where you found the job posting. In the first paragraph, it's crucial to grab the reader's attention by briefly highlighting your most relevant experiences or achievements. This could be a high-profile case you've won, or a specific area of law you've excelled in. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter and shows the reader why you're a strong candidate.

Lawyers should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and expressing gratitude for the recipient's time and consideration. It's important to maintain a professional tone, while also showing enthusiasm for the opportunity. A closing statement could be something like, "I am excited about the possibility of bringing my unique skills and experiences to your firm and am confident that I would be a valuable addition to your team. Thank you for considering my application." After the closing statement, lawyers should include a formal closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Respectfully," followed by their name and contact information. It's also advisable to mention any attachments, such as a resume or references. This not only shows attention to detail, a crucial skill for lawyers, but also ensures that the recipient knows to look for these additional documents.

A lawyer's cover letter should ideally be one page long. This length is sufficient to introduce yourself, express your interest in the position, highlight your key skills and experiences, and explain why you would be a good fit for the firm or organization. Legal professionals are expected to be concise and to the point, so a one-page cover letter demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively and efficiently. Anything longer might not be read in its entirety and could potentially frustrate busy hiring managers. Remember, the cover letter is not meant to repeat everything in your resume, but rather to provide a brief overview and entice the reader to learn more about you.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as a lawyer can seem daunting, but it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Here's how you can approach it: 1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the legal field. 2. Highlight your education: If you're fresh out of law school, your education is your strongest asset. Discuss the relevant courses you've taken, the grades you've achieved, and any academic awards or honors you've received. If you've participated in moot court or law review, be sure to mention that as well. 3. Discuss relevant experience: Even if you haven't worked as a lawyer, you likely have some relevant experience. This could be internships, clerkships, or even volunteer work. Discuss the skills you've gained from these experiences and how they apply to the position you're applying for. 4. Show your knowledge of the firm: Do your research and demonstrate your knowledge of the firm you're applying to. This shows your interest and initiative. Discuss why you're interested in this particular firm and how you can contribute to their success. 5. Showcase your skills: Even without direct experience, you can still highlight skills that are relevant to the position. This could be research skills, analytical skills, communication skills, or problem-solving abilities. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in the past. 6. Conclude with a strong closing: In your closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the position and the firm. Thank the reader for their time and express your hope for further discussion. Remember, a cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression. Even without experience, you can still present yourself as a strong candidate by focusing on your education, skills, and potential.

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With years of experience analysing and reviewing documents for some of the world's most sophisticated clients, we've channeled the same level of care and attention into curating our database of successful applications to world's best commercial law firms.

Introduction

Having to write a law cover letter is more common than candidates might think. Although most law firms now use application forms with a short answer question format, many law firms ask you to submit a cover letter (sometimes within the wider context of an application form). Therefore, it is always important to have your legal cover letter-writing skills up to scratch.

But many candidates don't know where to start. What should you include? If there is no word limit, how long should it be? Should you be writing an introduction or other pleasantries? There are so many questions and doubts shared by the majority of candidates.

We hope to answer some of these questions and guide you on how to write a legal cover letter in the context of applying to law firms for vacation schemes and training contracts.

What to expect

Over the course of this article, we will look at:

what a legal cover letter is, and what's its purpose;
a general structure for writing a law cover letter; and
some top tips and tricks for writing a good legal cover letter.

Understanding a law cover letter

What is a legal cover letter.

A legal cover letter is, traditionally, a one-page document that introduces the applying candidate and explains why they would be a good fit for the firm and the role they are applying for.

Having said that, unless stated otherwise, there is no stipulation as to what can or cannot be included in such cover letters. As we will discuss, however, there are some general unwritten rules.

What is a legal cover letter's purpose?

We can examine a legal cover letter's purpose from two perspectives: graduate recruitment or the law firm you are applying to, and the candidate who wishes to become a trainee solicitor at the firm.

From the firm's/graduate recruitment team's perspective, a legal cover letter's purpose is to get a broad snapshot of a candidate. They hope that your cover letter will give them a sense of your written communication skills, motivations, relevant competencies, and prior work experience.

In this way, a cover letter can massively simplify a law firm's application process and make the reviewing of each candidate much easier. After all, there is far more room for you to go wrong in an open-ended cover letter. This means that candidates can be more readily rejected and the pool of 'good' candidates can be more quickly refined.

From the perspective of the applying candidate, naturally, much of this purpose is shared. The candidate wants to use their cover letter to demonstrate to the law firm why they are the best fit for the role in that specific firm. To achieve this, the best candidates will know that they must discuss their motivation for the career and the firm, and the best skills and experience that they could use in the role.

You may choose to consider a cover letter like a sales pitch. The law firm wants you to pitch yourself to them, and you must successfully convince them of your suitability. But beware - you're not a salesperson out of Mad Men.

As we will discuss, you must be precise and concise in what you write. You can sell yourself best when you make clear arguments backed up by specific evidence.

What structure should I use?

Many candidates do not know where to start with a legal cover letter. They panic about whether to include addresses, introductions and so on. We hope that the following will give you some guidance on what to include and what you can leave out.

The structure of a legal cover letter

The addresses.

Traditionally, as with all letters, you would need to put both your name and address (in the top right of the letter), and the name and address of the recipient (below your address but on the left), in the cover letter.

In the modern age, it is unlikely that you will be delivering a cover letter by hand or mailing it in the post. Therefore, if you are writing your cover letter as part of an online application form, you do not need to include any addresses in your cover letter.

However, if you are writing your cover letter in a separate word document and sending it to the firm (by attaching it to an application form or emailing it), it may be wise to include such names and addresses.

Firms like Slaughter and May require you to attach a cover letter to your online application. Given the firm's preference for tradition, it is prudent to adhere to traditional letter-writing rules.

In the UK, the address section should be structured as follows:

Your name, followed by your address should be on the top right of the letter.
Standard titles, such as Mr, Mrs, Ms, Dr, and so on, should not have any punctuation marks (to include one is an Americanism).
If the recipient is female and you do not know her married status, use 'Ms'. When in doubt, this is also the title to use.
Your address is followed by a line break and the date.
Below the date, on the left-hand side, you should write the name, company, and address of the recipient. If you do not know the recipient's name, address it to the team or department you are sending the letter to (such as 'Graduate Recruitment Team'). If you do not know the team or department you are addressing the letter to, use 'Dear Sir/Madam'.

Legal Cover letter example of the address section

Mr John Smith 1 Acacia Avenue Hamleton AB1 2CD Ruritania

1st April 2022

Mrs Jane Doe BigLaw LLP 1 King Street VW1 2XY Urbenstan

The introduction

After you have written the address section (or omitted it, as discussed above), you must begin with a salutation and a short paragraph that introduces yourself and your reason for applying. This can be kept very short. You should include the following:

The appropriate salutation of 'Dear [title][full name],'.
A short paragraph summarising your immediate academic background, and your reason for applying.
The best candidates will link an event to their reason for applying.

An example of an introductory paragraph

Dear Mrs Jane Doe,

I graduated from the University of Bookhead in 2021 with a First in my LLB Law degree. Following my discussion with Mr David Gold at the 2022 BigLaw networking event in Hamleton, I am writing to apply for a 2022 vacation scheme at BigLaw.

The Main Body

With most of the technicalities out of the way, you must now focus on the main content of your cover letter. We will get into what exactly to write in a later section, but for now, you should know that you should split your main body into three sections. Depending on the permitted length of your cover letter, this may be three paragraphs.

As an aside, if you do not know how long your cover letter should be, you need to keep it to one A4 page. Some law firms will allow you two pages but do your research beforehand.

