cover letter examples solicitors

Attorney Cover Letter Example (W/ Templates & Tips for 2024)

You’ve come a long way from tirelessly researching and debating to winning arguments.

Now, you’re shaping up your career in law and you’re ready to land your next position. 

But regardless of how good you are with words, you just can’t seem to be able to put them on paper and craft your cover letter. 

Staring at that blank page, trying to showcase your skills and experiences, feels a bit like experiencing writer's block, and you just can't seem to convey your legal expertise in the best possible light.

But don't worry!

In this article, we’re going to guide you through the process of crafting an exceptional attorney cover letter.

We'll delve into:

Attorney Cover Letter Example

• 5 Essential Steps to Write an Attorney Cover Letter
• 3 Key Attorney Cover Letter Tips 

Let’s dive in! 

5 Steps for the Perfect Attorney Cover Letter

You know what a great cover letter looks like, and now it's time to write your own. Just follow these simple steps and you'll be on your way to crafting a standout cover letter :

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Begin your attorney cover letter with your contact information, just like you would on your resume . Here's what that entails: 

• Full Name: Place your complete name at the top of the page.
• Job Title: Make sure your job title matches the precise legal position you're applying for. Clarity here aids the hiring process.
• Email Address: Opt for a professional and straightforward email address, typically a blend of your first and last name.
• Phone Number: Ensure your phone number is accurate, including the dialing code if targeting international roles.
• Location: Specify your city and state or country. If you're open to remote work or relocation, make that clear on your attorney resume.
• Relevant Links (optional): Include pertinent websites or social media profiles, such as LinkedIn.

Next, it's time to provide the hiring manager's information:

• Company Name: Add the name of the company you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name: Whenever possible, identify the hiring manager for the department you're interested in. Research the job ad, the company's website, or LinkedIn for this information.
• Hiring Manager's Title: If you find out that the hiring manager for this specific job ad holds a department head role, use that title instead of just "Hiring Manager."
• Location: Include the city and state or country, particularly for globally operating companies. You can also add the company's street address for precision.
• Email Address (Optional): If available, include the hiring manager's email address.
• Date of Writing (Optional): Consider adding the date you composed your cover letter for that extra touch of professionalism. Now you're ready to start crafting your winning cover letter for the legal role you desire. Best of luck!

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've included all the necessary contact information in your attorney cover letter, it's essential to address it to the right person — preferably, avoiding the generic "To Whom It May Concern."

Addressing your cover letter correctly can make a positive impression on the hiring manager. Here's how to do it:

Start by conducting some research. Check the job posting, the company's website, or their LinkedIn profiles to identify the hiring manager for the department you're interested in. This way, you can find their name and email address.

Next, address them formally. Consider using "Ms." or "Mr." followed by their last name. If you're unsure about their gender or marital status, you can simply use their full name. For example:

• Dear Mr. Johnson,
• Dear Alexis Rodriguez,

In cases where you can't find specific information about the hiring manager or the head of the legal department, you can address your letter to the department or the company in general:

• Dear Legal Department,
• Dear Legal Hiring Team,
• Dear Human Resources Recruitment Team,
• Dear Head of Legal Services,

Taking the time to address your cover letter properly demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.

Check out our other cover letter examples to decide the best way to address the hiring manager in your cover letter. 

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers typically invest approximately seven seconds in reviewing a candidate's application before determining whether to continue reading it. This short time frame proves how important it is to make a good impression from the get-go.

Start your cover letter by introducing yourself and articulating your genuine interest in the position. Conveying your enthusiasm for the legal field or the specific job is an effective way to pique the hiring manager's interest.

Conducting thorough research on the law firm is also invaluable. 

The more you understand about the firm, the better you can emphasize your alignment with the culture and values. This shows the hiring manager that you’re not just sending the same cover letter left and right; you are genuinely keen on this particular role.

Depending on your level of legal experience, you can also kick off your cover letter by highlighting a significant accomplishment or showcasing the skills that make you an ideal fit for the position. 

That said, ensure that this paragraph remains concise to ignite the hiring manager's curiosity and prompt them to explore your cover letter's details further.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The body of your cover letter is where you can talk in more detail about specific parts of your attorney resume.

The crucial point to remember here is not to merely repeat your resume. This is your chance to elaborate on your professional expertise and credentials, so it's essential to make this section count. Your mission is to persuade the hiring manager that you're the standout choice, compared to all other applicants. To achieve this, emphasize any accomplishments relevant to the legal field and draw inspiration from the job posting.

Drawing inspiration from the job ad is a winning strategy. Highlight the particular skills the firm is seeking and elucidate how you can make significant contributions to their team. For instance, if you're pursuing a position in a technology-oriented legal firm, spotlight your tech-related proficiencies instead of, your experience in a different legal domain.

Displaying a profound understanding of the firm, its business model, or its legal niche can be a significant advantage. If you're well-versed in the firm's legal services or industry, make sure you mention it in your cover letter to illustrate how and why you resonate with their mission and corporate ethos.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Concluding your cover letter professionally is the final touch that can make a difference for aspiring attorneys.

Your aim is to leave the hiring manager with a strong, positive impression, reaffirming their confidence in you based on your previous statements.

In the conclusion, confidently summarize why you are an exceptional fit for the attorney role or highlight the skills that set you apart from other applicants.

Following this summary, include a call to action. Encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, such as arranging a discussion about your application. This proactive approach can leave a lasting impact and enhance your chances of securing an interview.

Lastly, sign off professionally. Choose an appropriate signature line, followed by your full name. Here's an example:

Please feel free to reach out to me using the provided email or phone number to schedule a conversation. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to delve deeper into my application at your earliest convenience.

If you feel that "Sincerely" is overused, consider these alternative sign-off options:

• Kind regards,
• Respectfully,
• Thank you for your consideration,

Select the sign-off that resonates best with your personal style and the tone of your cover letter.

3 Essential Attorney Cover Letter Tips

You've got the basics down, and it's time to take your attorney cover letter to the next level with some crucial cover letter tips :

#1. Match Your Resume

A well-made and visually appealing job application is essential if you want to make a great impression. 

Not only does matching your cover letter with your resume show off your personal brand , but it also proves to the hiring manager you’re serious about the role. 

So, make sure that your attorney cover letter's formatting and layout closely align with your resume. Keep your text and contact information neatly aligned on the page, maintain uniform font styles and sizes, and set the margins and line spacing to prevent your cover letter from extending onto a second page. 

This consistency will work wonders in demonstrating your attention to detail and professionalism. 

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling pressed for time? Don’t sweat it. 

Try out our free resume builder to create the perfect attorney resume.

Then, pick a cover letter template that matches it visually to save time and effort.

Our templates are created in collaboration with hiring managers around the world, which means they meet all the industry standards. You save time and get a matching cover letter for your resume that looks professional and stylish. 

Sweet deal, isn’t it?

#2. Mention Qualifications

Mentioning your qualifications in your attorney cover letter is crucial. 

But that doesn’t mean repeating what's already on your resume; it's about showing hiring managers how your qualifications make you the ideal fit for the job. By elaborating on your qualifications - and how they have helped you become a better professional - you can add depth to your application and demonstrate that you're a serious candidate who's thoughtfully tailored their approach.

#3. Be Formal

Being formal in your attorney cover letter is imperative. 

It conveys professionalism and respect, aligning with the seriousness of the legal profession. This tone sets the right impression for potential employers, showing that you understand the gravity of your work and can maintain the appropriate manners.

Key Takeaways

That concludes our guide on crafting the perfect attorney cover letter! We trust our example will motivate you to draft one that lands you your next attorney role in no time.

Before diving into your letter, let's recap the article’s main points:

• Begin your attorney cover letter by detailing your contact information as well as the hiring manager's. Ensure all provided details are correct so the hiring manager can easily reach out for an interview.
• Pen a compelling introductory paragraph in your attorney cover letter to instantly grab the hiring manager's interest and compel them to continue reading.
• In the main section of your cover letter, delve into your notable accomplishments and skills pertinent to the role you're pursuing.
• Conclude your attorney cover letter with a call to action, nudging the hiring manager to either get in touch or arrange an interview.
• Finally, ensure cohesion between your attorney resume and cover letter in terms of design and presentation. If you're pressed for time, think about using one of our resume templates paired with a complementary cover letter template.

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How to Craft a Compelling Legal Cover Letter for Lawyers: Tips and Examples

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In this fiercely competitive job market, where the number of law graduates and the movement of established lawyers is ever-increasing, the significance of a well-crafted legal cover letter cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned solicitor seeking a new challenge, your cover letter is your first opportunity to stand out.

There’s constant movement in the legal job market. The 2023 Legal Trends Report explored lawyer satisfaction and discovered lawyers in mid-sized firms are more than twice as likely to have left a job in 12 months than lawyers in smaller firms and five times more likely to be planning to leave a job in the next six months.

If you want a legal career, standing out from the crowd, irrespective of your starting point, is very important. It is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of how a well-crafted legal cover letter for lawyers will elevate your chances of being engaged in the role you seek, whether it’s a training contract, vacation scheme, paralegal position or lawyer.

Your legal cover letter must be persuasive, allowing you to present your case to the prospective employer. It’s your chance to articulate why you are the best fit for the role and set yourself apart from other applicants.

Legal cover letter examples

Many online resources help you create your legal cover letter and your CV. A quick search will uncover many options. However, be very careful when using these. Ensure you delete any Americanisms and change the style and language to be more in keeping with the UK.

