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

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

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

Why a Strong Cover Letter Matters

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

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

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

What Is a Cover Letter for Lawyers?

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

Your cover letter should be:

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

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

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

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

How to Address a Cover Letter for Lawyers

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

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

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

Cover Letter Introduction

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

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

Cover Letter Body

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Letter Conclusion

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

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

Tips to Stand Out

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

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

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

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

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

Sample Cover Letters for Inspiration

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

Law student cover letter

Graduate with previous experience cover letter

Experienced IP attorney cover letter

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

Final Thoughts

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

Current Legal Analysis

More from practicepanther, upcoming legal education events.

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

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

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

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

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

But don't worry!

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

We'll delve into:

Attorney Cover Letter Example

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

Let’s dive in!

5 Steps for the Perfect Attorney Cover Letter

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

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

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

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

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

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

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

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

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

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

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

Dear Mr. Johnson,
Dear Alexis Rodriguez,

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

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

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

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

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

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

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

Conducting thorough research on the law firm is also invaluable.

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

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

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

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

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

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

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

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

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kind regards,
Respectfully,
Thank you for your consideration,

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

3 Essential Attorney Cover Letter Tips

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

#1. Match Your Resume

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

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

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

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

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling pressed for time? Don’t sweat it.

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

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

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

Sweet deal, isn’t it?

#2. Mention Qualifications

Mentioning your qualifications in your attorney cover letter is crucial.

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

#3. Be Formal

Being formal in your attorney cover letter is imperative.

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

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

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How to Write the Perfect Law Cover Letter

In the modern legal market, you have to have a competitive edge, this means you need to know how to write the perfect law cover letter. This article covers the very basics of writing a cover letter every employer would dream of receiving.

Want more advice on writing great cover letters? Take 30 seconds to sign up to TLP and receive more top cover letter tips straight to your inbox!

What Should I Write in my Law Cover Letter?

When writing a piece of text like a training contract cover letter , for example, you need to answer these three questions:

1. Why this area of practice?

Think of this question as the theme for the opening paragraph of your law cover letter: in it, you will need to set out who you are, the role you are applying for , a very brief summary of your experience and a concise line or two on why these experiences have directed you to this field. It should be clear to the reader the kind of lawyer you will be throughout.

Put in your own unique style, as long as it is clear why this area, that is enough.

2. Why this firm/chambers?

The real question this is asking is what do you know about us and about our culture? So, this is a two-pronged question that enables you to show off research skills, commercial awareness and to lead into how you would fit into the company.

There are business and personal reasons for employers’ interest in this: on the business side, the less time spent in training, the more you can earn and they are looking for long-term rainmakers. On the personal side, they want to know if you will get along with other members of staff and be happy with the work-life balance .

This information can be attained in many ways: you might have been a long-term reader of the company blog or attended insight days or talks. Better yet, you might have interned there or worked with associates through an affiliated company . Whatever the details, you need to show an interest in the company and the people via your law cover letter.

3. Why you would be a good fit?

If you have played your cards right and been selling your motivations and understanding of the company effectively so far, odds are you have done a great job of leading up to this question. In the mind of the reader, you may already be a good fit.

At this stage, you need to sell the value you bring to the company. Maybe you have noticed they are struggling with GDPR and need an expert, and it just so happens that besides commercial law you also have specialist knowledge of computing and data security acquired in your work/study which will be of great assistance.

You need a few USPs here, as well as the ability to match up your skills to the role.

Partners, recruiters and QCs at chambers all agree this is a good starting point for any good cover letter.

What to Avoid in a Law Cover Letter

Saying a lot without selling yourself to the employer is one of the main pitfalls when writing a law cover letter. Make sure you make it clear what you can contribute to the firm – don’t simply rewrite your CV in long form.

The second most common is demonstrating ignorance of the company. This prevented promising candidates being offered jobs they were qualified for. Make sure you do plenty of research and that this is reflected in your cover letter.

Lastly, make sure your letter is written coherently and follows a clear structure. If you’re worried about grammar and spelling, ask someone to check it before you submit your application!

Words: Cameron Haden

Find out more on making the best applications employers have ever seen:

4 Essential Law Firm Research Strategies
How to Write the Perfect Pupillage Application
6 Vital Things You Should Include in a Work Experience Cover Letter

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

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

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

Why a Strong Cover Letter Matters

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

What Is a Cover Letter for Lawyers?