The three sections of your answer should be a discussion of your:

motivation for the career;
motivation for the firm; and
the reasons why you are the best candidate for the role at that specific firm (think about what your competencies, skills, and strengths are).

If you have read any of our previous articles, you will know that this follows a very typical 'why law, why firm, why me'-style of structure. This is the main bulk of your letter!

If you are limited concerning space, you can integrate the third section into the previous two. However, you must be extra careful to ensure the clarity and concision of your writing!

Ending the letter

You should sign off the letter by simply writing the correct valediction and your name.

If you know the name of the recipient, write 'Yours sincerely,'.
If you do not know the name of the recipient, write 'Yours faithfully,'.

You should avoid any other kind of valediction so as not to come across as too informal or inappropriate.

You may also have a short ending sentence to allow the letter to end smoothly. We suggest words to the effect of 'Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you'.

Cover letter examples of valedictions

In the case that you know the recipient, Mrs Jane Doe:

Yours sincerely,

In the case that you do not know the recipient and are addressing it to 'Sir/Madam':

Yours faithfully,

What should I write about?

Now that you are familiar with the structure of a legal cover letter, you need to consider the content that you must include in the main body of the letter. You may need to cut down on this content in some areas; however, this article aims to give a thorough overview of what the optimal legal cover letter includes.

As a reminder, your main body should have three sections addressing 'why law, why firm, why me'.

Why do you want to be a commercial solicitor?

We have technically covered this in another article, ' How to Answer "Why Commercial Law" '; however, here are a few of the key points.

First, you should use a PEE/AL structure . You should start your paragraph off with a clear, relevant point: 'I am pursuing a career as a commercial solicitor because [insert specific reason here]'. This must then be followed up with a personal example that demonstrates the existence of that reason. You should then explain your evidence and how it demonstrates the existence of that reason. You must then link your answer back to the question of why you want to be a commercial solicitor by explaining why the existence of that reason is important, attractive, and/or suitable for you.

Second, you should look to include anywhere between two to three points to answer this question fully. If you only address one facet of the career, you risk your motivation looking superficial. If you include more points, your cover letter may become too lengthy and verbose.

Third, your chosen reasons for the career must be specific and address the whole career. You must give reasons as to why you are interested in law and commerce, and why you wish to pursue a legal career as a solicitor (as opposed to a barrister or another career).

Fourth, you must try to select some unique or uncommon facets of the career. Too many candidates cite an 'intellectual challenge' as a reason for their motivation for the career. This is too vague and too common of an answer. You need to choose something personal to you, given your interests and your work experience.

We suggest reading our article ' How to Answer "Why Commercial Law" ' for more in-depth advice and guidance.

Why do you want to train and work at this firm in particular?

Once again, we have given most of our advice on this matter in our article, ' How to Research Law Firms '. Here are some of our key points of advice:

First, your answer should be split into three parts: the firm's work, training, and culture (in that order of priority). Culture is a mercurial thing, and can be omitted if you are short on space. However, if you are omitting the paragraph on culture, you should try to integrate some reference to culture in your answer if possible.

Second, when discussing the firm's work, drill down into their practice area specialisms (and why they interest you), and their business strategy (and why that suits you or aligns with your ambitions).

Third, when discussing a firm's training, examine the size of the firm's trainee intake, their training contract seat structure, and any other relevant activities or opportunities open to trainees.

Many law firms have small or large trainee intakes and have similar seat structures. What will really differentiate a law firm is the unique opportunities that trainees get alongside their traditional training contract. For example, a firm might have a special committee that allows trainees to get involved with business development right from day one.

Fourth, culture should only be referenced if you have some personal experience with it. Have you spoken to someone at the firm? Have you undertaken prior work experience at the said firm? Did you attend the law firm's open day or insight scheme? These are the kinds of experiences that will allow you to discuss culture without your answer sounding vague or unsubstantiated.

We suggest reading our article ' How to Research Law Firms ' for more in-depth advice and guidance.

Why would you make for a good trainee solicitor at this firm?

Across our previous blog articles , we have also touched on the relevant competencies and skills that law firms look for. Some of our key pieces of advice are as follows:

First, you need to familiarise yourself with the main competencies that law firms look for. Amongst others these are teamwork, organisation, determination, resilience, dealing with difficult people, interpersonal communication, and integrity.

Second, you must still stick to a clear PEE/AL structure in your answer. Your point is the particular skill that you are claiming to have. Your evidence is a personal experience in which you developed or demonstrated the skill. You must then explain how your evidence developed or demonstrates the skill. Finally, you must link your discussion back to the question, and demonstrate how that skill would make you a good trainee solicitor at the firm in question.

Third, ideally, you should include some specific discussion of the firm and why the skills you are claiming to have would be especially useful there. For example, motivation or determination would be especially important when training at a firm with a small trainee intake or low headcount. This is because you will need to take on more responsibility at an earlier stage in your career and have the discipline and initiative to get on with tasks without being prompted.

Fourth, as mentioned, you must explain how you would employ your skills in the position you're applying for. Many candidates forget to give a specific explanation of how they would employ, for example, their collaborative skills in the context of being a trainee solicitor. You must give a short hypothetical description of the skill in action in the role.

For example, you could explain that your attention to detail would be particularly important when being tasked with reviewing common contracts, such as NDAs. Many individuals would gloss over these documents as they are often very similar and based on a template. However, this means that small things can easily slip by that should have been caught!

Some extra tips

So far, we have covered the structure and content of your cover letter. What now follows is a selection of tips and reminders that are useful to bear in mind when writing your covering letter.

Proofread your work

Cover letters are a test of your writing skills - having an error-free cover letter is non-negotiable. If you have spelling mistakes, get the firm name wrong, or just have the odd typographical error, you taking on a huge risk of being rejected. Those in the legal profession pride themselves on its written accuracy and powers of articulation. Law firms will have these kinds of errors count against you in a big way.

Before you submit your cover letter, proofread your work and use a spellchecker such as Microsoft Word or Grammarly. You may even get a family member or trusted friend to check your work for errors. It can be helpful to have a fresh pair of eyes look over your work to help you see the wood through the trees.

Use the appropriate tone

A cover letter is a piece of professional, written communication. As a result, you should adopt formal writing conventions. You must not use contractions, such as 'don't' or undefined abbreviations. If you are using a name over and over again such that an abbreviation may be appropriate, you must write it out in full and put the abbreviation in brackets afterwards. You may then use the abbreviation or acronym. For example:

The Sterling Overnight Index Average ('SONIA') is an interest rate benchmark. SONIA was reformed in 2018.

Finally, your language should align with the professional expectations the firm has of you. Your future employer wants to know that you can be trusted to speak with clients and your colleagues appropriately. Your choice of language reflects not only your professionalism but also your judgement. You must avoid slang and the excessive use of idioms. You need to keep your writing clean, formal and straightforward.

Employ the right format

If you are writing your cover letter in a text box in an application form, you will not be able to format your writing beyond including line breaks. However, if you are drafting your cover letter in a separate document, you must use the correct font.

We recommend a font size of 12 and a formal font typeface such as Times New Roman, Arial or Georgia. We suggest you avoid fonts like Calibri. They can across as slightly informal.

Your paragraphs should be separated with line breaks and your margins should be no narrower than the 'narrow margin' option in Microsoft Word. Ideally, as mentioned, it should be one page in length (or a maximum of two).

You must remember that your cover letter may be printed out and analysed by a partner in an interview. Therefore, if your font or margins are too small or your font choice is poor, you may inadvertently frustrate them and taint their initial impression of you. Anything that you can do to avoid this is worth doing!