There are a limited number of examples of UK cover letters for lawyers. However, two worthy of comment are from aspiring barrister Arooj Zahra Sheikh, who helped land eight mini-pupillages.  

Eight excellent examples are on a Harvard University portal . They contain all the elements of an outstanding legal cover letter for lawyers—just remember to revise the US layout and terminology!

Use these samples as your crib sheet to craft excellent legal cover letters.

Understanding the basics of a legal cover letter

More than just a means of delivering your legal CV, your cover letter is your introduction. It’s the first thing your prospective employer will see and, most likely, read. Therefore, it’s crucial to structure it like a good story, with a compelling beginning, a detailed middle, and a strong end. If you do not spend the time and craft a compelling, professional legal cover letter, you may not have bothered applying for the job at all.

Your legal cover letter allows you to talk about yourself and the role you’re applying for and explain why you would be an ideal fit. It allows you to briefly outline your legal experience and skills and draw attention to the wealth of information in your CV, which you should always attach.

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How to become a freelance paralegal: advice & tips, best ai legal tools for 2024: claude, gemini, copilot, and more, 7 tips to reduce solicitor stress levels, buying guide: the best laptops for solicitors in 2024, critical components of an effective legal cover letter.

Structure your legal cover letter like a good story with a beginning, a middle and an end. Start with a strong opening, explaining who you are and why you are pursuing the position you are applying for. In the main body of your letter, expand on your legal qualifications and expertise. Keep it short; refer to your attached CV for more detailed information.

After outlining your legal qualifications and expertise, explain why your legal work experience, pro bono work, legal education , or specialisation in certain legal practice areas make you an excellent fit for the role. This is your chance to showcase your strengths and make the reader feel confident in your competence.

Your ending should express your belief you are the right candidate for the position. You must also invite the reader to get in touch with you to discuss the position further. Tell them here if you intend to follow up by phone or email with your prospective employer. Finally, thank them for their time and attention. A little gratitude can go a very long way.

What to include in your legal cover letter

The recipient’s address is one of the most crucial elements of your legal cover letter. Before you start writing, take the time to identify the recipient and their position. This allows you to address them personally in the opening salutation of your letter, a much more effective approach than the generic ‘Dear sir or madam’ or ‘To whom it may concern’. This personal touch can make the recipient feel valued and integral to your application process.

Your legal skills and legal experience are essential. Explain the stage you have reached in your legal career thus far and where you see your future in the law. Your future vision should align with the role on offer.

Next, explain why your experience to date, including any legal internships, makes you the ideal candidate for the position. Provide a brief overview of your current career. Include references to your academic and vocational journey, such as your law degree, LPC or SQE. 

If you have been involved in an area relevant to the position offered, like legal research , legal analysis or legal writing , make sure you highlight that. Again, keep it brief. You can expand on your experience in your CV, but you must include enough information in your legal cover letter to encourage your prospective employer to read more.

As you approach the close of your cover letter, include why you are the ideal person for the advertised position. Include the phone number where someone can contact you. Most of all, say “thank you” for the opportunity.

Common mistakes to avoid in legal cover letters for lawyers

There are some critical “don’ts” when you prepare your legal cover letter.

• Never make fake claims about your qualifications or experience . If you’re successful, you’ll be quickly discovered – and probably sacked!
• Avoid the use of jargon. The recipient knows all about the jargon, and it won’t impress!
• Don’t over-promote. While the reader will want to know about your background, avoid writing lengthy passages about yourself. Over-promoting yourself can be off-putting and may disqualify you from consideration. Respect the reader’s time by being concise and to the point, ensuring that your cover letter is a respectful length.
• Don’t forget to focus on your suitability for the position. Failing to explain why you’re a perfect fit for the role will likely disqualify you from consideration, even if you have an impressive legal CV.
• Don’t waffle! Be clear, concise and to the point.

Additional tips for standing out

Nothing is worse than a prospective employer receiving a poorly worded, meandering, and grammatically flawed legal cover letter. Here are some tips to make sure your cover letter stands out:

• Use professional yet engaging language. This shows that you are competent and an excellent communicator.
• Do your homework on the law firm to whom you’re applying. Read their website and speak to anyone you know who works there, is a client, or has a professional relationship with them. Demonstrate your commercial awareness.
• If you have any awards or recognitions, make sure you mention them. These might be the deciding factor between two equally qualified candidates.
• Mention your competencies. If you excel at something relevant, mention it.
• Proofread and spellcheck your legal cover letter. This may seem common sense, but make sure your spell-check language settings are set to English (United Kingdom). You can even have MS Word read your letter to help you check for typos!
• Try to keep your letter to one A4 sheet.
• Make sure the font is large enough to read but not so large as to force a multiple-page letter—and don’t use Comic Sans!
• Use the same font in your legal CV as in your legal cover letter.

Final thoughts on how to write a legal cover letter for lawyers

In a crowded legal job market, there’s no better way to outshine the competition than an excellent legal cover letter. Ensure you’re putting your best foot forward with your future employer by: 

• Making it personal.  Customise your cover letter at every step to the firm you’re applying to—from the tone to the specific skills you detail.
• Keeping it brief.  Cover letters for lawyers are a one-page summary to let your prospective employer know that you’re a candidate they should talk to further. You want to give them enough information to draw them in but not overwhelm them and risk losing interest.
• Showcasing your strengths.  Focus on the positives, and don’t be afraid to highlight how your past experiences make you uniquely qualified.

While finding a new legal job in a competitive market isn’t exactly easy,  staying resilient  and adaptive will lead you to success. By crafting a great cover letter, you’re more likely to be noticed in this—and any—job market.  And, no matter what job you’re applying for, knowing technology can help set you apart—both when job hunting and once you’re working at your new firm.

If you’re a law student and want a head start, you may be able to get free Clio access via Clio’s Academic Access Program (CAAP) at your law school.  Learn more about CAAP here .

Legal Cover Letter FAQs

Do law firms read cover letters.

In a competitive job market, hiring managers at law firms read cover letters to help determine which candidates may be the best fit. A well-written legal cover letter can entice the reader to review your resume—and, hopefully, invite you for an interview—by showcasing how your experience and skills align with the role. 

We published this blog post in August 2024. Last updated: August 19, 2024 .

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Lawyer Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Text Examples

How To Write a Lawyer Cover Letter

To secure a position with a premiere law firm, write a strong lawyer cover letter that captures the most compelling aspects of your legal career. Emphasize your knowledge of particular areas of law using tangible examples from your work history. Also, demonstrate your proven track record of litigating complex cases and achieving positive outcomes for clients. Learn from our examples and expert advice to translate your legal experience into a powerful cover letter.

Lawyer Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Lawyer Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

John Bergsen Lawyer | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Seattle, WA 12345 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Lori Taylor Talent Specialist Halsin Law Associates (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Taylor:

During my second year of employment with Rosenthal LLP, I achieved favorable outcomes for 80% of cases on my roster. My firm partners recognized my exceptional knowledge of family law and outstanding witness preparation skills. I can leverage these attributes to achieve positive results for your clients in the family law specialist position.

Halsin Law Associates’ reputation for client advocacy strongly aligns with my values as a legal practitioner. My expertise in navigating complex family law cases can help further grow your firm’s recognition for client service and excellence. Some of my recent achievements include:

• Represented and advised clients during over 100 cases in matters involving civil litigation with a focus on divorce proceedings, parental rights, adoptions, child custody, and property disputes
• Conducted research for complex litigations, developed comprehensive legal strategies, and achieved favorable outcomes in 80% of cases in 2023
• Built and maintained strong relationships with clients and communicated legal advice and status updates with empathy and compassion during emotionally challenging cases

I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights into how my knowledge of family law can benefit your firm. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Best regards,

John Bergsen

Allison Rosenberg Lawyer | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | LinkedIn

Matthew Johnson Hiring Manager Engel Legal Associates (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Johnson:

During my time with Corbin Law Firm, I advised clients on various environmental litigation issues for multi-million dollar projects, including crisis management, incident response, and criminal enforcement actions. I hope to bring my legal expertise to your organization in the associate attorney role.

Engel Legal Associates’ reputation as one of the premiere law firms for climate change-related issues draws me to apply for this opportunity. Throughout my career, I’ve advised various clients on environmental compliance. I can provide value to your firm based on my career achievements:

• Provided legal support to businesses regarding water quality permit compliance, stormwater pollution prevention, hazardous waste spill cleanup, and cost recovery litigation
• Advised clients on the potential implications of climate change on complex business decisions, including long-term environmental compliance
• Researched legal issues and drafted internal strategy memos, motions, and briefs

I look forward to telling you more about how my knowledge of environmental regulatory compliance could benefit your clients at Engel Legal Associates. You may contact me via phone or email for any additional questions you may have on my background. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Allison Rosenberg

Yaling Zhang Senior Associate | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Boston, MA 12345 | LinkedIn

Caleb Morris Hiring Manager Golberg and Partners LLP (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Morris:

As you can see from my attached resume, I have 15 years of experience managing an array of corporate legal cases for two leading law firms in Manhattan. In the past six years, I’ve secured over 50 new clients, which resulted in over $10 million in new revenue. My expertise in both corporate law and relationship building would be a strong asset to your organization in the senior associate role.

