cover letters to law firms

Trending News

Related Practices & Jurisdictions

• Labor & Employment
• Law Office Management
• All Federal

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

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

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

Why a Strong Cover Letter Matters

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

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

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

What Is a Cover Letter for Lawyers?

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

Your cover letter should be:

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

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

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

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

How to Address a Cover Letter for Lawyers

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

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

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

Cover Letter Introduction

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

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

Cover Letter Body

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Letter Conclusion

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

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

Tips to Stand Out

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

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

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

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

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

Sample Cover Letters for Inspiration

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

Law student cover letter

Graduate with previous experience cover letter

Experienced IP attorney cover letter

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

Final Thoughts

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

Current Legal Analysis

More from practicepanther, upcoming legal education events.

Sign Up for e-NewsBulletins

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.

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

How to Write Cover Letter for Law Firms: Samples & Writing Tips

Table of Contents

As you might already know, law firms’ application process is quite different from other types of jobs. While most employers send out CVs, cover letters are treated differently here and the rules are stricter. The cover letter plays a key role in a person’s resume or CV – it attracts the eye first and gives plenty of information to the person who will read it. However, if you’re looking for writing tips on how to write a cover letter for law firms (and even better – how to write an amazing cover letter), then keep reading!

1 . Portray Excellent Communication Skills

In order to be considered for a position as an attorney, you must demonstrate your ability to interact with individuals from different backgrounds. You’ll frequently communicate with your clients, the opposing legal team, expert witnesses, and your staff. Therefore, it’s crucial that you demonstrate to the hiring manager in the cover letter your great communication skills.

Describe your abilities in both written and spoken communication to accomplish this. The more written and spoken samples of each sort of communication you 

2. Name your motivation & Curiosity Factors

Legal counselors are continuously searching for up-and-comers who have serious areas of strength for a record of progress, however, they likewise need to ensure they’re recruiting people with the drive to continue to learn. To show that you have the stuff to find true success as a lawyer, feature your scholarly interest and inspiration in your cover letter. For instance, make sense of how you arranged for tests by perusing ongoing case points of reference or how you routinely go to systems administration occasions facilitated at nearby law offices

3. Customize your Cover Letter

Law offices are accustomed to getting cover letters — so many of them as a matter of fact, that they’re much of the time just skimmed over and not offered the consideration they merit. To get seen, you want a stellar opening line and modified content framing why you need to work for their firm. To compose a compelling opening line for a law office introductory letter:

Contact individuals working at the office through LinkedIn and request guidance or help in creating your resume/ cover letter. Utilize explicit models from past work encounters that feature how you can add to this specific organization’s objectives. Request somebody who works there what perspective from the gig they saw as generally fascinating/testing. Utilize this data as motivation while expounding on why you need this position.

4. Proofread your Cover Letter

While going after a job as a lawyer, it is essential to have areas of strength for language and legitimate sentence structure. In your cover letter, you’ll need to keep away from any slip-ups in spelling or grammar. Recall that businesses will take a gander at your composing style and check whether you have the fundamental abilities required for the gig prior to welcoming you for an interview.

Samples to get an overview on how you can curate the perfect newsletters 1. Sample cover letter of Harvard Law School 2. Sample cover letter provided by Columbia Law School 3. 11 samples of cover letter BU education   4. Samples by KU Law  

Summing up There are a lot of things that will improve your odds of getting a job at a law firm. Among them are top-notch grades, proficient writing skills, and outstanding professional experience. But even if you have all of those assets working for you, you’re still not guaranteed a job in a firm. You still need to impress the firm by submitting an application. For your application to be effective, it needs to be professionally written.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Related posts.

How to Structure Your In-House Legal Department for Smooth Workflows

What Is a Special Counsel in the US and What Role Do They Play?

Remote Online Notarization: How it is Beneficial for Modern Law Firms

AI Ethics Opinions: Bar Associations’ Guidance on AI Implementation

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

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

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

Why a Strong Cover Letter Matters

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

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

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

What Is a Cover Letter for Lawyers?