Over the course of this article, we have looked at how to write a cover letter for a law firm. Specifically, we have covered what a legal cover letter is and what its purpose is, a general structure for writing a law cover letter, and some top tips and tricks for writing a good legal cover letter.

Our summary

Our advice can be summarised as follows:

A cover letter tests your written communication ability, motivations for the career and firm, and why you think you'd be a good fit for the role.
Think of the cover letter as a sales pitch. But focus on clarity and concision, rather than a salesperson-style, flowery approach.
Your cover letter should be structured with the following sections: your name and address, the recipient's name and address, a salutation and short introduction, the main body, a short ending sentence and the appropriate valediction.
The main body of your cover letter should address your motivations for the career, the firm, and why you think you would be a good fit for the position you're applying for.
You should proofread your work before submission. Use spellcheckers like Microsoft Word and Grammarly to assist you with this. You may also ask a family member or trusted friend to proofread your work too!
Use the appropriate tone. A legal cover letter is a piece of professional communication, and your language and phraseology must reflect this.
Your formatting is also important. Use a size 11 formal font, such as Times New Roman or Arial. Do not use excessively narrow margins. Your cover letter must be printed off without any cut-off problems and easily read by the graduate recruitment team and your interviewer.

So, what next?

If you are ready to move from research to action, you should look at our application database BEFORE you put pen to paper on your applications. You wouldn't walk into an exam hall without carefully reviewing past papers. It's exactly the same with applications to law firms. If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

Most candidates read a few well-intentioned but obvious articles on how to apply to law firms. Most candidates then spend a couple of hours writing an application before optimistically submitting it. But most candidates don't even get an interview. Every year, thousands of candidates are part of the 90% that are rejected at first round.

Join us as part of the successful 10% instead. Let us give you an unfair advantage: through our comprehensive analysis of successful applications to every major law firm, our qualified lawyers will break down the ingredients of a phenomenal application. We will help you beat the odds, secure your interview and then avoid final-round failure at your assessment centre.

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How to Differentiate US Law Firms

The Complete List of Law Firms Which Recruit on a Rolling Basis for Training Contracts

Cover Letter Advice & Samples

Cover letter advice and samples.

Section Menu

Draft your cover letter knowing it is your first writing sample.
Understand that a cover letter should persuade the reader.
Use the cover letter to “connect the dots” of your experiences.
Resist the temptation to restate your resume.
Keep your cover letter to one page.
Use the font style and point size that match your resume.
Remember that the reader is busy: less is more.
Ensure your cover letter is error free.

Cover Letter Construction

Address block and salutation.

Address the cover letter to an actual person.
Research websites or call employer to determine recipient’s name.
If you cannot find the name of a hiring contact, address your letter to the head of the unit, department, or office.
While this is the least-preferred option, you may address your letter to “Dear Hiring Committee” if you cannot locate the name of an actual person.
For firms, address your letter to the recruiting director. For larger firms, contact information for recruiting directors is available at www.nalpdirectory.com in the Basic Information section.
In the salutation, include the recipient’s title and last name (e.g., “Dear Ms. Raintree”) or write the recipient’s entire name (e.g., “Dear Jamie Morales”).

Paragraph One

Tell the employer who you are and what you are seeking.
Highlight (past, present, and future) geographic connections.
Indicate if you have talked to students/faculty/friends/alumni who speak highly of the organization.

Paragraph Two

Show that you understand the employer’s mission/practice, the work its attorneys do, and the clients it serves.
Demonstrate your proven interest in and connection to that mission/practice, work, and clients.

Paragraph Three

Describe skills you will contribute to support that mission/practice, work, and clients.
Provide evidence from your experiences and coursework.

Paragraph Four

List the documents included with the letter.
Tell the employer how to get in touch with you by email, telephone, and mail.
Convey your availability for a conversation, mentioning upcoming trips to the area.
Thank the employer for considering you.
Mention availability of Yale summer funding, if applicable.
Optional: Promise that you will follow up in a few weeks if you think the employer would appreciate the diligence.

Sample Cover Letters (PDF)

First Year Student Examples | Second Year Student Examples | Third Year Student Examples

Home / Cover Letter Examples / Lawyer Cover Letter Sample

How to Write a Great Lawyer Cover Letter

There's no easy way to say it: preparing a successful lawyer application is difficult.

While last year's job numbers for lawyers were pretty good , landing jobs in private practice is still a tough competition.

You need to put together a stellar application, and your cover letter plays a critical role.

Whether you're an experienced attorney or a fresh graduate looking for your first job, a compelling cover letter can get the recruiter's attention and get you hired.

Why? That's because hiring managers often read attorney cover letters before going through resumes. So, it tells the manager if they should bother reading your resume.

In other cases though, your resume has to interest them enough to get them to read your cover letter. That's why writing a great attorney resume remains critical. In that case, it's the cover letter's job to lock down that interview.

This article will show you why and how to write an interview-winning cover letter whether you're an experienced legal professional or fresh graduate.

We'll also include some practical examples to show you how to execute each part of the letter.

Why do You Need A Cover Letter

It's okay to ask, "Do I have to write a cover letter?"

Honestly, many of us have been there.

That's because during some job-hunting processes, we've come across recruiters that say cover letters are less important than resumes. Some even go as far as saying they don't want a cover letter at all.

So do you need one? The short answer is yes. Why? Here's the long version:

Most job listings require you to use a cover letter. Even when it's not clearly stated or tagged "optional," the recruiter will see that you've put in extra effort, which makes you serious about the job.
Hiring managers may be too time-constrained to read every cover letter. After all, they may be going through hundreds of applications. That said, they may need to read a cover letter if they're not quite convinced about a candidate or need additional info.
The cover letter introduces you to the recruiter and shows them your personality.
The letter gives the recruiter an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills and attention to details.
The cover letter allows you to express your passion and enthusiasm for the job in ways the resume can't.

So, unless the job ad explicitly prohibits you from submitting a cover letter, you should absolutely prepare one, even if it's optional.

The Importance of Submitting a Great Cover Letter

We've established why you should submit a cover letter, but it's critical to emphasize on submitting a great cover letter.

What's a great cover letter? It's a customized letter specifically prepared for the job you're applying to. It's well-written, straight to the point, and lacks errors.

You should avoid the mistake of using material you created using a generic lawyer cover letter template. Because if there's anything worse than not attaching your cover letter to your application, it's submitting a bad one.

Principles to Follow When Writing a Cover Letter

Your writing, attention to detail, and proofreading skills are critical legal skills that shine through your cover letter. So it's important that you write the letter professionally to make it serve as a practical indication for your written work product.

Keep it at the back of your mind that the execution of the cover letter, from your salutation to your format and conciseness, will form the basis of your assessment.

Apart from that, you must include information and elaborate on your skills and experience in a way that will win the recruiter over.

Here are principles that you should follow when writing your lawyer cover letter:

Hiring managers don't have all the time in the world. They often have hundreds of applications to evaluate. So, respect their time by going straight to the point and using as few words as possible.

Your mission is to pass the right message across and not to impress them with your vocabulary. Ensure you elaborate on skills that are relevant to the job and talk about achievements that show you'll excel at the role.

Using a long cover letter only shows the hiring manager your inability to achieve fast and efficient results.

The cover letter should ideally be one page and 250 to 400 words long.

Prioritize the Employer

While your main goal is to convince the manager you're right for the role, make sure you don't include so much of your personal stories. Look at the job description and focus on what you believe the recruiter wants to know.

