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5 Attorney Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide in 2024
- Attorney Cover Letter
- Lateral Attorney
- Associate Attorney
- Senior Attorney
- Trademark Attorney
- Writing Your Best Attorney Cover Letter
As an attorney with unparalleled writing skills, legal acumen, and a knack for winning justice, your first challenge is to prove your worth. Although your history of victorious cases speaks volumes, securing a job hinges on the strength of your attorney resume and cover letter, highlighting your on-the-job skills and qualifications.
The task of crafting these documents might seem daunting, especially after long days filled with legal research and complex language. However, our resources, including a free cover letter builder , five attorney cover letter examples, and a comprehensive writing guide, are here to simplify the process.
With our assistance, you’ll easily write a cover letter that not only gets you noticed but also establishes a strong precedent for your career moves.
Attorney Cover Letter Example
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123 Fictional Lane Everett, WA (123) 456-7890
January 23, 2023
Heather Adams, Firm Administrator Reed McClure 1215 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1700 Seattle, WA 98161
Dear Ms. Adams:
I am impressed by Reed McClure’s commitment to practical knowledge and exceptional service as demonstrated by the extensive awards your attorneys have won. It is clear your team excels in a multitude of practices and has provided quality legal services to your community for quite some time. I would be honored to join your firm to independently manage civil litigation cases and provide attentive legal assistance to clients.
For the last three years, I have prepared, researched, and settled over 40 medical malpractice cases regarding surgical errors as an attorney for Thomas J. Henry Law. While there, my focus revolved around intense investigation and testing to determine validity of evidence. Using this method, I tried and won two jury trials for local medical providers, resulting in full compensation for both clients.
During my time as an insurance attorney with Cross Insurance Agency, I drew up legal documents, clarified misunderstandings, and reviewed all legal documentation before completion. During my two years with the company, I caught roughly 200 false claims. Many were exaggerations of losses owned to the policyholder, but several were completely fictitious incidents. Through careful claim investigations, we successfully mediated 93 percent of cases internally without going to trial.
My goal has always been to provide clients with trustworthy, honest service that makes clients feel safe and valued. Reed McClure shares my vision of providing litigation services to improve the lives of both clients and the community. At your convenience, I welcome the chance to further demonstrate how our goals are aligned and how I can personally contribute to Seattle’s civil case resolution.
Nastasiya Vlasenko
Enclosures: Resume Job application Writing sample
Why this cover letter works
- Just as you would for your resume, include metrics in your attorney cover letter. If you drafted a new substantive motion, explain how your efforts created a positive impact for the client or company.
- As much as you can, include experience that matches the attorney job description .
- If you don’t have experience in the chosen field, share your transferable skills and your eagerness to transition to a new practice area.
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Lateral Attorney Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Lateral Attorney cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Columbus, OH 43201 (123) 456-7890
November 26, 2023
Evelyn Martinez Bricker & Eckler 123 Fictional Lane Columbus, OH 43201
Dear Ms. Martinez:
I wholeheartedly concur that every legal case has its unique rhythm and story, much like a well-orchestrated symphony, and I share Bricker & Eckler commitment to delivering exceptional service to every client. Given my knack for untangling complex legal issues, I’m suited for the lateral attorney role, well-equipped with experience in drafting legal documents, trial preparation, and client counseling.
While operating in a senior role at Stavroff Law Firm, my fascination with the intricacy of legal document drafting grew. I drafted 750+ intricate contracts and legal instruments, effectively outlining the rights, obligations, and remedies of parties. This key role drastically increased client satisfaction.
Moving on to my tenure at the legal department of OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, my focus was on trial preparation. Here, I fine-tuned my skills, extracting crucial information from the mounds of documentary evidence obtained through discovery. I prepared an impressive 374 trial-ready cases for the firm, contributing to a 32% increase in our victory ratio.
Earlier in my career at Frost Brown Todd, it was the responsibility of client counseling that deepened my passion for law. Aided by legal tech software like Clio and MyCase, my interactions fostered more solid relationships with our clientele. There was a noticeable 22% acceleration in case resolution times, enhancing the overall client satisfaction and trust.