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

Your cover letter should be:

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

How to Address a Cover Letter for Lawyers

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

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

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

Cover Letter Introduction

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

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

Cover Letter Body

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Letter Conclusion

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

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

Tips for Lawyers to Make Their Cover Letter Stand Out

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

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

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

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

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

Sample Legal Cover Letters

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

Download as PDF

Want a copy of this article? Download it for free!

Related Articles

Outsourcing for law firms: how to seek assistance.

A lawyer’s primary focus should always be on the law, but law firms that are short-st...

5 Law Practice Management Software Myths Debunked

As a whole, the legal industry is traditional and adverse to change. Like other tradi...

What Software Is Used in a Law Firm?

Find out which software solutions today's leading lawyers are using to stay ahead in ...

Kamron Sanders

Kamron Sanders is the Senior Content Marketing Specialist at PracticePanther, an all-in-one legal practice management software. She is responsible for creating engaging content across multiple channels including social media, articles, videos, and more. Kamron views marketing through a customer-focused lens and equips legal professionals with the information and tools to automate their practice.

Subscribe for Updates

Learn how to grow your firm and get tips to save you time and automate your work, straight to your inbox.

Download PDF

Submit this form to download this article as a PDF file.

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Firm Name *

By submitting this form, you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Start your free trial today

PracticePanther is the leading legal practice management software. Start a free trial today and discover the power of automation at your firm.

By creating an account, you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Download the Buyer's Guide to Law Firm Software

Maximize the security of your law firm's confidential information and improve productivity with the right law firm software. Explore crucial features to look for when choosing your law firm software.

Law practice management software made easy

We help you do right by your clients and get you home for dinner on time. Win-win.

Already have an account? Login

How to Write a Cover Letter for Law Firms

Finding a job is becoming increasingly difficult in this economic climate. The legal industry has always been a competitive one. Just as it is the desired industry for legal practitioners, individuals and businesses continue to seek legal advice. There will always be jobs for people who are motivated and capable.

Whether you’re a fresh graduate looking for your first job or an experienced attorney seeking work at a different firm, you’ll be facing tough competition. There is one thing you can do to set yourself apart from others, and that is – write a compelling cover letter.

An exceptional cover letter with compensate for your lack of experience and make you stand out in a sea of equally experienced and educated competitors. But don’t give everything away! The cover letter is just a teaser that should convince the hiring manager to read your resume. The final goal, of course, is the job.

Use your cover letter to tell the employer about yourself and why you would be a great fit for the job. It sounds easier than it is! When writing a cover letter for a law firm, there is a specific format you should follow. You can play with it, but stick to the outline and tell them what they want to hear. Here is everything you need to know about writing a great cover letter for law firms.

A cover letter is something like an elevator pitch you would give about yourself. You only have one page to convince the employer to move forward in the hiring process, so make every word count. Be brief and follow the structure presented below.

Your cover letter should tell the employer everything they need to know about you. That includes who you are in the industry and what experience you can present. Talk about what you know about the firm and why you’re a good fit for the job. The letter should show your attention to detail and impeccable writing skills. Finally, it should give the employer a way to contact you.

Introduction

This is, quite literally, your introduction. You’ve never met this person before; what do you say to them to convince them to read on? Simply put, this is where you introduce yourself and explain why you would be a good fit for the job. Talk about what you’re doing at the moment; maybe you’re getting your degree or working in the legal field already.

The introduction is a great place to namedrop. Perhaps you were referred by an associate or you know someone who could make a difference in the application process. Mention them!

Finally, don’t forget to talk about why you’re good for the job. This is not the place to get into details, but you won’t get the chance to explain yourself further if you don’t catch their attention in the very beginning. Be brief, but don’t miss an opportunity to show yourself from your best side.