Customize Your Cover Letter for the Job

From your skills and achievements to your experience, you must add only things that will show how you'll perform in the role. Use keywords in the job listing to guide your stories and the list of your accomplishments.

For example, the recruiter may be looking for a senior attorney that can maintain a high rate of billable hours. In that case, you can tell them your average billable hours in your previous firm, then show them your client satisfaction rate or your efficiency. This way, you're telling them high billable hours is your thing and you can do it effectively.

In the same vein, avoid adding unnecessary things since you're working with one page and a limited number of words.

Many attorneys and fresh law graduates make the mistake of creating a one-size-fits-all document.

Whenever you use a customized letter that includes the name of the recruiter and company, it shows you did your research and displays your willingness to go above and beyond for the role.

Follow Instructions

It's important that you follow specific instructions laid out by the recruiter. These instructions could include:

Format (PDF or Word)
Specific information

Try not to add your own details or stray from the employer's specifications.

Show Personality

The cover letter is an opportunity to show that you possess some of the personal traits required by the employer.

You can use it to show how excited you are about the prospect of working with the firm and explain how their work culture aligns with your style of work.

This way, you're showing the recruiter that you won't have issues blending in once you start.

You can give examples about a time in your previous job when your interpersonal relationship helped you drive results.

Match the Employer's Tone

You must have noticed the employer's tone and choice of words in their job posting. If they sound excited about hiring new lawyers, you should sound excited about applying.

Most firms list out their team values and corporate culture in the job description. You can use part of your cover letter to tell them you embody some of those values, if not all.

You can also express your enthusiasm to learn the firm's culture and live by it.

Use Action Verbs

How you express yourself matters. Avoid using passive language and go for powerful, action verbs.

So, instead of using tones like, “I was responsible for handling landlord contracts,” use, “I handled 350 landlord contracts.”

Add Numbers and Metrics to Show off Your Achievements

Don't just tell the recruiter that you did this and that. Use numbers and metrics to explain the results you achieved.

Don't use cliches like "I'm exceptional at reviewing pleadings" and end it there. Instead, say, "I reviewed an average of 50 pleadings per week, 25% more than any other attorney at the firm."

Triple-Check

You don't want a single error to make it to your final draft. That would be a dent on your reputation and assessment.

The recruiter, amongst other things, expects you to be thorough and meticulous. That's because a single error can render high-profile legal briefs and contracts ineffective. And you don't want to show that you're prone to mistakes in your cover letter.

Lawyer Cover Letter Example

Step by step guide on writing a lawyer cover letter.

Now, let's show you how to execute each section of the cover letter, showing you what to include and what to avoid.

We'll start with the header.

The Header includes your name, contact details, and date.

Your contact details include your email address, location, LinkedIn profile, and website or portfolio.

Here are some pointers to take note of:

Adding your mailing or house address is wrong unless the recruiter clearly instructs you to do so.
Use an email address that contains your first and last names. Don't use an address with a nickname or numbers.
You can use your personal or business email but not your current work email.
Don't add your Twitter or other social media profiles if they're not professional accounts or if you use them to express your personal views.
Make sure your cover letter contact information corresponds with your resume.
Add the date right under your header.

Freya Bright, Lawyer

[email protected]

New York City, NY

You should start the opening greeting with the recruiter's name. If you don't know their name, head to the company's website and check their About Us or Meet the Team page. You can also go through their LinkedIn profile to find their head of recruitment or head of HR.

If none of those methods work, you can contact the company and ask them who to address your letter to.

In most cases though, finding the hiring manager's name should be easy, especially if the company is actively recruiting.

If you're referred by someone within the company, then they can provide the name.

Avoid using greetings such as, "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam" as they're old-fashioned and out-of-date.

Even if you end up not getting the recruiter's name, you can use their job title instead.

So, these salutations can work:

Dear Patrick Flame

Dear Mr. Flame
Dear Recruitment Manager
Dear Hiring Manager

Make sure you double-check the spelling of the name as a name error always stands out. That’s because people don’t have to look closely to notice you spelled their name wrongly. This will throw the hiring manager and won’t bode well for your chances.

You should also do your research to know when to use gender-identifying titles. If you’re not sure which to use, just type out their name in full.

Introductory Paragraph

The introductory paragraph should embody your excitement, explain to the manager how you found out about the job, and express why you're right for the role.

You don't have to go into details. Just state facts that will compel them to continue reading the rest of the letter.

Lawyer cover letter example - introduction:

I can hardly contain my excitement as I look forward to being a part of Harold & Brown. I believed I am the perfect fit for the senior associate position after reading your job listing on LinkedIn. My educational background and 8+ years of firm experience as a real estate attorney has equipped me with all the tools I need to succeed in this role.

The main body covers different paragraphs where you go into detail about your qualifications, skills and experiences.

You can start by telling the recruiter about what you studied, as far as it relates to the open position. You can also add your bar admission to this paragraph.

I graduated from Stanford Law School and pursued a concentration in property law. I won awards, including the Nathan Abbott Scholar award and Gerald Gunther Prize, and I’m a member of the New York State Bar.

Show Your Achievements in Numbers

Next, show the recruiter how you performed at your previous role, using numbers and metrics. Since your writing space and number of words are limited, pick your best achievements that are closely related to the job you're applying to.

While the hiring manager wants to know that you've held the position in the past, they also want to know how you performed in the role.

During my time at Wendell & Sons, I maintained 1700 annual billable and had an average client satisfaction score of 97% on the firm's exit surveys. I provided legal guidance on real estate leasing, selling, acquisition, and purchasing for 74 clients, 50 of which I personally closed.

I handled other high-profile deals and cases, including a commercial lease worth $8 million dollars for an international corporate organization, where I increased the contract value by 25% for the client.

My consistency, dedication, and well-rounded legal skills saw me bag many recognitions at the firm, including 8 employee of the month and 2 employee of the year awards. I was also promoted after 2 years at the firm, making the youngest ever senior associate at Wendell & Sons.

Show Your Skills

Let the recruiter know you possess the skills they need and show them how you used those skills in the past.

Don't just list what you see in the job description. Show them practical examples.

According to your job listing, you need a senior attorney that can excel in a leadership position and someone also skilled in reviewing pleadings. I mentored 7 entry level associates who later became senior associates at Jordan and Shaw and reviewed 18% more pleadings per month at the firm.

Concluding Paragraph

When ending the cover letter , reiterate your desire to work for the firm and how your experiences and skills make you the right candidate for the job; tell them your values align with theirs.

How to End a Cover Letter in 2023 + Examples

Your focus on favorably settling cases without going to trial is one of my strongest principles as an attorney. I believe my skills and expertise will make an impact at your firm and I'll grow to become an effective member of your team.

Thank you for going through my application.

Closing Address

You can close the address with any of the following:

Yours faithfully
Kind regards
Yours sincerely
Warm regards

That’s how to win that job interview with your cover letter. Remember to use power words, numbers and metrics to back up your achievements, and clear and concise language.

15 Lawyer Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)

Are you are looking to write a cover letter for Lawyer jobs that will impress recruiters and get you noticed by hiring managers? You need one to apply for a job, but you don’t know what to say.

The process of applying for a job can be quite daunting. One often overlooked part of the job-seeking process is crafting an effective cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition and secure an interview. The cover letter should be tailored to each specific job and include personal details such as past work experience, education, and qualifications. It should also mention three reasons why you are interested in the position and list four skills that make you a good fit for the position.

Here are 15 amazing Lawyer cover letters that are professionally written and will help you stand out and get that job!

Lawyer Cover Letters

Each cover letter is written with a different focus. Review all of them and pick the ones that apply to your situation. Take inspiration from multiple samples and combine them to craft your unique cover letter.