Believing that each legal case affects real lives, not just abstract principles and statutes excites me about the prospect of working at Bricker & Eckler. Much like a conductor brings every instrument together for a powerful finale, my goal is to orchestrate successful case outcomes. I’d be thrilled to discuss how I can contribute to your renowned team. Thank you for considering my application.
Ava Johansson
- It’s like riding back in time through your career, starting from your latest, most senior roles and backward to the junior positions. You bet the recruiter will be hooked on an intriguing tale of your progression from rookie phases to the top leagues.
Associate Attorney Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Associate Attorney cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Charlotte, NC 28201 (123) 456-7890
Henry Robinson Alston & Bird 123 Fictional Lane Charlotte, NC 28201
Dear Mr. Robinson:
As I reflected on the journey of a close friend, who, after a challenging legal dispute, finally secured justice thanks to exemplary legal representation, I was prompted to explore opportunities at Alston & Bird. With advanced legal analysis skills, articulate communication, and a solid sense of empathy, I’m ready to enhance your team’s solid legal track record and contribute to excellent legal outcomes for your clients.
At Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, I exercised my legal writing and drafting proficiency to compose 217 cogent documents ranging from pleadings to briefs. That proved instrumental in facilitating successful case outcomes, ultimately increasing the firm’s success rate by 27%.
During my tenure at Morgan Law, another Charlotte-based firm, my adeptness in legal analytics allowed me to excel in stratagem and risk assessment. Using legal research tools like LexisNexis and Westlaw, I pinpointed case-winning legal authorities and devised assertive legal arguments that bolstered the firm’s victory ratio by an impressive 34%.
Early in my career at Hunton Andrews Kurth, I argued passionately on behalf of clients in appellate courts. Here, I contributed to a 17% rise in overturned judgments thanks to clear articulation and crafting persuasive legal arguments.
As an associate attorney, I’m deeply committed to skilfully navigating the legal playing field. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skill set can further elevate Alston & Bird’s esteemed legal team. Thank you for considering my application.
Jayden Patel
- Just like Jayden recalls his friend’s legal tussle, all thanks to remarkable representation, a powerful personal narrative instantly captures the attention and sets the right tone for the rest of the masterpiece.
Senior Attorney Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Senior Attorney cover letter!
Valente Ferreira [email protected] Indianapolis, IN 123-456-7890
Andrea Lutz, Director of Advancement Conservation Law Center, Inc. 116 South Indiana Bloomington, IN 47408
Dear Ms. Lutz:
The Conservation Law Center’s mission to provide legal assistance to conservation organizations exemplifies my goals as a senior attorney. Throughout my career, I have offered at least 60 hours a year of pro bono work surrounding environmental law. The senior staff attorney position at your law center is a way to combine my passion for conservation, my love of mentorship, and my years of experience to provide assistance where needed most.
During my time as an associate general counsel at the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS), I provided legal assistance for all documentation and initiatives, including presentations and chapter events. Most of my time was spent communicating with INPS partners and external parties to grow trust and build strong relationships. By my second year, we had increased our external funding from partners by 38 percent and grown our community reach by 20 percent.
As a senior associate with Pincus & Associates, PC, I mentored summer and junior associates throughout their onboarding process. After the initial training period, I realized many mentees struggled with repeat issues, such as voir dire and preparing witnesses. To combat this, I created video lectures and PowerPoint slides to help them build their litigation skills. After two months of video training, the new hires completed double the number of tasks, and their client satisfaction scores rose by 18 percent.
I am ready to conserve Indiana’s native flora and fauna by contributing my legal expertise to societies such as the Conservation Law Center. I would be honored to supervise your legal team, lead cases, and build relationships with your partners. I deeply respect your efforts toward saving our environment, and I look forward to meeting with you in the future.
Valente Ferreira
- In your senior attorney cover letter, follow an outline (like the one we’ll provide in a bit) to ensure you’re including the necessary details.
- Specifically for your body paragraphs, shoot for three objectives: explaining your experience, a specific task or requirement you accomplished, and what resulted from it.
- Derive a theme (or multiple) from the organization’s mission or job description to center your cover letter around; then, include details from your experience that relate to that theme.
Trademark Attorney Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Trademark Attorney cover letter!