Your cover letter should be:

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

How to Address a Cover Letter for Lawyers

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

Cover Letter Introduction

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

Cover Letter Body

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

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

Cover Letter Conclusion

Tips for Lawyers to Make Their Cover Letter Stand Out

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

Sample Legal Cover Letters

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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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.

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Cover Letter Advice & Samples

Cover letter advice and samples.

Section Menu

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

Cover Letter Construction

Address block and salutation.

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

Paragraph One

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

Paragraph Two

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

Paragraph Three

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

Paragraph Four

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

Sample Cover Letters (PDF)

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

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5 Attorney Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide in 2024

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

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

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

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

Attorney Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

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

Level up your cover letter game

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

Lateral Attorney Cover Letter Example

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

Associate Attorney Cover Letter Example

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

Senior Attorney Cover Letter Example

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

Trademark Attorney Cover Letter Example

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

Need a Matching Resume for Your Attorney Cover Letter?

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

Attorney Resume

Need a resume to pair with your attorney cover letter?

or download as PDF

Beat the Competition with Your Best Attorney Cover Letter

Two colleagues collaborating to create attorney cover letter

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

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

Tip 1: Due diligence is a must

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

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

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

Tip 2: Detail a couple of major accomplishments

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

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

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

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

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

Tip 3: Nail down a winning tone & persuasive message

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Build Your Attorney Cover Letter with Our Handy Outline

Giant screen with hands putting together an attorney cover letter outline

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

How to start an attorney cover letter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Ms. Adams:

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

How to write your attorney cover letter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to end an attorney cover letter

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

Respectfully,

Valente Ferreira

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

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

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

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

Your Dream Attorney Role Awaits…Almost

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

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

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

Senior Attorney Resume

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

Senior attorney cover letter example with 5 years of experience

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

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

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

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

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How to write a cover letter for a law firm.

Who are Next CIty Lawyer?

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

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

Introduction

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

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

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

What to expect

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

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

Understanding a law cover letter

What is a legal cover letter.

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

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

What is a legal cover letter's purpose?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What structure should I use?

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

The structure of a legal cover letter

The addresses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legal Cover letter example of the address section

Mr John Smith 1 Acacia Avenue Hamleton AB1 2CD Ruritania

1st April 2022

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

The introduction

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

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

An example of an introductory paragraph

Dear Mrs Jane Doe,

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

The Main Body

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ending the letter

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

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

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

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

Cover letter examples of valedictions

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

Yours sincerely,

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

Yours faithfully,

What should I write about?

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

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

Why do you want to be a commercial solicitor?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some extra tips

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

Proofread your work

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

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

Use the appropriate tone

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

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

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

Employ the right format

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

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

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

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

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

Our summary

Our advice can be summarised as follows:

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

So, what next?

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

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

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

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1 Law Cover Letter Example

Laws are meticulously crafted to maintain order, protect rights, and guide behavior, serving as the bedrock of society. Similarly, your cover letter is the legal framework of your job application, meticulously outlining your professional journey, safeguarding your interests, and guiding recruiters to understand your potential. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for those in Law, helping you to construct a compelling narrative that commands attention.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Law cover letter is by addressing the hiring manager directly, if their name is known. This personalizes your letter and shows you've done your research. Begin with a strong opening sentence that captures their attention, such as stating a mutual connection or highlighting a significant achievement relevant to the position. This sets the tone and context for the rest of your letter. Remember, the goal is to immediately engage the reader and make them interested in learning more about you.

Laws should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and expressing gratitude for the reader's time. This can be done by reiterating their qualifications and how they can contribute to the organization. They should also include a call to action, such as a request for an interview or a meeting. The closing should be professional and polite. Here is an example: "Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that my skills and experiences align with the requirements of the position and I am eager to contribute to your team. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you further." They should then sign off with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by their full name.