Goldberg and Partners LLP is widely recognized as one of the most prominent legal firms for corporate law, which strongly aligns with my professional background. I can help your organization continue to grow its corporate client market share based on my career achievements:

• Served as the lead attorney for a multi-million dollar landmark trademark infringement case in China on behalf of an American clothing manufacturer client
• Collaborated with senior attorneys and corporate clients to define legal strategy for a wide range of litigations, mediations, and cases
• Represented clients during corporate legal proceedings, conducted research to mitigate risk for acquisitions and commercial transactions, and ensured regulatory compliance

I hope to speak with you further regarding how my extensive background in corporate law can help your firm continue to grow its market share. You may contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Yaling Zhang

To write a great lawyer cover letter, start by identifying the unique needs of the law firm you’re targeting. What type of cases does the firm specialize in? How does your legal background align with their long-term goals? Using this approach, you can easily identify what to include in your cover letter . By tailoring your content towards individual job opportunities, you’ll greatly increase your odds of landing your next job interview. Below, we’ll walk you through each step of the cover letter writing process:

1. Contact information and salutation

In the header of your lawyer cover letter, list your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Be sure to address the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” This is preferable to salutations such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as this language is more direct and personal.

2. Introduction

The introduction of your lawyer cover letter is your first chance to impress the hiring manager by showcasing your unique legal background. Center the opening paragraph around one of your strongest career achievements. Choose something that can be expressed in numbers, such as the number of cases you’ve handled or the average dollar value of the settlements you’ve won. This paints a compelling picture of the types of legal challenges you’ve handled in the past and why you’re the ideal candidate for the position.

As you can see from my attached resume, I have 15 years of experience managing various corporate legal cases for two leading law firms in Manhattan. In the past six years, I’ve secured over 50 new clients, which resulted in over $10 million in new revenue. My expertise in both corporate law and relationship building would be a strong asset to your organization in the senior associate role.

3. Body paragraphs

Describe your professional achievements and legal experience in the body paragraphs of your lawyer cover letter. Start by highlighting specific details about the firm’s reputation or values and how it aligns with your background. Feature your specific areas of legal expertise, such as family, corporate, civil, or criminal law. Showcase hard numbers to establish a sense of scope for the cases you’ve handled throughout your career. Also demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and other legal parties.

4. Lawyer skills and qualifications

Although it’s best to avoid providing a comprehensive list of your professional skills, it’s important to emphasize your legal knowledge throughout your lawyer cover letter. Focus on highlighting legal terminology that matches the job posting. Below, you’ll find a variety of key terms that you may encounter when pursuing lawyer job opportunities:

5. Closing section

Conclude your lawyer cover letter with a call to action that encourages the hiring manager to bring you in for an interview. Emphasize how your proven track record as a legal professional can help the firm achieve favorable rulings for their clients. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence.

Lawyer Cover Letter Tips

1. quantify your legal achievements.

When possible, incorporate hard numbers and monetary figures to bolster the impact of your accomplishments. That said, as a legal professional, be highly conscious about sharing sensitive information on your document. The best way to approach this is to provide a range or estimate rather than divulging exact numbers for your cases. This establishes a sense of scope for the hiring manager without infringing on client confidentiality.

2. Highlight your leadership capabilities and communication skills

Lawyers need to communicate effectively with a range of parties, clients, and legal teams to achieve successful outcomes. As you build your lawyer cover letter, be sure to provide examples of you liaising with various parties throughout all phases of the legal process. Below, the candidate draws specific intention to how they interfaced with clients during cases in family law, which can be particularly emotional and traumatic:

3. Align your cover letter with the firm you’re applying to

It’s important to tailor your application to each individual organization during the job search. This sends a clear message that your legal background is properly aligned with the unique needs and client base of potential employers. In the example below, the candidate emphasizes their knowledge of environmental regulations, perfectly suited for a firm that specializes in climate change-related issues:

Lawyer Cover Letter FAQs

Why should i submit a lawyer cover letter -.

When a firm hires a new associate, it trusts them with both its clients and industry reputation. As a result, hiring managers are likely to be more thorough than normal when vetting potential candidates for job openings. Introducing yourself with a strong cover letter is a great way to convey your professionalism, legal knowledge, and written communication skills, all essential for any successful lawyer.

How long should my lawyer cover letter be? -

Although you’re likely used to drafting long, comprehensive documentation and correspondence in your legal profession, it’s best to keep your cover letter concise and focused. Aim for three to four paragraphs that encapsulate the strongest aspects of your career, and avoid re-stating mundane job responsibilities from the resume.

Should I use artificial intelligence to write my cover letter? -

Using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to build your cover letter is not advisable, especially when applying for law firm positions. In this particular case, it’s especially important to articulate the nuances of your legal career using your own words and voice. Although AI has continued to advance rapidly in recent years, you will likely be left with a generic and uninspiring document.

Craft a new cover letter in minutes

Get the attention of hiring managers with a cover letter tailored to every job application.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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Attorney cover letter example

Landing a job as an attorney is good news for your bank balance. The average salary for lawyers is a massive $127,990, according to a report from U.S. News . If litigation is your game, your career outlook looks bright. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the sector will grow by 10% between 2021 and 2031. So, how can you get your next job?

At Resume.io, we have everything that you need to supercharge your job search. No matter where you are on the career ladder, we have the resources that will help you in your climb. In the following writing guide and corresponding attorney cover letter example, we will cover:

• How to write an attorney cover letter (with a cover letter example)
• Tips on how to boost the impact of each cover letter section
• What tone and approach to take when writing your letter
• How to structure your cover letter to put across your argument
• How to write an attorney cover letter if you have no experience

Looking for some more inspiration? Check out our library of cover letter examples to give you the rundown on what you need to include in your next application. 

If you’re looking for some additional resources, we have you covered. Take a peek at our similar cover letter samples below now: 

• Lawyer cover letter sample
• Paralegal cover letter sample
• Executive assistant cover letter sample
• Administrative assistant cover letter sample
• Office assistant cover letter sample

Best format for an attorney cover letter

In the courtroom, everything has a structure. You don’t simply rush into the room and start blurting out all of the reasons that your client is in the right. No, you have to follow the process. Your cover letter is the same. The format of an attorney cover letter should contain the following elements:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting/salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

Using the above structure means that you won’t miss any crucial piece of information. As you can see in our example, it’s important to make sure that the application follows a logical layout. You start things off by greeting the reader and explaining the main points of your argument. You then have the chance to elaborate on these further down the page. 

If you’re entirely new to the world of cover letter writing, coming to grips with the standard structure will help you along the way. Hiring managers expect to see this format when you submit your application. Take a look at our in-depth cover letter guide for more details. 

Dear Mr. Twill,

Providing strategic legal counsel to consumer goods companies who have international patent disputes is a fascinating area within IP litigation. Having lived and worked in China and Malaysia, I understand the issues from differing angles. If you have an attorney who can resolve complex international issues, favorable outcomes are guaranteed.

I grew my client portfolio by 34% over three years, taking on patent and trademark cases within the consumer goods, retail, and luxury goods industries. I have extensive experience with global clients, with a deep specialization in Far East sourcing disputes. I have learned Mandarin along the way and have a good appreciation of both the legal and cultural challenges involved.

In terms of my U.S.-based work, I am consistently featured in the top 100 lists of consumer goods attorneys and have worked on several high-profile cases within consumer electronics and durable goods. My understanding of the USPTO and Copyright Office processes, combined with my strong negotiation skills, resulted in a 95% success rate in resolving IP disputes. I enjoy working with small to medium businesses – more than half of my previous clients had a turnover of less than $25m.

While working in-house for Kale, my ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop creative solutions has resulted in a 30% reduction in outside counsel expenses for the employer. My preference is to work for an external law practice, but this experience offered a unique client-side perspective that now informs my decision-making.

I look forward to the opportunity of an interview to discuss how I might continue my track record of success at Hillingsley Froome. I am confident that many of your retail and consumer clients would benefit from my expertise.

Harriet Jones

Cover letter header

The cover letter header is likely the first thing a hiring manager will see. It’s a formality but one that you have to observe. This line contains important details about you: your name, email, and phone number. While it may not be the most interesting part of your application, if the hiring manager wants to interview you, they will need this information. 

Leave your flair for creativity at home when it comes to this part of your application. To make their job easier, use a plain font and space your cover letter header correctly. You don't want to put any barriers in the way when it comes to them reaching out to you. 

Cover letter greeting

Next up, it’s time to say “hello” to the hiring manager. The legal field is highly professional. One misstep and you could land yourself in a whole load of bother. For that reason, the person reading your cover letter will expect all of the airs and graces here. Make sure that you get off on the right foot by addressing them in a formal and respectful manner. 

If you happen to know the name of the hiring manager, you should use it here. Use their title and last name. For example, you might write “Dear Mr. Dereks” at the start of your cover letter. You’re not on first-name terms with the hiring manager and using a casual greeting may suggest that you think you are. Keep things professional, at all times. 

Of course, you won’t always know the name of the decision-maker. If you’re in the dark, you should rely on an ambiguous greeting. For instance, you might write “Dear hiring team” or “Dear _____ department”. Avoid “To whom it may concern”, as it is old-fashioned.

Cover letter introduction

The cover letter introduction is your opening statement. It sets the scene for all that is to come in the rest of the document. The key to getting this part of your application right is concisely outlining your argument. You can expand on each of the parts later in the cover letter. Before you get started, ask yourself the following: what is my strongest argument?

Pick out two-to-three things that make you stand out from the crowd. It may be your exceptional legal mind, your high level of training, or your proven track record. You can touch upon each of these in your cover letter introduction. Don’t worry about going into too much detail here — you are merely giving the reader a taste of what’s to come. 