123 Fictional Lane Cumberland, RI (123) 456-7890
Becky Lukacs, Senior Talent Acquisition Hasbro 1027 Newport Avenue Pawtucket, RI 02862
Dear Ms. Lukacs:
When I heard you needed a trademark and copyright attorney, I started my application right away. Hasbro played a huge part in my childhood and still binds my family and friends together every time we play Monopoly or Betrayal. I believe gaming and entertainment have deeper impacts on our culture than many realize, and it’s my vision to help Hasbro create and protect its trademarks, so future generations can continue to enjoy quality entertainment.
As an associate attorney with KPMG, my team and I worked to provide quality service to over 90 clients. I managed legal risks by proactively identifying legal issues and suggesting revisions to resolve disagreements, prevent non-compliance, and drive future action. By the end of my time there, I had annually exceeded our sales targets by 19 percent and added 7 new clients through referrals.
Later, as a trademark attorney for Classics United Entertainment, I had the opportunity to work with a cross-functional team of designers, actors, producers, directors, and artists to create trademarks for all six departments within the Spears & Things division. For each trademark, I conducted a rigorous trademark clearance search to ensure trademark law compliance and eligibility. Once completing the trademark clearance process, my team and I successfully gave our efforts to developing clearance search procedures for future legal staff, creating a cohesive system across the three CUE divisions.
Establishing unity through trademark creation and protection has been a hallmark throughout my career, and I endeavor to do the same at Hasbro. I’m inspired by Hasbro’s ability to promote creativity, empathy, and ethical action across the globe, and I’m eager for the chance to protect and maintain your assets as your trademark and copyright attorney. Thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours respectfully,
Stella Drake
Enclosures: Resume J.D. transcript Writing sample USPTO Law School Clinic Certificate
- It’s okay to get a little personal if you can connect it with the job description. Use your experiences and knowledge of the company to discuss a goal, ideal, or passion you both share.
- Not every past position you’ve held will perfectly fit this new role, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t transferable skills you can include in your trademark attorney cover letter.
- Scour the attorney job ad for general responsibilities instead of strict specifics. Look for keywords like “collaboration,” “develop,” “identify,” and “research;” then incorporate positions where you used those job skills .
Need a Matching Resume for Your Attorney Cover Letter?
You can start editing this template immediately, you can choose a template that matches the first two attorney cover letter samples, or you can choose a completely different resume template . They’re all free, and they’re all there to make your life a little easier as you work on securing your next attorney position.
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Beat the Competition with Your Best Attorney Cover Letter
As an attorney, you know how you can best help your client, but do you know how to advocate for yourself? Your cover letter must present a favorable argument for your qualifications, exhibit knowledge of the company, and relate your skills to the job description’s requirements—all with a professional yet ardent tone.
It’s a lot, but if anyone can effectively present their accomplishments to a tough crowd, it’s you. Write a hard-hitting attorney cover letter with these simple tips.
Tip 1: Due diligence is a must
There’s no point in submitting a generic cover letter . If your cover letter looks like it’s been submitted to multiple organizations, employers will assume you’re not all that interested in the job.
Moreover, if your cover letter doesn’t speak to their job description, they’ll assume you aren’t a good fit. Instead, hit the books (figuratively) and research the company. Then address their specific needs based on what you find online and in their job description.
If you reveal a strong link between your qualifications and their requirements, employers will be hard-pressed not to consider you.
Tip 2: Detail a couple of major accomplishments
No one likes a broken record, so your attorney cover letter can’t simply repeat your resume. A cover letter’s purpose is to relate your experiences and skills to the company in a way your resume can’t.
A cover letter also gives you the space to examine specific accomplishments in detail. You may argue that you’ve covered everything in your resume, but we know that’s not the case. Go beyond the basics to explore the motivations behind your achievements and how they reveal your value on the job. Are you exceptionally thorough? Find a task that highlights your attention to detail. Are you a whiz at research? Integrate that detail into a metric about your cases.
Here’s one example that gives you a glimpse into the candidate’s methods and motivations.
As a senior associate with Pincus & Associates, PC, I mentored summer and junior associates throughout their onboarding process. After the initial training period, I realized many mentees were struggling with repeat issues, such as voir dire and preparing witnesses. To combat this, I created video lectures and PowerPoint slides to explain procedures and laws surrounding the issues and gave examples, both good and bad. After two months of video training, the new hires completed double the number of tasks, and their client satisfaction scores rose by 18 percent.