A cover letter for a law position should ideally be one page long. This length is sufficient to present a concise, clear, and compelling case for your candidacy. It allows you to introduce yourself, explain why you're interested in the specific law position, highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and express your enthusiasm for the potential opportunity. Remember, hiring managers and law firms often have numerous applications to review, so a concise, well-structured cover letter can help you stand out without taking up too much of their time.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as a Law professional can seem challenging, but it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Here's how you can approach it: 1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the position. Mention where you found the job posting and why you are interested in the role. 2. Highlight your education: If you have recently graduated from law school, make sure to highlight this in your cover letter. Discuss relevant courses, your grades (if they were good), and any awards or honors you received. 3. Discuss relevant skills: Even if you haven't worked in a law firm or similar setting, you likely have skills that are relevant to the job. These might include research skills, analytical thinking, attention to detail, communication skills, and more. Use specific examples to demonstrate these skills. 4. Include internships, externships, or clerkships: If you have completed any internships, externships, or clerkships during your time in law school, be sure to mention these. Discuss the tasks you performed and what you learned. 5. Mention extracurricular activities: If you were part of a law society, debate team, or other relevant groups during your time in school, these can also be worth mentioning. They can show your passion for law and your ability to work as part of a team. 6. Show enthusiasm: Employers want to hire people who are passionate about their work. Show your enthusiasm for the law and for the opportunity to start your career with the firm. 7. Close with a strong conclusion: In your concluding paragraph, reiterate your interest in the role and your eagerness to contribute to the firm. Thank the reader for considering your application. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere. Even without direct experience, you can still write a compelling cover letter that shows why you would be a great fit for the role.

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Cover Letters

E. common cover letter mistakes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The mistakes most commonly found in student cover letters are:

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

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

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

Return to Contents

How to write winning covering letters for law firms

targetjobs editorial team

Last updated: 24 Mar 2023, 17:42

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. The introduction to your cover letter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. The ending to your law covering letter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

targetjobs editorial advice

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

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Oct 14, 2019

Written By Jack Collins and Anna Vall Navés

How to write a cover letter for law

Although many applications are now done in digital forms, many firms still favour the traditional CV and cover letter combination. Whether it’s a speculative application or one targeted at a specific job advertisement, the cover letter is a key ingredient in this process. But how can you make your cover letter stand out?

Perfecting your cover letter is an essential part of securing a job in the legal sector. A well-organised, carefully thought out cover letter can make the difference between getting an interview offer or a rejection letter. With this in mind, you should really put in the effort to make your cover letter as persuasive as it possibly can be to any employers reading it.

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What's the point of a cover letter?

The ultimate aim of a cover letter is to convince an employer that you’re the ideal recruit and to move your application on to the interview phase. It will often be the first impression you make on your employer, so you have to make it count!

A strong cover letter will let an employer know who you are, why you want to work in that specific law firm, your relevant skills and work experience and your knowledge of the law firm and the legal sector more broadly.

What does an employer want?

An employer wants to read a cover letter that’s interesting, to the point, and that quickly shows them why they should hire you. If your letter goes off on tangents or fails to show them exactly why you’re qualified for the position, your application might get thrown out without a second thought. Likewise, for job openings as competitive as those in the legal sector, it’s often important to make your letter stand out—whether that be through an interesting experience in your career or through your excellent written communication skills.

In short, the employer reading your cover letter doesn’t want to have to guess why you’re a good fit for the law firm, and they also don’t want to have to comb through irrelevant material. Keep your letter concise (no longer than one page), focused, and targeted to the specific law firm you’re applying to.

In order to give your application the best chance of making it to the interview stage, here is the general structure that most recruitment consultancies and employers recommend:

1. Who are you and why are you writing to me?

Whether your application is for a job opening or it’s speculative (as in the case of some mini-pupillages ), you should provide your employer with this information within the first few lines.

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should not be longer than a couple of sentences, and it should briefly explain who you are, the position you’re applying for and how you found out about it.

2. Why do you want this specific job?

Before you start writing this section, make sure you’ve thoroughly researched the law firm you’re applying to. You should discuss why you want to complete a vacation scheme or a training contract at this firm in particular, perhaps mentioning your interest in the specific area of law it focuses on, or some recent deals that have sparked your interest.

Be honest. Discuss the job responsibilities you’re excited about and demonstrate your enthusiasm in an original but appropriate way. Explain where you are in your career, and highlight experiences that have convinced you that you want to be a solicitor or a barrister, such as open days, mini-pupillages or insight days.