This is the main course of the meal. In the body paragraphs, you can really show the hiring manager what you’re made of. Talk briefly about any relevant education and experience in the legal field you might have.

Speak about the firm and why you’d like to be a part of it. Perhaps, their message really resonates with you or it has a really strong reputation. It could be as simple as the firm’s area of expertise. Make it clear that you’ve done your research and are not just sending out a generic cover letter to all law firms in your city.

Ask yourself, why should they hire you? What can you bring to the table? Read the job description very carefully and show that you possess all the skills that are required. You can bring up any relevant experience, community service, academic research, awards, and even personal events from your life. Make sure to be specific, but don’t just say you are good for the job. If the job description asks for a highly motivated and hard-working individual, don’t state that you are hard-working and motivated. Instead, show examples of your motivation and hard work.

Though you probably have a lot to say, this is not your resume, so don’t treat it as such. The hiring manager will move on to your resume if they want to know more. For now, focus on the most relevant experience and be brief. This is your elevator pitch, not an autobiography.

This is where you get to seal the deal. If they’ve gotten this far, you did a great job! Thank your reader for taking the time to review your cover letter. You can make a promise to follow up on the application. If you do so, state when you will do that and don’t forget to actually do it. Many recruiters appreciate it, as they tend to be quite busy and don’t always have the time to respond to everyone.

Then, give the hiring manager a way to contact you. If you didn’t mention your contact information at the top, do so here. Write down your phone number and email.

Address your letter

On the job market, first impressions are made by means of addressing your cover letter. The way you address your reader will make a lasting impression, so make sure it’s perfect. There is nothing wrong with the classic and neutral “To whom it may concern”, but you can do better. Address your recruiter by name.

Find the hiring manager or HR representative that will be looking at your application. You can do so by contacting human resources, visiting the firm’s website, or looking through LinkedIn. When you find the person, it’s not always clear what their gender pronouns are [2] . Be careful with “Mr.” and “Mrs.”, and only use them if you are entirely certain. If not, it’s enough to address the person by first and last name.

There is nothing less endearing than reading your name misspelled. Making a mistake in the hiring manager’s name is a sure way to end up on the wrong side of the resume pile. A silly mistake can ruin your application, so make sure to proofread the letter before you send it out.

Tips and tricks to make your letter extra special

If you follow the format outlined above and address your recipient by name, you’re halfway there. However, you can rely on the fact that the law firm you’re applying to is receiving multiple job applications at any given moment. This is no reason to get down on yourself, but don’t get cocky either. Instead, follow the tips below and make your cover letter extra special.

Leave no questions

Make an effort to foresee any unanswered questions in your cover letter or resume, and answer them. Clear up everything that needs clearing up. For instance, if there are gaps in your resume or anything that could create a misunderstanding, make it clear right away. Don’t leave the hiring manager to wonder when you’re going to graduate or what the title of your degree will be.

Add a personal touch

The legal industry is very competitive. Chances are, most other applicants will have the same educational background and experience as you. There is only so much a talented wordsmith can do. When it comes down to it, what matters is your work experience and education.

One thing you can do to set yourself aside from the competition is to show that special care. Show your recipient that you know who you’re talking to; address them by name. Make it clear that you’ve done your research about the firm and you know everything they would expect you to know, and more. This is not another generic cover letter you downloaded off the internet, so make that abundantly clear.

Outline your skills

Recent graduates usually don’t have much work experience. That’s expected; you’ve got to start somewhere! What you lack in experience you can make up for in skills. One advantage you have over people that have been working for a while is that you just finished studying. All your knowledge is fresh and you can teach your colleagues a thing or two about modern law.

If you are tech-savvy, don’t hold back. Mention any law firm software you’re familiar with. If you know of new ways to automate the work of a lawyer, talk about them too. The law firm you’re applying to will appreciate a fresh pair of eyes.