These examples show the candidate’s passion for the job and their relevant experience. Moreover, the candidate demonstrates the value they’ll bring to their next role.
Tip 3: Nail down a winning tone & persuasive message
You’ve successfully incorporated your research, accomplishments, and personal style into your cover letter, but a cover letter is more than that. Here comes the tricky part: adjusting your message and tone.
The correct message and tone can mean the difference between getting dismissed or getting noticed. Remember, although we’ve compared a cover letter to a trial, your letter shouldn’t sound like a cross-examination. It also shouldn’t come across as flattering, casual, or confusing.
Think of your cover letter as the pre-interview. It’s a way to get your foot in the door and encourage further communication. Nailing the right message and tone isn’t easy, but there is good news: unlike a trial, you can start over.
Revision plays a huge part in writing cover letters. No one has a perfect first draft, and oftentimes, even the second or third drafts aren’t ideal (ask us how many times we’ve revised our cover letter examples). Luckily, you can keep revising and editing until you have an error-free draft that accurately sums up your experience and fervor for the job.
If you think your judgment isn’t perfectly sound, you can appeal to a coworker and ask them to suggest edits. Their new perspective is more likely to catch content errors and grammatical faux-pas.
Think of your cover letter as the pre-interview. It’s a way to get your foot in the door and encourage further communication.
All that’s left is one last round of revision before you save it and send in your application to the attorney job you’ve been eyeing.
How to Format an Attorney Cover Letter
Building arguments are your strong suit, which will help you immensely when writing your cover letter. But even the most experienced of writers can find themselves paralyzed by the blank page. Use our outline to build a case employers can’t refuse.
Attorney cover letter header and greeting
Your contact info: Don’t leave your future employer wondering how to contact you. Include your email, number, and address (city and state) at the top of your cover letter. Many employers also like to see your LinkedIn profile.
- Formatting: Don’t include your name in the address, whether in a template or block format. In block format, you’ll only need to include your name in the signature. In a template, your name goes on the letterhead, too.
Date: Adding a date to your cover letter is a professional touch, and it can help both you and the employer keep track of your documents. Just change the date to reflect the actual day you submit your application.
- Formatting: Write out the full date, e.g. January 3, 2023.
Inside address: Although a virtual cover letter doesn’t need to be sent by post, you should still include the employer’s address, also known as the inside address. Include the hiring manager’s name, their official title, and the company’s physical location.
Some companies are a bit tricky to track down, especially if they have multiple locations. Scouring Facebook, LinkedIn, and the company’s website usually yields favorable results. Also, check the job description—sometimes they specify where or to whom your documents should be sent. If there are multiple locations, use the address of the location in which you’ll work.
- Formatting : Each part of the address should be on a new line. Double-space between the inside address and greeting.
Greeting: Every word of your cover letter matters, including your greeting (also called the salutation). A poor greeting indicates a lack of etiquette (dangerous in the highly competitive legal field). The good news? A good greeting is pretty easy to get right. Use “dear” and the name of the hiring manager.
- Formatting: Plenty of letters use a comma in the greeting, but colons are more professional, especially for an attorney.
Attorney cover letter introduction
Introduction: Applying to job after job might get monotonous, but your opener has to sound genuinely excited. Don’t underestimate the power of sincere enthusiasm for the organization and knowledge of its operations. It can also help to include personal details to empathize with the employer. Although, we would urge you not to include intimate details like this:
Your law firm values hard work and dedication, which sums up my career. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to become a lawyer. I even acted out cases with my stuffed animals! As I grew older, I made sure I received top marks in every class so I could attend Harvard, the law school of my dreams. My commitment was so intense that I never had a relationship that lasted more than 3 months, but it was so worth it.
Although this opener definitely keeps the hiring manager reading, it’s probably because they find your cover letter funny (also known as you don’t stand a chance) instead of compelling. It’s far too personal and has no real relevance to the job. Instead, include details that relate to the company and what you can offer:
Here, Valente explains his background in environmental law and why he wants to work for the company. He leaves no doubt that he wants to work for them specifically, which will make any hiring manager take notice.