Cover letter middle part (body)

The middle paragraphs of cover letters are where you can elaborate on each of the aforementioned points. You’ve set out what you will be covering already. The next part of the process is taking each of those points and providing some evidence for them. 

For example, if you’ve stated that you have a “proven track record of successful cases,” why not expand on one or two of them? You might want to throw in an anecdote about one of your most high-profile cases and how you dealt with media attention while simultaneously supporting your client. Adding some color to the cover letter shows that you are more than just a box ticker. You have the humanistic side of the job down too. 

A little name-dropping may go a long way — so long as you haven’t signed an NDA. If you’ve represented big clients in the past, don’t be afraid to shout about it and reference their names. When the reader sees this, they will remember your application over the competition. Keep in mind that you’re up against a sea of similar applicants. Anything that you can do to make your cover letter stand out from the crowd is a smart move. 

There are many ways to tackle the middle part of your cover letter. The evidence you outline will depend largely on your career: What is it that makes you special? Why should the hiring manager pick you over all of the other candidates? Take the time to consider what skills or experiences you have in your arsenal that other applicants may be lacking. 

How to close an attorney cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

Once you’ve stated your case, there’s nothing else left to do but to sign off. The final lines of your attorney cover letter need to make a big impact on the reader. It is the last thing they will remember. Reflect back on the strongest part of your argument and reaffirm it. 

Aim to leave the reader wanting more. If you tell them everything there is to know about you as a professional, there will be nothing left to say at the interview. Where possible, try to pique their interest and hint that you have more information to share with them later.

You may also want to slide a Call to Action (CTA) into the mix. That means encouraging the reader to take action and get in touch with you. You could write the following: “I’d be happy to elaborate on my experience and knowledge in a formal interview setting.” 

Attorney cover letter with no experience

Are you a newcomer to the legal field? Everyone has to start somewhere. If you have just finished law school and you’re looking for your big break, here are some things to cover: 

• Education. What did you cover in law school? What made you choose this educational pathway? Did any of your mentors leave a lasting impression?
• Volunteer work. Have you worked in a legal environment before now? Perhaps you have given your time voluntarily? Expand on your experiences here.
• Ethics. A professional attorney has a strong backbone of ethics. Now is the time to showcase yours. What is it that makes a “good lawyer,” in your opinion?
• Future goals. Where do you see yourself five years down the line? Is there a specific area of law that’s calling your name? Why are you passionate about it?

Getting your first job can be tough — we won’t beat around the bush. With that in mind, you need to use your persuasion skills to show a hiring manager you’re worth the risk.

Basic mistakes in an attorney application letter (and how to avoid them)

If you’ve got this far in our cover letter writing guide, you’ve clued up on how your application should look. However, before you send it off, there are some basic mistakes of which you need to be aware. Here are some of the key things that you need to avoid: 

• Inconsistencies in your argument. Read your cover letter. Does everything add up? Do your claims make sense and, importantly, can you substantiate them? If there are any inconsistencies in there, it’s a red flag for the hiring manager.
• Spelling and grammatical errors. Attorneys are high-level professionals. These workers should not be making silly spelling mistakes. Proofread your cover letter ahead of sending it. You can also use a program, such as Grammarly, to help.
• Too much information. As a general rule, your cover letter should be no more than 300-400 words long. If you are prone to over-explaining yourself, you will need to do some heavy editing work here. Be prepared to cut things back, if needed.

Key takeaways

• Attorneys make a great salary in the U.S. and there are plenty of opportunities in this rapidly growing sector.
• You should make sure that your cover letter has a clear structure. Hiring managers expect to see the same format when reading applications.
• Kick things off with a few points that you plan to cover. You can expand on each of these as you write the body of your cover letter.
• Take all of the hassles out of the process by using our free cover letter templates.

Free professionally designed templates

• Finding vacancies

Writing a CV

Writing a covering letter, preparing for an interview.

• Career advice

Preparation

When applying for a job you should check the instructions carefully to see what the employer is asking for, such as a CV and covering letter, or an application form.

Before you write your application:

• check the requirements for the role – these will normally be listed in a job description or person specification – and think about how you can show that you have them
• research the organisation, so that you can explain why you’re suited to work there
• check that your CV covers all the requirements, and tailor it if necessary

What to include

If the employer asks for a CV, you should also write a covering letter that is tailored for the role. This is your opportunity to say how you meet the requirements for the role. It should show that you understand what the employer is looking for and that you know about the organisation.

• your contact details
• which role you’re applying for
• why you’re interested in the role
• how you meet the requirements for the role
• relevant skills and experience
• reference to relevant parts of your CV
• any specific information that the employer asks for, such as salary expectations

Check the advert and the job description, and make sure that your covering letter includes all of the requirements if possible. Give evidence to back up your claims. Do not just say that you are good at team working or research – give an example, such as a project you have worked on.

End the letter on a positive note, saying when you're available for interview and that you look forward to hearing from them.

Your covering letter should be concise – around one page.

You may want to send it as a Word attachment, rather than simply an email. You should make sure it is well laid out, with a consistent format and a clear font. Check carefully for spelling mistakes or other errors.

Address your letter to an individual if possible. 

Application forms

Many organisations recruit using application forms rather than CVs and covering letters. This means they can ask specific questions and easily compare applications.

Application forms are designed to get the right amount of information to make a decision, so the recruiter will normally ignore anything else you provide. Often they will have a word limit for each question. However, you should be able to use information from your CV, such as your work history and your skills, to complete the form.

Read through the form carefully and follow the instructions. Be clear and concise, and make sure you provide evidence of how you meet the requirements for the role.

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Applications

How to write winning covering letters for law firms.

targetjobs editorial team

24 Mar 2023, 17:42

When applying for a training contract or vacation scheme, your covering letter may be the first part of your application a law firm considers.

Your covering letter creates a powerful first impression, so make it easy for the recruiter to see that you have strong potential as a lawyer.

Many law graduate jobs at solicitors’ firms in the UK will ask you to apply for a training contract with a covering letter. Read this advice from recruiters at Slaughter and May, Cleary Gottlieb and Ince & Co, then follow our law cover letter template.

Some recruiters will want you to upload your covering letter as part of an online application form (such as Baker McKenzie and Jones Day), while others – usually smaller, high street law firms – will want you to send the letter alongside a CV (see our law CV example here ).

• Cover letter template: see our annotated law covering letter sample for more tips and format examples .

How to write a law cover letter tip #1: use the letter to explain why you want to be a solicitor at that particular law firm

A covering letter is a golden opportunity to explain your motivations for becoming a lawyer and for applying to that specific firm. ‘My advice is to use the cover letter to introduce yourself and to explain why you are applying to that firm,' says Janine Arnold, trainee recruitment manager at Slaughter and May . ‘Be sure to include any additional information that you feel is relevant to your application.’

If you’re uploading a covering letter as part of a larger application form you should avoid repeating examples you’ve used to answer questions on the form. Give as broad a picture of your skills and experience as possible and only repeat something if you think it is particularly significant to that law firm. Your covering letter is an introduction to get the recruiter’s attention – a sample of your potential, if you like – not your overall application.

‘A well-written, succinct, persuasive covering letter crafted by an aspiring trainee solicitor who has really thought about the firm stands out,’ says Nichola Rowe, director of legal human resources at Cleary Gottlieb . ‘Ask yourself: what sets this firm apart from other law firms and how do my individual skills and experiences marry with that firm?’.

How to write a law cover letter tip #2: how long should it be?

A covering letter should be a maximum of one page, with a font size of 11 or 12. Slaughter and May ’s Janine Arnold agrees: ‘A lengthy covering letter is not necessary; aim for it to be no longer than one side of A4.' Remember that some firms will give a word count for the covering letter they want you to write as part of your application. It's important to stick to that word count. It shows that you can write succinctly and follow instructions.

Get the insights and skills you need to shape your career journey with Pathways. We’ll show you exactly what goes into a convincing cover letter, so you can give yourself the best chance of getting to the next stage of the application process.

How to write a law cover letter tip #3: the format law firms like

The best law cover letter examples have a clear structure, such as:

1. The introduction to your cover letter

Introduce yourself, explain what stage you are at in your degree course (including the university you’re attending), state that you are applying for a training contract and where you read about the law firm. This should only be a sentence or two.

2. A paragraph on why you want to work at that law firm

The second paragraph should cover why you want to be a solicitor and why you want to work for that law firm in particular. Highlight any experiences you’ve had that have convinced you that you want to be a solicitor, such as vacation schemes, open days or insight days. You can even mention mini-pupillages – it will impress graduate recruiters if you’ve put the effort into comparing the two sides of the legal profession, as long as you have good reasons for picking a career as a solicitor (this could come up at interview).

Make it clear why you want to work in the particular area of law that the firm focuses on. For example, if it’s a commercial firm you’ll want to draw on any work experience you’ve had at other commercial firms. Show off your research about the firm by explaining your interest in their main legal practice areas – don’t just say ‘I am interested in shipping law’, for example, but provide evidence of that interest.

You might also want to mention the firm’s training structure. Some firms will have compulsory seats, in which case you’ll need to show an interest in those areas. If you’ve chosen a firm that doesn’t have compulsory seats, or has no seat structure at all (such as Jones Day for example), then you could explain why this appeals to you above a more defined training contract structure.