Lawyer Sample 1

I am applying for the job of Lawyer at your company. I am confident that my experience in Legal Secretary, will provide me with the necessary skills to effectively complete your tasks. I am hardworking and diligent, and I am excited to contribute my skills to your organization. Please consider me for this position.

Sincerely, Kate Smith

Lawyer Sample 2

Dear Hiring Manager, I am a law school graduate and I am interested in your job posting for a lawyer position. I have excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills which enable me to work well with all different types of people. My writing abilities are strong as evidenced by my high grades on the LSAT and my college grades. I am also detail-oriented and an excellent problem solver which will help me tremendously if offered this opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely,

Lawyer Sample 3

I am a recent law school graduate and I would like to apply for the Lawyer position that your company is currently recruiting for. I am keen to use my academic and practical experience to contribute to your organization’s success. My resume is attached and I welcome any questions you might have about my qualifications or availability for an interview. Feel free to contact me at (555) 123-4567 ext. 1111 if you want more information before making a decision.

Yours sincerely,

Lawyer Sample 4

I am writing to inquire about a law position with you. I am a Harvard Law School graduate and have over 10 years of experience practicing law. I am sure that my qualifications will make me an excellent fit for your organization. If I can be of any assistance please feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 or email@email@com

Lawyer Sample 5

I am writing to you with the hope that I might be considered for a position as a lawyer. I have recently graduated from university with a Bachelor of Laws degree, and have always been interested in the legal profession. My hard-working attitude, dedication to public service, and extensive knowledge of legal language make me an ideal candidate for this position. I would love to hear back from you regarding my application prospectively.

Sincerely yours

Lawyer Sample 6

Dear HR Manager,

I am a recent graduate of the Law School of Collegeville and I am interested in adding to your law firm. I have been practicing law for 2 years at a large firm where I have had many opportunities to increase my knowledge and skills as a lawyer. Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Lawyer Sample 7

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing in response to the open position for a lawyer. I have extensive negotiation experience which is necessary for this position. I have been working in the legal field for 20 years and I would be honored to be considered for this promotion.

Lawyer Sample 8

I am writing to express my interest in the Lawyer position you have advertised on your website. My qualifications include a Juris Doctor degree from , where I graduated with honors in 1993, and an undergraduate degree from . While at law school, I developed skills that will prove valuable to your firm including being tutored by one of the top professors in the country. As a graduate of top law schools, I also have extensive experience clerking for two federal judges and serving as an appointee on California’s Supreme Court Judicial Council. For these reasons, I believe that my skills are well suited for this position with your firm. The best way to learn about another person is by meeting them in person so please feel

Lawyer Sample 9

My name is _____ and I am interested in applying for the open Lawyer position at your company. I am a graduate of the ____ law school and worked as a law clerk for ___ years before deciding to pursue my own legal career. My work experience has given me an excellent understanding of the law and my degree has prepared me to meet state requirements to practice as a lawyer in any state. I am confident that my skills, knowledge, and experiences make me an excellent candidate for the Lawyer position you are currently advertising. If you need any additional information or want to set up an interview time, I can be reached at _ _ – _ _-#### or by email at _@_._com. I

Lawyer Sample 10

I am happy to be considered for your open position of lawyer. I believe that my experience in the legal field, law school education, and strong work ethic are what would make me an asset to your company. My background includes working on the ground level in the legal field while attending law school and interning at a local firm during my final semester of college. The experiences I have gained from these positions will undoubtedly help me succeed as a lawyer in this competitive industry. I hope you consider hiring me and allow me to show you how valuable I would be for your company’s future!

Lawyer Sample 11

I am writing to express my interest in the law firm position that you are currently hiring for. I am very interested in contributing my legal expertise to the team.

I have extensive experience as a litigator and feel that I will be able to quickly assimilate into your team of lawyers. If you find that my resume is a good fit for your organization, please do not hesitate to contact me at 555-555-5555 or email me at [email protected]

Lawyer Sample 12

Dear Sir or Madame,

I am writing to you with interest in the Lawyer position that it is currently open. I feel that all of the skills that I have acquired throughout my experience in law would be an excellent asset to your company. I am well-versed in various fields of law and have a working knowledge of a variety of legal topics, including civil litigation and family law. I would be interested in having a conversation about this opportunity further if you are still looking for someone with these qualifications.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, _____________________

Lawyer Sample 13

I am a dedicated and hard-working law student from Michigan State University with a strong background in legal research, writing, and advocacy. I have been studying the law since high school and have been working at my local civil litigation firm for the past two years. As an animal lover, I am interested in exploring a career that allows me to advocate for animals while also helping them find their forever homes. Your organization’s mission statement resonated with me because many of my own values align with this path. I would love to learn more about your organization and the available position for a Paralegal Assistant.

I look forward to hearing from you soon! Sincerely, Michelle

Lawyer Sample 14

Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to express my interest in the available position of Lawyer. I am a recent graduate from an accredited university with four years of experience in law and litigation, and I feel that my skillset would be perfect for this position. I have extensive experience in filing motions for summary judgment, opening pleadings, drafting responsive pleadings to affirmative defenses, researching precedents or statutes relating to issues raised in the case or motion presented by opposing counsel, compiling evidentiary materials such as depositions transcripts or other discovery documents into a memorandum for trial counsels’ use at trial preparation or settlement conferences. These are some of the tasks that I have completed during my time working with this company’s attorneys

Lawyer Sample 15

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to inquire about the position of a lawyer. I have been practicing law for 4 years and I would be an excellent candidate for this position. My resume is attached to this email. Thank you for your consideration.

Recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds of applications for each job opening.

Use the above professionally written Lawyer cover letter samples to learn how to write a cover letter that will catch their attention and customize it for your specific situation.

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Lawyer cover letter examples

If you are ready to secure your next role as a lawyer, you need to make a strong case to the recruiter.

But how do you do that?

With a strong cover letter that carefully lays out your skills, experience and qualifications, of course.

And we can help you to create just that with our detailed guide and lawyer cover letter examples below.

CV templates

Lawyer cover letter example 1

Lawyer cover letter example 2

Lawyer cover letter example 3

These Lawyer cover letter examples provide you with some guidance and inspiration for writing a cover letter that gets noticed and ensures your CV will get opened.

But if you really want to master the art of writing a winning cover letter , then follow our step-by-step cove letter writing guide below.

How to write a Lawyer cover letter

Here’s how you can write your own eye-catching cover letter, broken down into simple steps.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When writing your Lawyer cover letter, it’s best to type the content into the body of your email (or the job site messaging system) and not to attach the cover letter as a separate document.

This ensures that your cover letter gets seen as soon as a recruiter or employer opens your message.

If you attach the cover letter as a document, you’re making the reader go through an unnecessary step of opening the document before reading it.

If it’s in the body of the message itself, it will be seen instantly, which hugely increases the chances of it being read.

Start with a friendly greeting

To build an instant connection with the recruiter reading your cover letter, start with a warm greeting.

It should be friendly but not casual – keeping it professional at all times.

Hi, hope you’re well
Hi [insert recruiter name]
Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

Check out the company website and look at their About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.

Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.

I am interested in applying for the position of Lawyer with your company.
I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 406f57393)
I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
I saw your advert for a junior project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.

Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.

Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.

This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.

Include the following points;

A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
Your full name
Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
Email address
Profession title
Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Aaron Smith Customer service professional 075557437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Lawyer cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Lawyer cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Lawyer cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Lawyer cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

Good day Philip

I am reaching out to you regarding my strong interest in the Junior Lawyer position at Wilkinson Partners. With a solid academic foundation in law and a commitment to providing exceptional client service, I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to your esteemed firm.