Attorney cover letter body
Body paragraphs: Each paragraph should substantiate your claims in the opening paragraph. Your space is limited, so focus on the highlights. Ideally, keep each paragraph focused on one accomplishment like this:
Although this paragraph isn’t focused on one task, it is focused on one process, and one aspect of that process in particular. Stella explains the overall trademark clearance process but keeps the focus on teamwork with phrases like “work[ing] with a cross-functional team” and “[giving] our efforts.” She effectively shows her legal abilities and her team-building strategy, both of which bode well for future employers.
Attorney cover letter closing
Closing paragraph: Good endings are hard to achieve because they have to leave the recruiters both curious yet satisfied. Scale back and reiterate the big-picture view of your values and qualifications and how they align with what the company/organization needs. End with a call to action that encourages the employer to reach out. Just don’t fall into arrogance like this:
This job requires someone who has years of experience and who values justice. In that case, I am your perfect candidate. In my 10 years of work, I have never lost a case, and I love to argue until everyone knows I’m right. I know I can win the most cases for your company; reach out to me if you want to hire a winner.
Not only is this arrogant, but it’s also unprofessional. Instead, write something that humbly indicates your enthusiasm:
This close reminds the employer of the candidate’s persona, values, and aligned goals. It’s also clear that a follow-up is desired and anticipated.
- Formatting : Single-space your paragraphs, but double-space in between paragraphs.
Signature: Mind your manners and say “thank you” if you haven’t already said it in the closing paragraph. Then, sign off with a professional closer along with your name.
Respectfully,
- Formatting : If you’re presenting any hard copies of your attorney cover letter, quadruple space to sign your name in blue/black ink.
Enclosure(s): This is an important piece to include although many cover letters miss it. This section delineates any other documents you’re attaching, which shows employers you’ve done your research regarding their requests and requirements. In addition to your resume, you may need to include documents like your law school transcript, a writing sample, and/or the job application.
- Formatting : Use the singular or plural form of “enclosure” depending on what you’re enclosing.
Your Dream Attorney Role Awaits…Almost
Your cover letter is finished! Case closed, right? Objection—you still have to perfect your attorney resume . Both resume and cover letter work in tandem to affirm and defend your qualifications, so both must be polished and complete.
But don’t stress—we have you covered. We offer free modern resume templates for you to use, or you can try one of our Word resume templates (there’s one created especially for a lawyer). You can craft a winning resume in no time; in fact, if you like this attorney resume example, you can begin editing it now.
Senior Attorney Resume
Need a resume to pair with your Senior Attorney cover letter?
Whether you’re outlining your resume or checking it over a final time, an AI resume generator will help you identify gaps and errors. We’re here for you every step of the way, so you can keep doing what you do best—fighting for justice.
You know the significance of formalities in the legal profession, so optimizing the greeting is an important step. Carefully review the attorney job description to see if a hiring manager or decision-making partner is listed as a contact person. Additionally, check the law firm’s website or LinkedIn profiles to see if you can find the name of a specific person in charge of hiring. If you still can’t find anything, you can simply lead off with “Dear [Name of Law Firm] hiring staff” or a similar greeting.
Legal cover letters should be more formal than other careers. Think about all the formal correspondence you must write up for contracts and legal proceedings. However, you should still review the job description’s tone to determine the level of formality. Some firms do value a more friendly and casual atmosphere, so adjusting your tone in those instances is a good idea.
Consider the stylistic choices you’d make when writing up a case brief for a client. Everything should be concise, well-spaced, in an easy-to-read 11-12 point font, and ideally addressed to a specific person. It helps present a professional feel and allows hiring managers to easily identify your top skills in aspects like settlements and tort laws.
Lawyer Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates & Tips for 2024)
You've come a long way to reach your legal goals.
From your early dreams to helping justice thrive to making a career in the world of law, your journey has been amazing.
But as you’re preparing for your next big professional step, there's a challenge: writing a great lawyer cover letter.
We don’t blame you; showing off your legal skills can be tough.
That’s why, in this article, we'll help you create a cover letter that highlights your skills and gets you closer to your dream legal job.
Here’s what’ll cover:
- An Outstanding Lawyer Cover Letter Example
- 5 Essential Steps to Crafting a Top-tier Legal Cover Letter
- 3 Lawyer Cover Letter Tips
...and much more!