Unless you’re writing a romantic novel, being concise is a desirable skill. Your cover letter is not a contract that needs to be exhaustive and cover everything; don’t drag it out. Keep it short and sweet, and cover only the most important things. Your hiring manager doesn’t want to spend a whole hour reading your cover letter. Make sure every sentence provides value and tells the reader something about you. If you’re not confident in your writing, follow the formatting tips above. The rule of thumb is – keep it all on one page.

Speak their language

While we’re all speaking the same language, we do so differently. The way you talk to a family member or close friend is different from the way you talk to your professor or boss. That’s not to say that you treat your parents with less respect than your teachers; there is a slight difference in tone.

A recruiter from a big law firm expects your writing to be formal. Smaller local firms are all different, depending on their company culture. If you want to be sure, visit the firm’s website. That should give you an idea of the tone you should use.

This should really go without saying. As a lawyer, you’ll have lots of writing, proofreading, and editing to do. You’re not expected to be a Pulitzer Prize nominee, but you should have a way with words. If this is your first peek into the legal world, make sure you have an impeccable reputation from the very beginning.

Grammar mistakes make you look unbecoming and silly. By proofreading your cover letter before sending it out, you show great attention to detail.

Your cover letter is your first venture into the firm. It can give you a job offer or a bad reputation. This is the first thing your potential employer will know about you, and it very well could become the only thing. If your cover letter does not catch the hiring manager’s attention, they won’t bother to look for more information about you. They won’t try to justify your spelling mistakes or gaps in your CV. You get one shot, so you owe it to yourself to get it right.

Follow the structure outlined above very closely to get an idea of the contents of your cover letter. Keep it brief and don’t go over one page. No matter how interesting your life story is, it’s not interesting enough. Besides, you will get a chance to tell them all about you if you get invited for an interview.

Add a personal touch to your letter by addressing your recipient by name. That will make your application more memorable. Proofread your text before sending it out to avoid silly mistakes. Do your absolute best to show the hiring manager just how much you want to work with them.

Writing a great cover letter is hard, but it’s not impossible. Keep in mind that other applicants probably have what you have too in terms of experience and education. It’s not about what you’ve done but how you can talk about it.

Attorney Cover Letter Guide: the Art of Getting Noticed

The job search pool is highly competitive, which is why an excellent cover letter is an important step in the process. Writing cover letters is no easy task, and unfortunately, many attorney cover letters are poorly written and fail to stand out from the crowd. As a result, they are often quickly passed over in favor of more compelling ones. There's no telling how many high-paying, prestigious jobs you may be missing out on because of your poor cover letter.

The key to a good letter is to highlight the experiences and qualifications that make you stand out as a candidate to the hiring manager. Cover letters should be personalized to the job, enthusiastic, and professional.

This guide will give you tips to craft the perfect cover letter for attorneys to get you noticed. You will find out the following: 

• The dos and don'ts of legal cover letters
• The structure of an attorney cover letter
• The ethics to think of when writing a law firm cover letter
• Examples of an attorney cover letter 
• How to market yourself with a compelling cover letter

Legal Cover Letter: Dos and Don'ts

Following these simple dos and don'ts will give you the best chance at landing an interview for a legal job.

1. Always ensure your cover letter is tailored to the specific position you are applying for. Make sure to research the company and demonstrate an understanding of its mission and goals. 

2. Include relevant experiences, such as internships, demonstrating your knowledge and ability to work in the legal field. Furthermore, take the time to provide details on how your skills have been applied in prior positions. But remember, they have your resume, so only pick out the most relevant and enticing details.

3. Make sure that your letter is professional and formatted correctly. Pay attention to the font size, margins, and overall presentation.

4. Be sure to sell yourself. Explain why you are qualified for the position and how your experience makes you a great candidate. It's also essential to provide relevant details about yourself and your work history.