Above all, take the time to understand the organisation in-depth: where it’s located, who it works with, how its training works and its work culture. If you’re applying for a training contract, make sure you understand how seats work at this company. Some don’t have compulsory seats and some don’t have a structure at all. Explain what it is that appeals to you about a more or less defined training structure, and why you’re a good fit for it.

3. Why should you be offered the job?

Research the requirements for the role you’re applying to in the job description or person specification. Make sure your CV covers all of the requirements, and be prepared to tailor your cover letter to what the firm is looking for.

Show that you’re the ideal candidate by tying your work experience and extracurriculars to the skills the employer is on the lookout for. For instance, if the person specification includes good public speaking skills, make a point of mentioning your mooting experience. Don’t claim you’re good at public speaking without substantiating your claim. Additionally, don’t try to mention every single thing you’ve done in the past few years (that’s what your CV is there for!)—but do elaborate on some of the most relevant experiences on your CV and show what you can bring to the firm.

It’s important that you sell yourself well and highlight your most important achievements, but be wary of exaggerating. It’s important that you’re honest, as any lies could easily be detected by a recruiter.

4. Ending your cover letter

Briefly detail any practical issues (when you’re available for interview, for instance). Finally, mention that you’ve attached your CV and that you look forward to hearing back from the firm.

Before you hit send, make sure you proofread your letter a few times, and perhaps ask a family member or friend to do the same. Any spelling or grammatical errors will not put you in good favour!

Double-check that your cover letter is concise, appropriately tailored to the job and emphasises the relevant qualities that make you perfect for the job. And most importantly: good luck!

Next article: Law CV template

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What is a Letter of Intent? How to Write One for a Job [+ Examples]

Published: March 14, 2024

Standard job applications have a standard set of practices. You turn in a resume and cover letter, and then, if selected, you move through a few rounds of interviews and get the job.

person at their computer writing a letter of intent

However, not all potential job opportunities start with an application. In fact, many begin with initiative from a job seeker.

Those job seekers will send in a letter of intent rather than a cover letter . In this article, we’ll take a look at what a letter of intent is and highlight some strategies for writing the best LOI you can. We’ve even included a template to help you get started.

Here’s what you’ll find:

What is a letter of intent?

Letter of intent vs. cover letter, letter of intent vs. letter of interest, when to use a letter of intent.

How to Write a Letter of Intent for a Job

Letter of Intent Samples

Letter of intent template.

A letter of intent is a less common way of expressing interest in a company. It targets reasons you’re looking for opportunities with a specific organization.

A letter of intent does include elements of a traditional cover letter, such as relevant experience and skills, but it’s used in slightly different contexts. LOIs emphasize alignment between a job seeker and an organization.

letter of intent example for Publishing Now

There are a few key differences between a cover letter and a letter of intent, including:

Context. While a cover letter responds to a specific job listing, a letter of intent targets an organization more generally. It may or may not have a specific job opening at the time that the LOI is sent in.

Focus. A cover letter explains why an applicant is a good fit for a specific role . An LOI, on the other hand, addresses an individual’s compatibility with an overall organization or more general role.

Initiative. A cover letter is a reactive document responding to a job opening. A letter of intent, however, demonstrates more initiative and provides information before an organization specifically requests it.

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Letter of intent and letter of interest are often used interchangeably. While there are a lot of similarities between the two documents, there are also a few key differences:

Level of intent. Letters of intent have a high level of intentionality, while letters of interest are more exploratory. A letter of intent proposes action, while letters of interest are for information gathering.

Commitment level. A letter of intent is a high-commitment way of expressing interest in a company, while a letter of interest is a lower commitment. An individual is more likely to send out multiple letters of interest.

Action orientation. A letter of intent always ends with a call to action, while a letter of interest is more laid-back and may not request anything specific from the recipient.

While both letters demonstrate initiative and are closely tailored to the company, they do serve slightly different purposes.

There are lots of scenarios where a job seeker may want to send out a letter of intent. Here are a few examples:

You have a high level of interest in a specific company, but there’s not an open role.

You are interested in networking with a company in a committed way.

You want to reach out with a formal follow-up after a networking event.

You’re applying to a highly competitive field.

You’re aware of a potential job opportunity with an organization that hasn’t been published yet.

Additionally, students or job seekers switching industries may use letters of intent to apply to educational opportunities like internships and apprenticeships — though those may also be called cover letters .