Lawyer Cover Letter Example
5 Steps for the Perfect Law Cover Letter
You've just had a glimpse of what a stellar cover letter looks like, and now you're well-equipped to craft your own .
It's as simple as following a few straightforward steps to make it shine, starting with:
#1. Put Contact Information in the Header
Your cover letter should start with your contact information neatly placed in the header, just like on your resume.
Here's what you should include:
- Full Name: Your complete name should be at the top of the page.
- Professional Title: Tailor your professional title to match the precise job you're seeking. Hiring managers juggle applications for several roles at the same time, so making the position you’re interested in clear can help make their lives easier.
- Email Address: Opt for a professional and straightforward email address, like a combination of your first and last name. Those quirky high school email addresses won't cut it. (e.g., [email protected] is good, but [email protected] isn't)
- Phone Number: Ensure the number you provide is accurate for easy contact. If you're applying for an international position, include the appropriate dial code.
- Location: Typically, your city and state or country suffice. However, if you're pursuing a remote position or considering relocation, make that clear in your lawyer cover letter.
- Relevant Links (Optional): You can include links to pertinent websites or social media profiles, such as your LinkedIn.
Next, it's time to include the hiring manager's details:
- Company Name: Specify the name of the company you're applying to.
- Hiring Manager's Name: If possible, identify the hiring manager for the department you're interested in. You can check the job listing, the company's website, or their LinkedIn page to find this information.
- Hiring Manager's Title: If you discover the name of the hiring manager for the specific job listing and realize they're the head of the department, use that instead of "Hiring Manager."
- Location: Mention the city, state, or country, particularly for globally operating companies. If you want to be more specific, you can add the company's exact street address.
- Email Address (Optional): If available, include the hiring manager's email address.
- Date of Writing (Optional): Consider adding the precise date when you composed your cover letter for a professional touch.
#2. Address the Hiring Manager
After jotting down all the necessary contact details, ensure you address your cover letter to its intended audience.
And, skip the old-fashioned "To Whom It May Concern" while you’re at it.
The way you address your cover letter can set a positive tone with the recruiter, especially if you give it some thought.
Start with a bit of digging around. Scour the job advertisement, law firm's website, or LinkedIn profile to pinpoint the person in charge of hiring for the position you're eyeing. A bit of effort can help you discover their name and email contact.
Next, greet them respectfully. Opt for Ms. or Mr., followed by their surname. If you're uncertain about their gender or marital status, simply use their complete name. For instance:
- Dear Mr. Thompson,
- Dear Jordan Thompson,
If you can’t find out their details, though, no worries! You can address your letter to the specific department or the law firm more broadly:
- Dear Legal Department,
- Dear Legal Hiring Committee,
- Dear HR Selection Team,
- Dear Lead Attorney,
#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement
Hiring managers often spend just seven seconds scanning an application to decide whether it’s worth their time and attention.
So, it's crucial to grab their attention fast with your lawyer cover letter.
Start your cover letter with your name and why you're interested in the legal job. Show your passion for law to make them want to know more about you.
Researching the law firm also helps. Knowing about their work and values lets you show what a great fit you’d be for the job. Not to mention, it proves you're really interested in this specific role, not just any role out there.
If you've got lots of legal experience, mention an important achievement , like a big case you've won, or special skills you have that are relevant to the position. But remember to keep your introduction short. Your aim is to get the hiring manager to read the rest of your cover letter.
Check out our other cover letter examples to write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.
#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details
The main part of your legal cover letter lets you explain why you're the right fit for the job in more detail.
The trick here is to not merely repeat your lawyer resume. This is where you get to put your top legal skills and experiences into the spotlight. Your goal? To show the hiring manager you're the best choice among all the candidates.
For starters, mention any big achievements in law and explain how you accomplished them or what skills it took you. Let the job ad guide you through for the best possible outcome. For example, if the role you’re gunning for is related to intellectual property law, focus on your knowledge of that instead of other law areas.
Additionally, show that you know about the firm's big cases or how they work. This proves you're really interested in working with them and that you fit their culture.
End by showing how passionate you are about the role. Say how you believe you can add value to their team with your legal skills and experience.
Also, make sure to avoid making any of these common cover letter mistakes to make sure your application is spotless.
#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It
Ending your cover letter is like giving a strong closing in court.