3. A paragraph highlighting why you're a good fit for the law firm

Next, you need to pitch yourself to the recruiter. Make it clear that you are suited to a career as a solicitor: highlight achievements that show you have the competencies the firm has asked for. If the firm hasn’t specified exactly what it's looking for, see our article here on the skills most legal recruiters want from applicants. Don’t just say ‘I have good communication skills’ – you need to mention an achievement that hinged on your use of those skills.

4. The ending to your law covering letter

Close by referring the recruiter to your CV or application and stating your availability for interview(s) or assessment centre(s).

How to write a law cover letter tip #4: explain any extenuating circumstances

'Covering letters should also explain any mitigating circumstances relating to exam results and to address any questions that you may reasonably expect to arise from your application, such as any gaps in your CV,’ explains Janine.

How to write a law cover letter tip #5: proofread your cover letter before you hit ‘send’

Once you’ve put your covering letter together, don’t be tempted to rush it off. Ask friends, family and your university careers adviser to check it. ‘There is no good excuse for spelling errors, especially when you’re applying for a job that requires scrupulous attention to detail,’ points out a legal recruitment adviser at Ince & Co . ‘The number of applications we receive that contain errors is surprising. Your application is all we’ve got to go on, so you owe it to yourself to ensure it’s not let down by something so easily avoidable.’

Remember that law firms will be judging your ability to communicate professionally with clients on the professionalism of your covering letter – you’re making a pitch, just like you would do as a practising lawyer.

Legal recruiters at major law firms read through hundreds, if not thousands, of applications from aspiring trainee solicitors each year and will only spend a minute or so reading your covering letter. Some recruiters say that they make their decision paragraph by paragraph – if you haven't impressed upon them that you would be a good fit for their firm halfway through the cover letter, they might not even read the rest. Your covering letter creates a powerful first impression, so make it easy for the recruiter to see that you have strong potential as a solicitor by following the tips above.

In other news: Massive changes to the way solicitors qualify are on the horizon. Do you know how they will affect you? Find out here .

targetjobs editorial advice

This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the targetjobs content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

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10 Professional Attorney Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your attorney cover letter should immediately highlight your legal expertise and years of experience in the field. Be concise, yet compelling to showcase your proficiency in law. Demonstrate your understanding of the firm's specialized practice areas and how your background aligns with their needs. Connect your past successes to the potential contributions you'll bring to their team.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Entry-Level Attorney

Senior Attorney

Associate Attorney

Trademark Attorney

Litigation Attorney

Real Estate Attorney

Contract Attorney

Civil Litigation Attorney

Cover letter guide.

Attorney Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Attorney Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Crafting an attorney cover letter can be daunting, especially when your job hunt has escalated to the point where it's no longer a choice but a requirement. It’s not just about repeating your resume; it’s your chance to spotlight a significant professional triumph, sharing the story behind your proudest achievement with finesse. This pivotal letter must strike a balance—professional yet unique, substantial but concise, capping at one uncluttered page. Let's dive in and make your cover letter a standout testament to your legal expertise.

• Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
• Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
• Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
• Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.

And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your attorney resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.

If the attorney isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Attorney resume guide and example
• Associate Attorney cover letter example
• Immigration Lawyer cover letter example
• General Counsel cover letter example
• Personal Injury Lawyer cover letter example
• Paralegal cover letter example
• Litigation Attorney cover letter example
• Trademark Attorney cover letter example
• Senior Paralegal cover letter example
• Litigation Lawyer cover letter example
• Litigation Paralegal cover letter example

Attorney cover letter example

DANIEL ANDERSON

Philadelphia, PA

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Emphasizing notable achievements, such as leading a class action lawsuit with a significant settlement, showcases the candidate's competency and direct relevance to the position.
• Highlighting the utilization of legal tech innovations indicates the candidate's forward-thinking approach and adaptability to modern legal practices, keeping pace with evolving industry standards.
• Detailing the ability to manage high-stake, multijurisdictional litigation demonstrates the candidate's skill in handling complex cases, an essential aspect for a litigation attorney position within a firm that handles mass tort and class action lawsuits.

The must-have sections and format of your attorney cover letter

When writing your attorney cover letter, keep in mind that it'll only be read by the recruiters and not the Applicant Tracker System (or software used to assess your profile). That's why you should structure your content with a/an:

• Header (apart from your contact information, include your name, the role you're applying for, and the date);
• Personalized salutation;
• Opening paragraph to win the recruiters over;
• Middle paragraph with key details;
• Closing that starts from clichés;
• Sign off (that's not mandatory).

Industry standards dictate your paragraphs to be single-spaced and to wrap your content in a one-inch margin. Designing your attorney cover letter, refer to one of our templates , which automatically takes care of the spacing and margins.

Choose the same font for your attorney cover letter as you did for your resume : the likes of Lato and Bitter would help you to stand out in a sea of cover letters in Arial or Times New Roman.

Export your whole attorney cover letter from our builder in PDF to keep the same formatting and image quality.

The top sections on a attorney cover letter

• Header: This section includes your contact information, the date, and the recipient's details, establishing a professional tone and providing the recruiter with your pertinent details for correspondence.
• Opening Greeting: Tailor the greeting to the recipient, if known (e.g., "Dear Ms. Smith"), to show that you have personally addressed the letter and respect the formality of the legal field.
• Introduction: Clearly state the position you are applying for, your current role or most relevant experience, and a thesis statement on why you are a strong candidate for the position, grabbing the recruiter's attention and setting up the narrative of your suitability for the role.
• Body: Use this section to delve into your relevant legal experience, case successes, understanding of the law firm's practice areas, and your ability to meet the specific needs of the position, showcasing your expertise and making a compelling argument for your fit with the firm.
• Closing: Reaffirm your interest in the position, state your availability to discuss your application further, and thank the recipient for considering you, ending the letter on a courteous and call-to-action note.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Persuasive communication skills: crucial for arguing cases effectively in court and negotiating settlements.
• Attention to detail: essential for meticulously reviewing and drafting legal documents to avoid costly errors.
• Analytical thinking: key for developing legal strategies and dissecting complex legal issues.
• Strong research abilities: fundamental for building cases and staying current with evolving laws and precedents.
• Ethical integrity: non-negotiable for maintaining client confidentiality and upholding the law.
• Resilience and stress management: important for handling the high-pressure environment and long hours common in the legal profession.

Kick off your attorney cover letter: the salutation or greeting

When writing your attorney cover letter, remember that you're not writing for some complex AI or robot, but for actual human beings.

And recruiters, while on the lookout to understand your experience, would enjoy seeing a cover letter that is tailored to the role and addresses them . Personally.

So, if you haven't done so, invest some time in finding out who's the hiring manager for the role you're applying to. A good place to start would be LinkedIn and the corporate website.

Alternatively, you could also get in touch with the company to find out more information about the role and the name of the recruiter.

If you haven't met the hiring manager, yet, your attorney cover letter salutation should be on a last-name basis (e.g. "Dear Mr. Donaldson" or "Dear Ms. Estephan").

A good old, "Dear HR Professional" (or something along those lines) could work as your last resort if you're struggling to find out the recruiter's name.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Law Firm Name] Team,
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
• Esteemed Members of the [Law Firm Name],
• Dear [Practice Area] Selection Committee,
• Respected [Position Title],

What to include in those first two sentences, or your attorney cover letter introduction

Have you ever wondered what the best way is to present your profile in the attorney cover letter introduction ?

There's no right or wrong answer if you're being concise and authentic to yourself.

Some professionals start their attorney cover letter by:

• congratulating the company - focusing on something impressive, whether that's an award, an industry-leading project, or a key event;
• aligning their passion for the field or industry with the job - if you're enthusiastic about what you do, you'd thus grow your skill set and value as a professional.

What to write in the body of your attorney cover letter

Now that you've got your intro covered, here comes the heart and soul of your attorney cover letter.

It's time to write the middle or body paragraphs . This is the space where you talk about your relevant talent in terms of hard skills (or technologies) and soft (or people and communication) skills.

Keep in mind that the cover letter has a different purpose from your attorney resume.

Yes, you still have to be able to show recruiters what makes your experience unique (and applicable) to the role.

But, instead of just listing skills, aim to tell a story of your one, greatest accomplishment.

Select your achievement that:

• covers job-crucial skills;
• can be measured with tangible metrics;
• shows you in the best light.

Use the next three to six paragraphs to detail what this success has taught you, and also to sell your profile.

Ending your attorney cover letter to avoid "Sincerely yours"

Yes, this sort of closing statement may work best before your signature.

But you want to give recruiters something more with your attorney cover letter ending .

Some professionals choose to go down the path of promises. In a single sentence, they map out what they'd bring about to the role (whether that's a particular technical skill set or personal traits).

Others, decide to be more concrete by thanking recruiters for their time and prompting for their next interview.

Whatever path you choose, remember to always be polite and respectful of the opportunity you've had. Good manners go a long way.

Addressing limited to no experience in the attorney cover letter

There's nothing to worry about if you lack professional experience .

Your attorney cover letter could bridge the gaps in your professional history by focusing on what matters most to recruiters, that's either:

• skills - focusing on transferable ones you've gained, thanks to your life experience (e.g. volunteering, certificates, etc.);
• achievements - select the most relevant and noteworthy one from your history (e.g. education, projects, etc.);
• motivation - describe how you envision your professional growth in the next up to five years, thanks to this opportunity.