As a recent LLM Graduate, I have achieved significant academic excellence and honed my legal research and writing abilities. My coursework equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of family, corporate, health, and private law to tackle complex legal challenges with confidence.

I also acquired practical experience through an 18-month internship at Jameson LLC, where I assisted in improving client satisfaction and understanding by 30% through summarising complex legal issues in clear/concise language during 100+ meetings. In addition, I supported senior attorneys in preparing for court appearances, as well as decreasing last minute preparation time by 50% due to ensuring all necessary evidence and documents were organised and readily accessible.

Please feel free to contact me via email or by phone, as I am immediately available for an interview. Thank you for considering my application.

Kind regards

I am delighted to apply for the Lawyer vacancy advertised by The Legists on Glassdoor. With my background in corporate law and a proven track record of providing strategic legal counsel, I am confident in my ability to significantly contribute to your team.

As an accomplished Corporate Lawyer with 10 years of experience working for Brandon James Ltd, I have successfully advised clients on a range of complex matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance.

My attention to detail, exceptional communication skills, and ability to navigate intricate legal frameworks have consistently enabled me to deliver favourable outcomes, as I have successfully negotiated settlements for 95% of cases, as well as attained an average 25% reduction in potential liabilities for clients. Furthermore, I identified and eliminated unnecessary legal expenses, resulting in a cost reduction of £150K+ annually for the firm.

I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached via email or by phone to discuss how my skills and qualification make me a suitability candidate for the role.

Geoff Saunders

Dear Martha

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Senior Executive Lawyer position at BT Group. With a distinguished career in competition law spanning over 18 years, I bring a depth of expertise in antitrust regulations, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic legal counsel that aligns seamlessly with your company’s dynamic environment.

Throughout my legal journey, I have advised multinational corporations to promote the achievement of equality and legislative matters to protect organisations which are disadvantaged by unfair practices. My experience in analysing market dynamics, navigating regulatory challenges, and shaping strategies to gain a competitive edge has contributed to the growth and success of corporations I have served.

I consistently ensure that landmark decisions lead to successful outcomes for my clients, which is demonstrated by a track record of securing the approval for 10 merger transactions after in-depth regulatory analysis, which resulted in combined £150B YoY cost savings of for merging entities. Additionally, I advocated for policy changes that led to a 20% reduction in industry antitrust barriers.

I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached via email or by phone.

Trisha Banks

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Lawyer job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

More From Forbes

Writing Cover Letters For A Career Change: Tips And Examples

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Embarking on a career change is a pivotal moment, fraught with uncertainty but brimming with potential. And especially in cases where your resume might not directly align with the job at hand, your cover letter becomes the narrative that connects the dots. A well-crafted cover can illuminate your strengths, align your past experiences with your future aspirations, and persuade potential employers to see the value you bring.

The Importance Of A Cover Letter In Career Changes

In career transitions, your cover letter is your storyteller. It explains the why and the how of your career change, showcasing your enthusiasm and demonstrating how your background equips you with unique perspectives and transferable skills. It addresses potential concerns about your career shift head-on, presenting your transition as an asset rather than a liability.

Tips For Writing A Career Change Cover Letter

1. Personalize Your Approach : Address the letter to a specific person whenever possible. Doing so demonstrates attention to detail and a genuine interest in the position. You want to show that you’re not conducting a generic job search, but that you’ve done your research. You’ve perused (not skimmed) the company website and you read that 20-page yearly report from the CEO. You’ve even read their blog and can quote freely from it. You’ve educated yourself.

2. Emphasize Transferable Skills : Highlight the skills and experiences from your previous roles that are relevant to the new position. Be specific and quantify achievements where possible.

3. Show Enthusiasm and Commitment : Employers want to know that you are genuinely interested in the new field. Express your passion for the career change and your eagerness to contribute.

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4. Tailor Your Narrative : Connect your past experiences to the job you're applying for, demonstrating how your unique background can bring a fresh perspective to the role.

5. Address Potential Concerns : Be upfront about your career change, framing it as a positive decision guided by clear motivation and a strong understanding of the new field.

6. End with a Strong Call to Action : Conclude by expressing your desire to discuss your application further in an interview, showing proactivity and determination.

7. Use Strategic Language : Avoid clichéd adjectives. Opt for vivid, specific language that paints a clear picture of your capabilities and achievements.

Example: General Career Change Cover Letter

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Position] at [Company], transitioning from a career in [Current Industry] to [New Industry]. My experience in [Current Industry] has equipped me with valuable skills that I am eager to apply in [New Industry]. For instance, while working as [Previous Position], I developed a keen ability to [transferable skill], resulting in [specific achievement].

In [Current Industry], I honed my skills in [relevant skill] and demonstrated my ability to [relevant achievement], directly benefiting my team by [specific outcome]. I am particularly drawn to [New Industry] because [reason for interest], and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my [specific skill] and [another skill] to the [Position] at [Company].

[Your Name]

Tweaks For Various Career Stages

Whether you are making a change early in your career or transitioning later, your cover letter should reflect your rationale and excitement for this new path.

Example: Early Career Cover Letter

As someone at the early stages of my career, I am eager to leverage the foundational skills I gained in [Initial Field], such as [specific skill], in [New Field]. My recent role as [Previous Position] allowed me to develop [relevant skills or experiences], which align closely with the requirements of the [Position] at [Company].

Example: Late Career Cover Letter

Transitioning into [New Field] at this point in my career is a deliberate and enthusiastic choice, driven by my deep-seated interest in [aspect of New Field]. With extensive experience in [Previous Field], I bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective that can contribute to innovative solutions and strategies at [Company].

Tweaks For White And Blue-Collar Roles

Transitioning between white and blue-collar roles offers a unique opportunity to highlight diverse skills and experiences.

Example: White To Blue Collar Cover Letter

I am eager to apply the strategic and managerial skills honed in my white-collar career to the hands-on, dynamic environment of [Blue Collar Field]. My experience in [White Collar Role], where I developed [specific skills], aligns well with the challenges and responsibilities of the [Blue Collar Position] at [Company].

Example: Blue To White Collar Cover Letter

Transitioning from [Blue Collar Field] to [White Collar Field], I bring practical, on-the-ground experience that can inform and enhance the strategic decisions in [White Collar Role]. My background in [Blue Collar Role], where I mastered [specific skills], equips me with a unique perspective beneficial for the [White Collar Position] at [Company].

Including A Career Change Statement On Your Resume/CV

While your cover letter is the ideal place to elaborate on your career change, your resume/CV should also reflect this transition. A brief career change statement, positioned at the beginning of your resume, can effectively set the context for your career narrative. This statement should succinctly convey your transition, emphasizing your commitment to the new field and highlighting any transferable skills or relevant experiences.

How To Craft A Career Change Statement For Your Resume

1. Objective Statement : Begin with a clear, concise objective that outlines your career goals and demonstrates your enthusiasm for your new field.

2. Summary of Qualifications : Follow your objective with a brief summary of your most relevant qualifications, focusing on skills and experiences that transition well into your new career.

3. Highlight Transferable Skills : Clearly identify and emphasize any skills from your previous career that are pertinent to your new path. This not only demonstrates your capability but also shows your proactive approach in aligning your skill set with the new role's requirements.

4. Tailor Your Experience : Adjust the descriptions of your past positions to highlight the responsibilities and achievements most relevant to your desired career path. Use quantifiable achievements to underscore your adaptability and impact.