Make sure your ending leaves the hiring manager convinced about your abilities and interested in calling you in for an interview. It should build trust in what you offer and remove any doubts that you may not be the right fit for the role.
Your cover letter’s ending is your time to summarize your top legal skills and why you're a great fit for their team. Alternatively, talk about your biggest achievements or the unique things you can bring to the table.
After that, urge the hiring manager to take the next step by including a call to action. That could be a chat or an in-person meeting. This shows you're invested in the position and could help you get an interview.
Finally, when you sign off, stay professional. End with a simple sign-off and your full name. For example:
Should you wish for further clarification or insights regarding my legal qualifications, please reach out via the provided email or contact number. I eagerly anticipate the prospect of delving deeper into how I can contribute to your esteemed legal firm.
Yours sincerely,
If you feel "Yours sincerely" is rather commonplace, here are some alternative sign-offs tailored for the legal profession:
- In utmost respect,
- With appreciation,
- Thank you for your due consideration,
3 Essential Law Cover Letter Tips
You've mastered the cover letter fundamentals! Let's step it up and delve into some key cover letter tips specifically designed for lawyers to make your letter truly stand out:
#1. Match Your Resume
When applying for a legal position, consistency is your best friend.
Make sure your cover letter matches your resume visually as much as it matches it in content quality. This will help you come across as attentive to detail and well-organized.
Your name and contact details should sit tidily on the page. Also, keep your fonts and their sizes uniform throughout both documents. Remember to also adjust the margins and space between lines to keep your cover letter to a single page .
Ready to make a great impression?
Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead
Starting from scratch can be a drag.
Take advantage of our cover letter templates for a swift fix. Together with our free resume templates , they can be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Made hand-in-hand with global hiring pros, they hit all industry marks and just pop. Go on, match that resume with style!
#2. Emphasize Your Achievements
Highlighting your achievements isn't just about a humble brag; it's about showcasing the tangible results of your dedication and expertise.
When hiring managers sift through stacks of cover letters, they're not just looking for claims. They want evidence. They want to see that spark of exceptional talent and commitment. Achievements offer a snapshot of what you've accomplished and hint at what you're capable of achieving in the future.
Now, here's the tricky part. While your resume might list your achievements in bullet points, your cover letter should weave them into a compelling narrative. Think of it as telling a story, where your achievements serve as key plot points and demonstrate your ability to handle challenges and achieve results.
For instance, instead of just stating you led a high-profile case, delve a bit into the complexities of the case and how your innovative approach made a difference. Link these accomplishments directly to the requirements of the job you're applying for. This not only reinforces your capabilities but also illustrates your deep understanding of the role.
#3. Add Any Relevant Links
Including relevant links in your cover letter is like opening a door for hiring managers to step right into your professional world. While your resume provides a structured outline of your career journey, links offer a more dynamic glimpse into your accomplishments, be it published articles, notable cases, or a well-curated LinkedIn profile.
Imagine the hiring manager's perspective. They’re intrigued by your cover letter and think you might be a good fit. Now, instead of Googling you or hunting down that specific case you mentioned, they have instant access via a link you provided. It's immediate, efficient, and showcases your proactive nature.
Links also offer a chance for you to steer the narrative. By guiding hiring managers to specific pages or platforms, you're highlighting the parts of your career you're most proud of. It might be a detailed portfolio, showcasing your prowess in legal briefs, or perhaps glowing recommendations on your LinkedIn profile.
Key Takeaways
And that’s all there is to crafting a stellar lawyer cover letter! Hopefully, you’re on track to secure that ideal legal position in no time.
But before you send off your cover letter, here are some main points from our article:
- Start your lawyer cover letter by detailing both your contact information and that of the hiring attorney or law firm's HR representative. Ensure your details are accurate so that they can reach out to you for a potential interview.
- The opening paragraph of your lawyer's cover letter should capture the interest of the hiring party, compelling them to continue reading.
- In the main section of your cover letter, emphasize your most notable achievements and skills that align with the legal role you're pursuing.
- It's effective to include a persuasive call to action towards the conclusion of your law firm cover letter, prompting the hiring party to consider calling you or arranging an interview.
- Maintain a consistent design between your cover letter and resume. If you're short on time, think about using one of our resume and cover letter templates for a cohesive appearance.
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