Key takeaways

Writing your attorney cover letter doesn't need to turn into an endless quest, but instead:

• Create an individual attorney cover letter for each role you apply to, based on job criteria (use our builder to transform your resume into a cover letter, which you could edit to match the job);
• Stick with the same font you've used in your resume (e.g. Raleway) and ensure your attorney cover letter is single-spaced and has a one-inch margin all around;
• Introduce your enthusiasm for the role or the company at the beginning of your attorney cover letter to make a good first impression;
• Align what matters most to the company by selecting just one achievement from your experience, that has taught you valuable skills and knowledge for the job;
• End your attorney cover letter like any good story - with a promise for greatness or follow-up for an interview.

Attorney cover letter examples

Explore additional attorney cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.

• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
• ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
• Lightning-fast responses

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Solicitor Cover Letter Example

Writing a cover letter for a solicitor role can be a time consuming and difficult task, especially when you are looking to stand out from the competition. However, with the right guidance, you can make sure that your cover letter is tailored to the job you are applying for and gives you the best chance of success. In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to write a great cover letter for a solicitor role, including an example cover letter to get you started.

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of cover letter examples .

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Solicitor Cover Letter Sample

Dear [Name],

I am writing to apply for the position of Solicitor with [Firm Name]. As a highly motivated and accomplished legal professional, I have the skill set and experience to make an immediate and positive contribution to the firm.

With [number] years of legal experience in the areas of [list areas of expertise], I am confident that I possess the skills and knowledge necessary for the role. I have a strong track record of success representing clients in court, providing legal advice, negotiating settlements, drafting and reviewing contracts, and managing complex cases.

I take a proactive approach to my work and always strive to exceed expectations. I pay close attention to detail and am able to prioritize tasks effectively when under pressure. I am also a strong communicator, able to build effective relationships with colleagues, clients, and other legal professionals.

I am eager to join an organization like [Firm Name], which has an impressive reputation in the legal industry. I am confident that my skills and experience will make me an asset to your team.

Please find my resume and references attached. I look forward to discussing the opportunity further in an interview.

[Your Name]

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What should a Solicitor cover letter include?

A solicitor cover letter should concisely introduce the candidate and include their relevant qualifications and experience. It should demonstrate their enthusiasm for the position, and provide evidence that they are the perfect fit for the role. It should also include information about the candidate’s key professional skills and abilities, highlighting any areas of related experience or knowledge.

A solicitor cover letter should also provide a clear explanation of why the candidate feels they are the best choice for the job and demonstrate their communication skills. It should provide a brief, but compelling, overview of the candidate’s previous experience, including any special achievements or awards.

Finally, a solicitor cover letter should end with a call to action, encouraging the employer to take the next step in the hiring process and contact the candidate.

Solicitor Cover Letter Writing Tips

Writing a cover letter for a solicitor role is often a daunting task, as there are many aspects to consider. However, if you take the time to craft a professional and persuasive cover letter, you will be one step closer to securing the job you desire. Here are some tips to help you write an effective cover letter for a solicitor role:

• Research the role and the organization: Take the time to research the role you are applying for and the organization you are applying to. Doing this will give you a better understanding of the kind of experience and qualifications they are looking for, and will help you tailor your cover letter to the specific requirements.
• Keep it concise: A cover letter should be no longer than one page, and should provide a succinct overview of your relevant experience and qualifications. Keep the focus on why you are the ideal candidate for the role, and avoid including irrelevant information.
• Tailor your letter: Every cover letter should be tailored to the specific role you are applying for. Use the job description as a guide to showcase your skills and experience that are relevant to the role.
• Highlight relevant experience: Use your cover letter to emphasize any relevant experience or qualifications you have that make you the ideal candidate for the role. Be specific and provide concrete examples if possible.
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm: Show your enthusiasm for the role and the organization by demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of the role, and highlighting the value you can bring to the organization.
• Proofread: Before sending your cover letter, it’s important to review it carefully and ensure there are no typos or errors. Have a friend or family member read it over too, as a fresh set of eyes can often pick up mistakes you may have missed.

By following these tips, you can create a professional and persuasive cover letter that will help you get noticed by potential employers. Good luck with your job

Common mistakes to avoid when writing Solicitor Cover letter

When you’re applying for a job, you want to make sure you do everything you can to stand out from the competition. A well- crafted cover letter can help you make a great first impression and gain the attention of potential employers. However, when it comes to writing a solicitor cover letter, there are some common mistakes that you want to avoid.

• Not Tailoring the Letter: It’s important to customize your cover letter for the position you’re applying for. Generic cover letters don’t give a potential employer a good impression and don’t show that you’ve done your research. Make sure you mention the job title and explain why you’re the best candidate for the role.
• Not Including Your Qualifications: Make sure to include your qualifications and professional experience in the cover letter. Talk about your previous job roles, any qualifications you have and any achievements you’ve earned. It’s also important to explain how your experience can benefit the company you’re applying to.
• Not Proofreading: Even if you think you’ve written a great cover letter it’s important to take the time to proofread it. Typos, spelling mistakes and grammar errors can give a poor impression and make you look careless. It’s best to proofread your cover letter several times and have someone else check it for you as well.
• Not Adding Your Contact Information: Don’t forget to include your contact information in the cover letter. Without this, prospective employers won’t be able to get in touch with you. Make sure to include your full name, address, email address and phone number.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a well- crafted cover letter that will make you stand out from other applicants. Taking the time to make sure you avoid these common mistakes will put you in a much better

Key takeaways

Writing an impressive solicitor cover letter is a great way to make a good first impression to potential employers. With the right approach, your cover letter can be a powerful tool to help you stand out from other applicants and secure an interview. Here are some key takeaways for writing an impressive solicitor cover letter:

• Keep it concise and to the point: Employers are busy and don’t want to read through long, verbose cover letters. Instead, make sure to keep your cover letter short and focus on highlighting the most relevant information to the job.
• Personalise your cover letter: Before you send out your cover letter, make sure to tailor it to the specific law firm and vacancy you’re applying for. Show the employer that you understand the role and what they’re looking for.
• Highlight your experience and skills: A great cover letter should make a strong case for why you’d be an ideal fit for the job. Make sure to emphasise your qualifications and professional experience that are relevant to the role.
• Research the firm: Researching the law firm and reading up on the company culture will give you a better understanding of the company values and help you tailor your cover letter to show that you align with them.
• Proofread your letter: Once you’ve finished writing your cover letter, don’t forget to proofread it. Check for typos, spelling mistakes, and any grammar issues. This will give you a more professional impression and help you stand out from the competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.how do i write a cover letter for an solicitor job with no experience.

When applying for a solicitor job with no experience, your cover letter should be carefully tailored to the job posting. You should focus on highlighting the skills and qualities that make you stand out from other applicants. Emphasize any volunteer work or internships that you had involving legal work, and talk about the experience you have gained from them. Demonstrate your knowledge of the field by mentioning any relevant courses you may have taken and any certifications you have obtained. Talk about how your experience in other fields may be relevant to the work you will be doing as a solicitor. Finally, end your cover letter with a statement of why you are the best candidate for the job.

2.How do I write a cover letter for an Solicitor job experience?

When writing a cover letter for a solicitor job with experience, focus on the specific job you’re applying for. Talk about any relevant experience you have, making sure to mention any professional organizations you are a part of or any awards you have won. Discuss any notable cases you have worked on and include any results. Mention any other positions of leadership that you have held and talk about your service record. Lastly, end your cover letter with a statement of why you are the right fit for this job.

3.How can I highlight my accomplishments in Solicitor cover letter?

Highlighting accomplishments in a solicitor cover letter is a great way to stand out from the competition. Focus on any relevant awards or recognitions you have received, such as honors, scholarships, or certifications. Talk about any landmark cases that you have been a part of, emphasizing any successes you have achieved. Mention any positions of leadership you have held in professional organizations, such as being a board member or chairperson. If you have any publications, mention those as well.

4.What is a good cover letter for an Solicitor job?

A good cover letter for a solicitor job should focus on the specific position you are applying for. Talk about the qualifications you have that make you the best candidate for the job, emphasizing any certifications or awards you have received. Mention any relevant experience you have, such as any work you have done in the field or any cases you have been involved in. Discuss any positions of leadership that you have held, such as being a part of a professional organization or a board member. Finally, end your cover letter with a statement of why you are the best fit for this job.

In addition to this, be sure to check out our cover letter templates , cover letter formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

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Solicitor Cover Letter Example

Solicitor jobs are in high demand, and a well-written cover letter can help you stand out from the competition. Here is a high quality Solicitor cover letter that you can use as a blueprint to write your own.   As a Solicitor, your responsibilities include providing legal advice and representing clients in various legal matters within the department. You would normally report to a Senior Solicitor or Partner and collaborate with other legal professionals, such as Paralegals and Legal Assistants, in the company.

Solicitor Cover Letter:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the position of Solicitor at your esteemed law firm, as advertised on your website. With my extensive legal expertise and passion for advocating justice, I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to your firm and provide exceptional legal services to your clients.

I recently completed my LLB degree at ABC Law School, where I graduated with distinction. During my academic journey, I consistently excelled in various law modules, including commercial law, criminal law, and litigation. My academic success, combined with my passion for legal research and analysis, has equipped me with a solid foundation in understanding complex legal concepts and applying them effectively in practice.

In addition to my academic achievements, I have gained practical experience as a legal intern at XYZ Law Firm, where I had the opportunity to work closely with high-profile clients on a wide range of cases. This experience has honed my ability to effectively communicate legal matters, conduct thorough legal research, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court proceedings. I have gained valuable insights into the solicitor’s role, including advising clients, negotiating settlements, and conducting legal due diligence.