5. Education and Training : If you have pursued any education or training relevant to your new field, highlight this prominently on your resume to illustrate your dedication and commitment to your career change.

Make Your Language Unique

To avoid sounding like everyone else, remember to use distinctive and precise adjectives in your cover letter and resume. For instance:

Instead of "experienced," try "seasoned" or "accomplished," providing specific examples that demonstrate this experience, like spearheading a successful project or leading a team to exceed its targets.
Replace "passionate" with "enthused" or "committed," detailing a project or initiative you pursued with zeal, which can resonate more authentically with hiring managers.
Substitute "results-driven" with "outcome-focused," illustrating this with a particular scenario where your focus on results led to tangible success for your organization.

Your cover letter and resume are your advocates, narrating your professional journey and articulating why you are not just seeking a new job, but embarking on a new career with purpose and passion. By carefully crafting these documents to reflect your individual story, you position yourself as a memorable and compelling candidate, someone who stands out from the crowd.

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How To Write a Cover Letter With Examples

Cover letters can help differentiate you from other job applicants and be the determining factor of landing your dream job. By taking the time to craft a custom cover letter, a single sheet of paper can help communicate all the human elements that a resume may fall short of capturing about yourself.

But what do employers and recruiters have to say about how to write a cover letter? What are the best tips they have to offer for graduate students who are writing a cover letter?

We asked 11 employers for their best cover letter tips. Here is what they had to share.

Let it Set the Stage

In many ways, cover letters should provide background information and context to your resume, while simultaneously addressing how that resume addresses the specific requirements of the job opportunity. The cover letter is your opportunity to "set the stage" and to convince the hiring manager why your specific set of skills, experiences and interests will provide value to their team and its objectives.

Andrew Horrigan '11 BSBA (Management Information Systems), Product Manager at Cisco

Research the Hiring Manager

If possible, find out who the hiring manager is and look them up on LinkedIn. Do your research on the company you're applying for. What's their mission statement and how do they portray their company culture? Hopefully what you're looking for in a job is reflected by those things. Make sure the hiring manager knows that and understands who you are and what drives you. A resume is often about as robotic as things can be. Make sure your cover letter is the opposite—personalize it and let yourself shine through.

Joshua Schlag ’05 BS (Computer Science) ’11 MBA, Digital Marketing Manager at Pyramid Analytics

Utilize Career Development Resources

The University of Arizona and Eller College of Management go to great lengths to make sure students are prepared for their impending career journey. Because cover letters are so important to getting your foot in the door, there are several career development resources online and on campus to take advantage of. The university’s cover letter builder serves as a nice template to get started. And of course, it never hurts to make an appointment with an Eller Career Coach through eSMS to have a professional review your letter before submission.

Brett Farmiloe, ’06 BSBA (Accounting), Founder, Featured

Discover Past Samples of the Position

Do your research on the company and personalize your cover letter to the role for which you are applying. Don't be afraid to Google, "How to write a good cover letter for X position." Seriously, it helps! There is so much information out there from various perspectives—applicants, hiring managers, etc. Most importantly be yourself and let your personality come through. And don't forget to spell check!

Mariam Nikola '17 MS MIS, Consultant at Point B

Highlight Your Soft Skills

When writing a professional cover letter, there are a couple things you can do to set yourself apart from the pack. First, make sure you tailor your letter to the specific position you are applying for. This should not be a general, "one size fits all" letter—be sure to discuss specific details surrounding the role or the company itself. Secondly, this is an opportunity for you to show a little bit of your personality. Obviously, you want to remain professional, but this is a great time to highlight some of your soft skills that might not be fully conveyed through your resume.

Brian Ellis ’17 BSBA (Management), Staffing Manager at Randstad Office and Administrative Professionals

Fill in the “Why” Gaps

As a talent advisor, I review a lot of applicants and agree that a cover letter can be a great way to stand apart, if it is done correctly. A great cover letter for me covers the ‘why’ that I cannot understand from just a resume alone. It should clearly state why you are interested in the role, what your goals are for utilizing your graduate degree (if recently graduated) and explain any career pivots reflected on your resume. If you answer those questions in a direct, concise manner it will add value to your application.

Monica Larson , ’11 BSBA (Marketing) ‘20 MBA, Talent Advisor

Tell Your Story

A cover letter is your opportunity to tell your story—tying your experience and personal interests into why you want a position and why you are the best candidate for it. Paint the picture of your journey and what about the position excites you personally and professionally. Similar to your resume, keep it short and sweet. No need to repeat what’s already on your resume. Recruiters and hiring managers don’t have time to comb through a novel, so you need to engage them with as few words as possible while also grabbing their attention.

Kelly Castoro, ’06 BA (Spanish, Portuguese), Project Manager at Squarespace

Tailor Each Cover Letter to the Position You Are Applying

Be sure to research the role and customize your cover letter for each position, relating your experience to the particular role you are applying for. Personalization is key—research who you are sending the cover letter to and address the letter to them directly. End your letter with a call to action, stating you will follow up by phone or email if you haven’t heard from anyone. Follow ups are very important!

Jessica Rosenzweig, ’15 BSBA (Business Management), Account Manager at PeopleWare Staffing

Communicate Bankability and Personality

Your cover letter answers two crucial questions; are you bankable and are you someone the company will enjoy working with? Communicate bankability with your knowledge of the company, industry and why your skills, capabilities and interests are a great fit. Share your passion for their mission, culture, brand—whatever excites you about becoming a member of their team.

When conveyed through a concise, well-formulated, well-worded cover letter, you demonstrate the ability to write an effective business case—communicating that you are a ready professional and worthy teammate who will hit the ground running.

Theresa L Garcia, ’83 BSBA (Human Resources), Senior Change Management and Organization Capability Consultant at Boeing

Keep it Concise but Compelling

A cover letter is your chance to speak directly to the hiring team and tell them why you are not only the best match for the position for which you are applying but also give them additional insight into yourself as an individual that is less visible from your experience.

A great cover letter should be attention grabbing and touch upon the qualities that make you stand out from others in the applicant pool, highlight both your recent and most distinguished accomplishments and drive home why you are the right person for the job. Professionalism is always important, but don’t be hesitant to put your voice into the letter to let your personality shine through. Research the company, understand where they currently are, where they are going and show why you are the right person to get them from point A to point B. Recruiters spend a lot of time reviewing applicants and making yourself stand apart from the crowd is key. Keep it concise but compelling!

Matt Reineberg, ’14 BSBA (Marketing), Senior Talent Acquisition Sourcer at Cox Enterprises

Highlight the “Why”

Why are you applying to this company? Why do you want this position? Your cover letter should aim to answer the why behind applying for the job. Conveying an interest and excitement for working specifically for this job at this company, rather than a desire to get any job anywhere that will give you money, can go a long way. Show the company that they should hire you and your passion over someone that might have the skills needed for the job, but doesn’t care about the work as much as you do.

Ryan Nouis, Trupath

Ready to Learn More?

What to Do if You’re Concerned About Your Lawyer

The high-stress legal profession is far different from that portrayed on TV and in movies, with higher rates of depression and suicide than most other jobs.

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A frustrated office worker puts his face in his hands at his desk.

“I run a small agricultural services business in the South and our lawyer — Emma — wears several hats. She handles not only business matters, but family law and is occasionally appointed to handle criminal defense cases. Emma has no other attorneys in her firm — she is it. Recently, we’ve noticed that she seems sad, down, angry all the time and has become difficult to reach. We are worried about her and the possible impact on us. Have you got any suggestions on something that we can say to her? Thanks, ‘Theo.’”