The Don'ts

1. Your cover letter shouldn't begin with 'To Whom It May Concern.' It's an impersonal greeting. Instead, you can start the letter with 'Hello' or use other formal greetings like: 

• Dear [First Name]
• Dear [titles, e.g., Mr., Mrs., Dr., Prof.] + [Last Name]
• Dear [Job Title], such as a hiring manager

2. Avoid grammatical errors and typos, as they can be costly. Make sure to proofread and review your legal cover letter before submitting it, double-checking for any typos or errors. 

3. Do not use too much technical jargon or excessive legal terms. Being concise and clear with your language will make you stand out from other applicants. 

4. Don't go beyond one page. Even though you need to detail your experiences, you must ensure the details are not too long or unnecessary.

Attorney Cover Letter Structure

An effective cover letter serves as a way to introduce yourself to potential employers and explain why you are the best candidate for the position. The letter should include the following details: 

1. Your contact information : Ensure that your name, address, phone number, and email address are displayed at the top of the page.

2. Date : The letter needs to have a date, which should appear in the address block after your name and contact information, typically on the left or center of the page.

3. Employer Address : Format this address block for the individual you are writing to as follows:

- Title (If you know it)

- Name of the law firm 

- Address (City, State, Zip Code)

4. The greeting : Cover letters should always be addressed to a specific person. As previously stated, don’t use the phrase ‘To Whom It May Concern’; instead, use the other phrases listed above.

5. Your concluding phrases : Add formal closing statements like ‘Sincerely’ and ‘Respectfully.’

6. Signature : When mailing a cover letter, sign it in blue or black ink and type your name beneath it. Enter your name in the relevant signature space if you are submitting a cover letter electronically.

7. Enclosures : In addition to your resume, you may send a transcript, writing sample, or any materials requested by the employer in your personalized cover letter. If you are enclosing only one more item, use ‘Enclosure,’ ‘Enc.’ or ‘Encl.’ after your typed signature. If you're attaching two or more files, use ‘Enclosures,’ ‘Encs,’ or ‘Encls.’

Since a well-structured lawyer cover letter will demonstrate your qualifications, skills, and experience professionally, it should include an introduction, body, and conclusion that highlights them.

Introduction

A well-crafted cover letter should introduce you to the hiring manager and provide insight into why you are the right fit for the position. Start with a professional salutation, then briefly summarize your qualifications and experience. Go on to introduce yourself and the position you are applying for. The cover letter's opening paragraph should explain why you are interested in the position and what makes you uniquely qualified to fill it.

The main body of your cover letter is where you can detail how you meet or exceed the requirements of the position. Review successful lawyer cover letter examples. You will see how this part of the letter responds to the job description. One or two paragraphs should reflect the key details the future employer will be looking for.

Let the reader know what makes you interested in this position. Is it the reputation or culture of the law firm? Will you have the opportunity to practice an area of law that excites you? A cover letter for law firms will start by answering why.

• Relevant work experience and roles
• Details on academic work
• Any professional or academic awards you've received
• Your personal history
• Community organization and service
• Articles and other publications

First Paragraph

Your goal for your first paragraph is to be both concise and impactful. You want to quickly cover who you are, why you are writing, and why the recipient should keep reading. A simple formula on:

Sentence 1 : 'I have recently passed the bar and am interested in working as a junior associate with [law firm].'

Sentence 2 : 'I learned about this opening from [job listing or referral]... (Alternative - I am pursuing this because of my [interest/passion/experience] for [area of law]).'

Sentence 3 : Here, you want to build a connection. Mention an internship in this area of law, an event you attended where the senior attorney was featured, or legal aid work you have done in this practice area.

You will alter this formula in your cover letter. This alteration might include adding a bit of extra detail. However, this should help you remember the ground you must cover in your first paragraph.

What about name-dropping? It's perfectly fine to mention a connection you have. However, you should limit this to people you have had meaningful contact with, not simply met in passing.