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have developed exceptional organizational and time management skills. I prioritize attention to detail and I am highly adept at managing multiple cases simultaneously, ensuring that each client receives dedicated and quality representation. I also possess strong analytical skills, enabling me to quickly grasp complex legal issues, identify core problems, and devise innovative strategies to achieve favorable outcomes.

Furthermore, I am an excellent communicator, both orally and in writing. I am fluent in English, both spoken and written, and possess exceptional interpersonal skills, which have enabled me to build strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders. I firmly believe that effective communication is crucial in fostering trust, understanding, and successful outcomes in legal matters.

I am particularly drawn to your law firm due to its outstanding reputation for excellence, commitment to ethical practice, and dedication to providing exceptional legal services. Your firm’s diverse range of practice areas align well with my interests, and I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to further strengthen your team’s capabilities.

I am excited about the opportunity to join your firm and learn from the best in the legal industry. Enclosed is my resume detailing my academic qualifications, work experience, and achievements. I would greatly appreciate the chance to meet with you and discuss in person how my skills and experience can contribute to your firm’s success.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon and I am confident that I have the qualities and dedication necessary to excel as a Solicitor at your esteemed firm.

[Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

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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.

Related Cover Letters for Lawyers

Attorney cover letter.

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6 Things to Put in a Law Work Experience Cover Letter

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• How To Make The Most Out Of Your QWE

As the old adage goes “failing to plan is planning to fail”.

The same goes for your la work experience cover letter – it requires planning, and not regurgitation of your life experiences you feel would impress prospective employers.

Generally, your cover letter should be made up of the 3 C’s: Concise, Compartmentalized, Coherent . It is a piece crafted to convince your future employers of both your unique capabilities and suitability.

Here is a guide to planning your law work experience cover letter from start to end.

If you need to know how to write a training contract cover letter , check our training contract applications page

Law Work Experience Cover Letter Section 1: Briefly Introduce Yourself

Remember to introduce yourself first instead of diving into your skills, enthusiastic as you may be. Simple references to which year and which course you are taking in which university will do.

Also remember to indicate the reasons for your interest in the vacation scheme or work experience, such as to improve your legal skills, learn about the practicalities in the legal fraternity or the area of law you wish to specialise in.

Law Cover Letter Section 2: Detail Your Skills and How You Have Honed Them

Laying out your skills allows for scope and prevents verbosity. An example would be advocacy skills and you could mention mooting or public speaking competitions you have participated in.

Remember to take into account the skills that are relevant to the legal profession and to the firm. Some firms may have a client-centric vision so it will look good if you include skills such as interpersonal communication skills.

However, balance is key – do not be too self-deprecating or too arrogant. Assert your skills and take it as packaging your skills for that company.

Any successful vacation scheme/work experience application is a contract formed. So remember to provide “good consideration”.

Law Cover Letter Section 3: Areas of Contribution

Employers value individuals who are willing to serve. A vacation scheme or other work experience is also about contribution and learning from the ground.

It follows that your skills should be mentioned with a view to helping the organisation. Couching it in such an approach prevents you appearing boastful when you mention your skills.

Be clear and realistic as to how you can contribute. Bear in mind your status as a temporary staff, so things like “contributing to the big picture” are out of the question. Employers value grounded individuals who set realistic goals.

Examples include providing administrative and legal research assistance to the employer and assisting in cases.

Law Cover Letter Section 4: Discuss the Unique Traits of the Employer

Research is key to ensuring your cover letter does not resemble a carbon copy of the company’s vision or ethos, both of which are found on their website.

Look for practise trainees’ statements of commendation or choose an area of law the company specialises in and find out why they outperform other competitors. Is it their approach or unique values?

Statistics and quotes are good, but make sure they are not easily found on Google. Once again, effort is the discerning factor.

Legal Cover Letter Section 5: What You Hope to Learn from Your Work Experience

Be clear on your work experience objectives.

Remember, regardless of which year of study you are in, a vacation scheme or work experience will lead to your career destination. Therefore, there is no harm in indicating that your application is to ascertain if the company is a suitable fit for your work ethics and expectations.

While the firm has every right to choose whether you are retained, you retain the right to evaluate the company as well.

Of course, remember the words you choose affects your tone. For instance “I will” and “I would” has a marked difference in tone. Use modal verbs wisely too. Never hedge excessively when mentioning your skills but try to avoid “I am skilled in advocacy”. For obvious reasons.

Law Work Experience Cover Letter Section 6: Thank them for reading and leave contact details

Remember to thank them for reading and leave your contact details. It goes beyond courtesy, but also allows you to check if your email address is appropriate. If you realise your email address sounds rude or mildly inappropriate, then it probably is. Create one for professional purposes.

Remember to state when you are available and, if applicable, which area of law you hope to specialise in. This allows them to filter applicants based on interest and shows you have thought through career specialisation and have come to a conclusion.

In a nutshell, your cover letter should not be beyond a page or 700 words. Remember you are but one of many other applicants, so your points have to be concise.

Know how to market your potential and establish clearly why you think you suit the law firm. Get a few friends to proofread or even role-play as prospective employers and see if they are convinced by your cover letter. Keep calm and draft on.

All the best!

Published: 11/01/18         Author: Edwin Teong Ying Keat

Don’t Stop There – Get Some Work Experience With Help From TLP:

• Law Work Experience
• Vacation Schemes
• Vacation Scheme Applications
• Mini Pupillage
• Mini Pupillage Applications – On Paper and At Interview

The elusive vacation scheme. Considered by many to be half the battle in securing that all important training contract, but is it really necessary? And how do you go about getting one?

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How to Write a Legal CV and Cover Letter

Last Updated: Sep 06, 2024

First impressions always count. How you choose to present yourself on paper can make a big difference. This is the case not just at the start of your law career, but also as you climb the ladder.

Your legal CV and cover letter are your opportunities to stand out. They can set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate why you are the best possible fit for a particular role or organisation. Within the increasingly competitive and popular legal sector, it pays to make a positive, lasting impression.

Writing your legal CV

There’s no set length for a legal CV. It depends largely on your experience and the necessary attributes for the role you desire. Generally speaking, a legal CV will be no longer than three pages in length. We believe less is often more.

Before putting your fingers to the keyboard, remember that your legal CV should focus solely on providing factual information. Your supporting cover letter is where you can add in the narrative and personality to aid your application.

So, what information should your legal CV include?

Personal details

Your name, address, email and telephone number should all be clearly provided. If relevant, you may also add any appropriate professional websites or online links to support your application.

Education and academic qualifications

Your legal CV should list your academic qualifications (degree, A-levels, GCSE results), as well as details of any professional memberships and qualifications that directly relate to the practice of law. When referencing your degree, it is important to be clear about the areas of law that you have studied. This helps the recruiter to see, at-a-glance, where your current expertise lies and align this with the vacant position.

Work experience

A comprehensive list of accrued work experience, both paid and unpaid, should be provided chronologically. Your work history should include details of any company that you worked for, its location, your job title and your focus areas. Remember, it doesn’t necessarily have to be legal-focused but should always be relevant. Details should be given of your key roles and responsibilities, with an emphasis on the results achieved. This is an opportunity to demonstrate, factually, how this experience makes you a strong candidate for the vacancy. Depending on your level of work experience, you may consider splitting this out into areas of specialism or differentiating between paid and voluntary roles. Each position is a chance for you to reference the wider benefits of your time spent in previous roles. For example, developing leadership skills, learning delegation or growing commercial understanding.

IT skills and languages

Be honest and open about your level of proficiency with IT, detailing your skill level with popular software such as Microsoft Office, as well as any more specific IT software that may be relevant to the role. And if you speak any additional languages, be sure to outline your level of fluency. This could be another factor that sets you apart from the competition.

Personal interests

Your CV is your opportunity to demonstrate all of your relevant experience, not just in the workplace. Detailing your wider personal interests is your chance to offer a glimpse of the person that the recruiter may welcome. This is the case not just useful for the interview, but also for the hiring organisation. Use this to your full advantage. List activities and pursuits that will help you to stand out positively. This could be membership into a club or society at university, sporting achievements, awards you’ve received or community projects that you’ve been actively involved in.

Avoid everyday hobbies such as keeping fit, reading books or live music. Instead, concentrate on what has relevance to a law career or indicates a transferable skill set. These personal interests often serve as rich talking points during interviews, so be prepared to talk confidently and passionately about any information that you choose to include in your CV, if asked.

Depending on your personal circumstances, you may prefer not to list references on your CV, unless directly asked to do so. Instead, you can write ‘references available on request’. You should, however, be able and willing to quickly provide referees’ details before the interview if requested, so be sure to have two strong referees lined up in readiness. In most instances, your current or most recent employer will act as your first reference.

Writing a legal cover letter

A strong, well-researched and punchy cover letter is always worth the time and effort. It should never be treated as an afterthought to your CV. Your legal cover letter and CV should perfectly complement one another. It should give the recruiter the full picture of who you are and the value you bring to the table.

Your cover letter allows you to sell yourself to a potential new employer. It allows for you to demonstrate why you are a candidate that is well worth consideration and inviting for an interview.

A legal cover letter should be succinct, clear and highly targeted. This shows that you have undertaken your research and given due thought to why you are a strong fit for the organisation. Yet it should also grab attention, in a positive way. This is your crucial first impression and the start of building a relationship with what could end up being your future company, so start as you wish to go on. Put time, care and thought into the language used, how you present yourself and how you would like others to perceive you.