I ran Theo’s question by New York psychotherapist Dr. Elizabeth Eckhardt , director of the Nassau County Bar Association’s Lawyer Assistance Program, which provides confidential services to lawyers, judges, law students and their families struggling with mental health and substance use issues. She is also a lecturer for LearnFormula , a provider of continuing education courses for lawyers across America.

Clients don’t realize how much stress is on their lawyer

“Clients are often unaware of the tremendous stress their lawyer is likely under,” Eckhardt says, adding, “The legal profession has one of the highest rates of divorce, substance abuse, depression and suicide of any occupation. This is not a job for the faint-hearted, and the glamorous image of lawyers on television or in the movies is pure fiction. Lawyers who suffer the most — and are hard to reach — are in small and solo practices, as your reader describes Emma — and are not inclined to seek help, in part because they are overwhelmed and are very much alone.”

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Why lawyers are at risk

“Lawyers have type A personalities and often reveal a maladaptive perfectionism. I would suggest anyone considering a career in law to read (the commentary) Big Law Killed My Husband: An Open Letter from a Sidley Partner's Widow .”

Eckhardt points out that it is not a unique story. “Often, attorneys do not seek help even though they are suffering from having taken on or been assigned too much and refuse to say, ‘No! I can’t take on any more.’ There is a reluctance to ask for help, as they are the ones that people go to for help and not necessarily those who need the help themselves.”

And then there’s vicarious trauma

The anecdote of lawyers resorting to a high-octane liquid lunch, seeking relief from feeling like a client’s well-being is in their hands — especially in divorce, immigration and criminal matters — is real.

In law school, students are rarely asked how long they could stand working in a public defender’s office, where they are often told to confuse a jury in any way possible with a clearly guilty defendant. They’re not asked how it might affect them if they must try to defend drunk drivers or work for insurance defense firms that seek to deny the payments of justifiable claims. In short, some lawyers have to lie for a living while being well paid, wearing “golden handcuffs” and not being financially able to leave their jobs.

“The frequent result is vicarious trauma,” Eckhardt notes, “that, over time, becomes cumulative, leading to apathy at work that compromises their ability to practice effectively and can result in isolation from friends and family. All of this often culminates in severe emotional problems.”

What are the signs of trouble, and what can clients do?

Eckhardt outlines steps a client should take when concerned about their lawyer’s behavior, especially when the lawyer is not responding to calls or emails, and when to consider changing attorneys.

Be assertive. Keep a detailed record, a paper trail, of your attempts to reach your lawyer and the different people you’ve spoken to. This shows your due diligence.

Contact your local or state bar association. If you are getting nowhere by asking for help from others in the same law firm, then reach out to your local bar association or state bar. Someone from the bar will contact your lawyer, and this might be the only nudge you need to get things moving.

Patience is not a virtue if you are being ignored. If you:

Have attempted several times to reach your lawyer without success
Have expressed your concerns to others in the same firm with no results
Are feeling that your needs are not being met
Have been told that the original timeline is nowhere near being respected without good cause

Then, assuming you are current with your payments, indicate that you are considering seeking other counsel.

Do not be silent

Eckhardt concluded our interview on an upbeat, positive note: “In a very real way, clients who speak up, who are assertive and raise these issues, can do so much good, for themselves and their attorney — or former attorney. All states and territories have lawyer assistance programs that are lifelines for lawyers in trouble, and their clients.”

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, call or text 988 (in the U.S.) to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline , available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat . Services are free and confidential.

After attending Loyola University School of Law, H. Dennis Beaver joined California's Kern County District Attorney's Office, where he established a Consumer Fraud section. He is in the general practice of law and writes a syndicated newspaper column, " You and the Law ." Through his column he offers readers in need of down-to-earth advice his help free of charge. "I know it sounds corny, but I just love to be able to use my education and experience to help, simply to help. When a reader contacts me, it is a gift."

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Medicare plans can now cover Wegovy for patients at risk of heart disease

Yuki Noguchi

Carmel Wroth

Wegovy, a semaglutide medication, will be covered by Medicare. George Frey/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption

Wegovy, a semaglutide medication, will be covered by Medicare.

For the first time, Medicare will allow coverage of one of the new blockbuster weight-loss drugs for enrollees in Part D plans.

The plans may now cover Wegovy when prescribed to prevent heart attacks and strokes, according to a new policy issued this week from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist, a class of obesity drugs promising a sea change in weight loss. They act on hormones and the brain to drastically reduce appetite, among other things.

But Medicare is prohibited from paying for weight-loss treatments so seniors have had to pay out of pocket for the drugs or use supplemental insurance. In early March, the Food and Drug Administration expanded the approval of Wegovy to say the drug can be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke in people with cardiovascular disease and either overweight or obesity.

In clinical trials, Wegovy was found to reduce risks of cardiovascular events by 20% in higher weight patients.

That finding prompted CMS to change its Medicare Part D drug program to cover Wegovy, although it noted that this applies only for those patients struggling with both weight and heart disease. In other words, the injections, which can cost well over $1,000 a month out of pocket, will not be covered for enrollees only seeking to lose weight.

The new guidance also applies to state Medicaid plans, which also would be required to cover Wegovy for patients with both higher weight and heart disease risk.

Obesity doctor Angela Fitch says that the move to cover it even for a limited subset of patients is still significant. She's president of the Obesity Medicine Association, a group that advocates for treatment.

"It's certainly a big step forward, compared to no coverage at all," she says. "At least now we'll have coverage for those people who have a known history of heart disease," she says. "So hopefully that will trickle down into covering it for everybody with overweight and obesity."

And, Fitch notes, Medicare sets the standard for coverage in insurance generally, so this move could ultimately affect more patients. "My hope would be that commercial insurance would follow."

In a statement, a CMS spokesperson said: "CMS is committed to ensuring that people have access to treatments and treatment options that improve health outcomes."

The Medicare guidance could also expand the use of other similar medicines. It states that anti-obesity medications that receive FDA approval for an additional condition other than weight-management alone, can be considered a Part D drug for that specific use. For example, if one of the drugs receives FDA approval to treat diabetes or prevent cardiovascular disease, Medicare part D plans may cover it for that use.

However CMS specified they may also require prior authorizations to ensure that is being used only for the approved use.

In a statement, Wegovy's maker Novo Nordisk said it was "encouraged" by the new guidance from CMS but said it hopes to see Part D coverage expanded for "obesity medicines when used for chronic weight management."

The drug maker is among those pushing for Congress to expand coverage of treatments for obesity.

semaglutide
heart disease

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5 Attorney Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide in 2024

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Lawyer Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates & Tips for 2024)

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5 Steps for the Perfect Law Cover Letter

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

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#1. Match Your Resume

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#2. Emphasize Your Achievements

#3. Add Any Relevant Links

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How to Write a Legal Cover Letter for Lawyers That Stands Out

Why a Strong Cover Letter Matters

What Is a Cover Letter for Lawyers?

How to Address a Cover Letter for Lawyers

Cover Letter Introduction

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Sample Legal Cover Letters

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Lawyer / Advocate Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

1. Create a well-formatted header & headline as a lawyer

Here is an example of a well-formatted lawyer header

Here is an example of a well-written lawyer headline, followed by a quick breakdown of its primary components

Let your cover letter write itself — with AI!

Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings

Find out your resume score!

3. Craft an impactful lawyer cover letter introduction

Here is an example of a great introduction from a lawyer’s cover letter

4. Showcase your best skills & accomplishments as a lawyer

Here are 6 examples of lawyer skills to describe in a cover letter

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a lawyer’s cover letter

5. Conclude your lawyer cover letter with an effective closing statement