You will use your closing paragraph to leave a great impression on the prospective employer, emphasize your interest, and be upbeat. Make sure to include the following elements in the concluding paragraph of your cover letter for attorney:

• Thank the reader for taking the time to review your letter and the rest of your application
• Detail how you plan to follow up with the law firm
• Reiterate relevant contact details, including your best times of availability

Make sure to stick with whatever you say you will do to follow up. If you state that you will email within a week and fail to do so, the firm may simply assume you are no longer interested. Be proactive to show you want to move to the interview stage.

Ethics to Think of When Writing a Law Firm Cover Letter

Even though each cover letter you write will have different details, there are rules of writing etiquette that you must always follow. These aren't always easy to determine at first. For example, what should your cover letter include?

It helps to remember that a persuasive cover letter can make a difference. Such is the case with very experienced lawyers and law students. The following points will guide you on the etiquette of writing a proper cover letter.

Your cover letter is not optional . This rule is the most important point of cover letter etiquette. You must include one with every application. Even if you are on a career page that says it is optional, you must write a cover letter to introduce yourself.

Brevity is key. Be respectful of the hiring manager's time. Get right to the point. Don't drag things out. If you can't be concise in your cover letter, can you be brief in front of a judge?

Match their manner of speaking . Use language and phrasing that is very similar to that used in the law firm's own culture. This tactic is a personal touch that employers will notice positively.

Center, the employer . Everything you write should remember that you are there to meet their needs. Avoid sharing details about yourself that don't showcase how you will be able to do your job well.

Don't forget the rule about triple checking your cover letter . That is also a matter of business writing etiquette.

Tempted to change names and other information, then send the same cover letter to everybody? That saves time, but it will be obvious that you haven't bothered to personalize your cover letters, and that's a problem.

Attorney Cover Letter Examples

The process can be intimidating when you write a cover letter for a job you want. Don't get stuck. Instead, get some inspiration from a sample lawyer cover letter. Reading another letter can give you some great ideas for points to include and will boost your confidence.

We can even help you get started. Here are some attorney cover letter samples links. They show cover letters from people with varying experience levels and different objectives:

• Cover letter example for an IP lawyer with 11 years of experience
• Cover letter examples for 1L – 3L students, Harvard Law School
• Cover letter examples for 1L – 3L students, Yale Law School

You don't necessarily want to rewrite these. Instead, consider using these as examples of insights to include. Also, they serve as excellent examples of how you should structure a cover letter.

Market Yourself With a Compelling Legal Cover Letter

Your legal cover letter should be direct, focused, and informative to increase your chances of landing an interview. It is your chance to showcase your best qualities, skills, and experience to stand out from other applicants vying for the same position. It should highlight relevant experience, including any internships or volunteer work, academic or research specializations, and other relevant qualifications.  

Since it provides insight into the reasons why you think you are the ideal candidate for the position and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the job, be sure to explain why you are passionate about this particular job opportunity.

There are plenty of great sample cover letters to use as inspiration, like the ones in this guide. You can also connect with a professional lawyer SEO agency like Grow Law Firm for additional insights on marketing your professional brand and growing within the legal field.

Level Up Your Brand

Book a Free Consultation

• Easy steps you can take to bring in more clients and up this year’s revenue
• The top website and marketing mistakes holding your law firm back

Find out how much demand there is in your geographical area

Let us help you create a digital marketing strategy and a growth plan

To view the calculation tailored to your law firm's needs, please provide your email address below

Consult with Sasha Berson, a legal marketing expert , to address your marketing needs.

You May Also Like

A Law Firm Letterhead: A Guide to Your Unique Style

A Guide to the Best Fonts for Legal Documents

Debt Collection Letter: Samples and Best Practices for Attorneys

Don't just wait for clients, attract them!

Get our FREE Marketing Audit to find bold new ways to boost your caseload.

Contact us today to speak with one of our experts and learn more about how we can help you grow your firm.

Stay ahead of the competition!

Compare your law firm's performance to Local competitors with our instant assessment tool

Get a clear picture of your firm's performance

Boost your online presence