In one page or less, your legal cover letter should address the following:

• The position you are applying for and how you became aware of the vacancy.
• A brief summary of who you are, your current career stage and your circumstances. Explain, briefly and clearly, how your past paid or voluntary work experience, academic qualifications and, in some instances, personal interests add up to make you a strong asset to the business. If you can, be specific, link this directly to the vacancy or organisation that’s hiring.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the business, explaining why you have chosen to apply, what attracts you to the law firm and anything specific to their operations that has personally piqued your interest.
• Conclude with practicalities – explain that your CV is enclosed, outline when you are available for interview and, if relevant, answer any specific questions mentioned in the job vacancy.

Your cover letter should be tailored to a specific job or organisation. So, including keywords from the job advertisement within your letter can indicate both attention-to-detail and corporate alignment, as long as keywords are used sparingly and not blatantly!

And be confident in your language. While there’s a fine line to tread here, it’s important to be proud of what you have achieved and to understand, recognise and communicate your value. If you are unsure whether you have struck the right tone, don’t be afraid to ask a trusted friend to read your cover letter and give you their honest feedback on how you come across.

Can I use Qualifying Work Experience on my CV?

The intention of QWE is for it to be wide, varied and flexible. As a core part of the SQE, it will play a vital role in shaping the next generation of legal practitioners. QWE covers everything from working in a law clinic to providing voluntary legal support to a charitable organisation, to working as a paralegal. All that matters is that the work experience gives candidates the chance to build the skills and expertise needed to develop the necessary  solicitor competence requirements  to practise law.

As such, your legal CV should include any relevant work experience that demonstrates your competence to work in the legal profession. You should include details of the organisation, your responsibilities and your learnings from the experience. It all adds up to provide a full overview of the professional individual you are and the areas that matter most to you.

Top 5 legal CV tips

For over half a century, BARBRI has been a leader in training and supporting aspiring lawyers to grow and excel in their legal careers. Our innovative testing and learning technologies making us an ideal partner for future solicitors  preparing for the SQE .

Here are five expert tips to create a winning and memorable legal CV:

• Get to the point quickly:  resist the temptation to bulk your CV out with unnecessary words and overly complicated language. Always think with the recruiter in mind. What are they looking for and how can you show, swiftly, that you’re the right person for the job? Remember that the recruiter is likely to be short on time with many CVs to review, so grab their attention quickly.
• Avoid a personal profile at the top : it’s not necessary. A solid cover letter will tell the narrative of why you’re a great fit for the organisation. Leave your CV to concentrate just on the facts. If you’re concerned that alone won’t be enough for you to stand out, consider the use of bold and persuasive action words to accentuate your achievements and suitability.
• Don’t get personal:  the recruiter doesn’t need to see a photograph of you, or know your date of birth, marital status, nationality – or see your social media profiles (unless specified). Only include the essential information that’s relevant to the role you are applying for.
• Leave no gaps:  there shouldn’t be any unexplained periods in your work experience or employment history. If a gap exists, explain the reason for this and the learnings from this time. The more questions that your CV fails to answer, the less likely it is that you’ll be invited to that all-important first interview.
• Simple is always best:  your legal CV doesn’t need to look creative or visually striking. Often, garish and unusual formatting can count against you. Stick to a simple, clear and easy-to-understand layout. Don’t let trivial elements get in the way of your achievements and suitability for the position.

As a BARBRI student, during your SQE studies, you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability. There are regular webinars, workshops, a personal 1:1 careers service, and more, available to students throughout their studies. To find out more about career support on the SQE Prep,  visit this page here .

Access our dedicated  free Careers & Employability hub , designed to help you polish your CV, practise your interview skills and gain legal industry insight >

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How to write a cover letter for a law firm.

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We are a team of qualified lawyers from US, Magic Circle and Silver Circle law firms law firms.  We publish articles like this one every fortnight to give you the inside scoop on how to secure your training contract.

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.

Related posts

How to Answer "Why Commercial Law?"

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Solicitor cover letter example.

If you are looking to apply for a role as a Solicitor then you will be a qualified Solicitor able to advise clients on areas of law. Although solicitors can become specialists, in particular, areas, it is usually the role of a Legal Executive at the same level as a solicitor who specialises leaving solicitors free to do a more generalist law role.

You could be working in a practice with clients as individuals or working with businesses and dealing with companies and providing advice on a mass basis. Strong spoken and written communication skills are essential in order to be a good Solicitor.

Trainee solicitors can earn around £21,590 a year. Qualified solicitors can earn between £25,000 and £70,000 a year.

If you are ready to apply for the role as a Solicitor, please see the below covering letter which you can use as an example.

Jessica Brown

222 Every Road, Any Town, AA1 1BB __________________________________________

Mrs Jane Smith ABC Company All Streets Any Town YY1 1ZZ

Dear Sir/Madam,

Application for the role of Solicitor

I would like to apply for the role of Solicitor that I have seen advertised for (what practice, in what publication, when and any job reference).

I qualified as a Solicitor in (what year, and any more details) and have been working in a Law capacity starting as a legal assistant since (what year). I enjoy working in the legal practice and providing advice to my clients.

I have always had a client facing roles and feel that my communication skills are excellent. I like to ensure that I provide the best advice I possibly can to help my clients get a satisfactory outcome to their problems and concerns.

I like the more challenging cases and like to ensure that I do my own research very thoroughly so as not to miss anything that would be beneficial to the case.

I am a very organised person who pays great attention to detail. I enjoy my work and I am always interested in improving my skills for the better of my clients.

I have enclosed my CV for your consideration, should you be interested in my skills, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and CV.

Yours sincerely

NAME SURNAME

You should amend this letter example as suitable before using it for your job applications. Good luck.

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5 Tips for a Great Cover Letter (and samples)

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Cover Letter Format & Samples

Cover letters are a fantastic tool to introduce oneself in the job search process and are as significant as the resume. A cover letter provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate one’s interest in the organization and establish direct connections between the employer’s job description and one’s professional background. A well-crafted cover letter, tailored to the specific job and company of interest, and addressed to the right person, can make a lasting impression on the employer.

To make the cover letter effective, one must consider some universal tips and considerations when writing it. It is crucial to ensure that the cover letter is clear, concise, and free of errors. Using formal language and avoiding contractions can help maintain a professional tone. Choosing appropriate vocabulary and grammar can help maintain the original meaning of the text and convey a sense of expertise and professionalism, which is suitable for a business or academic setting. So, it is essential to take the time to craft a compelling cover letter that showcases one’s qualifications and skills to the employer in the best possible light.

In addition to the suggestions above, see our list of key considerations to crafting effective and valuable cover letters.

Cover Letter Tips

1. ) All margins should be approximately one-inch. Typically, a cover letter consists of three to four paragraphs.

2.) The font size should be easy to read. Times, Palatino or Helvetica are good choices. A font size of 12 pt. is preferable, but in some cases you may need to use 10.5 or 11 pt. font.

3.) Don’t be tempted to send “generic” letters. Each cover letter you write should be different, because each job and company you’re writing to is different. Make it easy for the reader to see the relevance of your qualifications to the job in question.

4.) Be sure to proofread each new cover letter you create so that it is free of errors.

5.) It is important to write to a specific person whenever possible.

In addition to these quick tips, check out our comprehensive  Job Search Letters  guide for more information on structuring cover letters and other job search documents.

• Sample 1:  Application Letter
• Sample 2:  Prospecting Letter

Finally, we know that some people work best when they have a format to follow. Especially when they are writing a document, like a cover letter for the first time. The following example reflects the correct business format to use when writing a cover letter:

Your name Return address City, State, Zip

Name of the contact person Title Company Name Address City, State, Zip

Dear Mr./Ms./First name Last name:

The opening paragraph states your reason for writing the letter. Mention a specific job of interest, or a particular department in which you are seeking work. If possible, mention how and when you learned about the job opening or the company, i.e., through a classified advertisement, a contact person or a career services professional. Be sure to mention the name of the person who suggested this job to you, especially if that person is highly respected within the company.

The middle paragraph is an opportunity to expand on the skills you have developed as they relate to this position. This should not merely repeat your resume. You can discuss your education and particular courses or skills attained while in college. If you’re an experienced person, you may wish to use this paragraph to describe your professional background and highlight any specific job experience that may be of particular interest to the organization and that will differentiate you from other applicants. You may need a second paragraph to fully describe your related abilities.

The next paragraph reflects the research you have done on that particular organization. Use company literature, a web site, or conversation with an employee of the organization as ways to gain knowledge about the organization. Explain why you are interested in the job, and convey your awareness of what the company does to show that you have done careful research.

In closing, reiterate your enthusiasm to be considered and ask for an interview. Either state a specific week you’ll make a follow-up phone call or mention an interest in having the contacted person call to set up an interview date. Specify how you can be contacted. Remember to thank the person for considering your application.

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10 Common causes of PII claims against solicitors

06 September 2024

It is helpful for law firms to know more about the common causes of PII claims. This can provide a focus for reviewing the policies and procedures that you currently have in place to manage risk.  

At Howden we have a dedicated team of specialists dealing exclusively with PII claims. This means we are well placed to identify the recurring issues and themes discussed below.  

1 www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/cyber-security-increase-claims-howden

2 www.sra.org/uk/sra/how-we-work/reports/cyber-security/.