How to Write a Letter of Intent

There are plenty of ways to approach writing a letter of intent for a job. Here’s a step-by-step process for writing your LOI draft:

1. Provide your contact information.

At the top of your LOI, you’ll want to provide contact information so your recipient can contact you about future opportunities. This can include your phone number, email, and address.

2. Use an appropriate greeting.

For some opportunities, a formal greeting is appropriate. In other situations, a more informal approach may be ideal. If possible, address the specific recipient.

3. Provide an introduction.

In the intro paragraphs, you’ll want to tap into three specifics:

Who you are.

Why you’re reaching out.

How you got this company’s information.

Feel free to vary the order of this information. Your LOI intro may be formal or more playful, depending on who you are and the organization you’re submitting to.

4. Dive into your strengths and company alignment.

An LOI is created to clearly convey why you’re a good fit for the organization. In the body paragraphs of your letter, you’ll want to explain:

Your strengths.
What you do.
How those things would fit with the organization.

5. Guide the conversation into the future.

All LOIs end with a call to action, which is one of the things that differentiates it from a letter of interest or a cover letter. Map out potential next steps so it’s easy for the reader to take action. It could include:

A request to schedule a meeting.

Making a specific pitch.

Encouraging the recipient to send a follow-up email.

6. Write a thoughtful conclusion .

Conclude your LOI by reiterating your interest in the company. Make sure to thank the recipient for their time, too — there wasn’t a job opening request, so they took time out of their day to read your letter.

If you’re sending your LOI because of an internal referral, be sure to reference them within the letter.

Let’s go through a few different samples of LOIs and highlight what each does well. Refer to these samples as you draft your own letter of intent for guidance on incorporating the elements of an LOI seamlessly.

Internal Connection

Dear Mr. Waterhouse, My name is Jennifer Orlando, and I am an accomplished sommelier with a decade of experience. I recently enjoyed a glass at your wine bar, and I would love to chat with you more if you’re hiring soon. My colleague, Jackson Marymount, has worked at Italiano Wine Bar for several years and highly recommends working with your organization. I have a wine service background and a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 certification. I’m passionate about Italian wines — Nebbiolos are my favorite! Jackson says you’re a fan, as well. My passion for Italian wines, combined with my experience, make me a great candidate for Italiano Wine Bar if you’re ever in need of an extra hand. I appreciate you taking the time to read my letter today, and if you’d like to chat further, please email me, and we can schedule a time to sit down together. Thank you again for your time. Warm regards, Jennifer

In this letter of intent, Jennifer leverages an internal connection. This is a great way to earn a few extra points when explaining how you know about the business. Beyond that, Jennifer’s experiences align well with the work that the wine bar does.

What I like: This letter of intent does a great job of personalization, weaving through the internal connection perfectly in a few different spots. A referral is a powerful aid to incorporate into an LOI, and Jennifer did a great job dropping hints of her connection.

Making a Pitch

Dear Elise, My name is Mark Morgan, and I’m a freelance graphic designer with a passion for bold marketing materials. I found your marketing company while on LinkedIn the other day, and I would love to collaborate with you in the future. As I read up on your company, I discovered a lot of similarities between my work and your organization. I, too, advocate for bright and forward advertising, and creating smart and attractive ads is my specialty. While I noticed you don’t have any posted project needs at this time, I was browsing your offerings and saw an opportunity to bolster your products. Your “Full-Stack Ad Copywriting” package covers strategy and copy, but it doesn’t offer graphic design. I’d love to bring my skills to the table to supplement your product. If you’d like to chat further, please shoot me an email, and we’ll set up a time to discuss potential collaboration. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my letter. Take care, Mark

What I like: In this letter, Mark is making a pitch. He still covers the bases of a great LOI — discussing his strengths and alignment with the brand. But instead of just calling for a meeting, he makes a pitch that is specific to the organization. This provides value to the recipient and makes Mark look like a strong collaborator.

Mark could benefit from HubSpot’s CMS Hub to manage his pitches. Lead generation and content creation are important parts of freelancing, and Mark needs to stay organized in order to do it well. Learn more about HubSpot’s CMS Hub here .

Diving Into Alignment

Dear Michael, My name is Jordan, and I’m a non-profit manager. I’m reaching out today because I discovered your organization through one of my colleagues. I’d love to see if you’re in need of any managerial services. My values are in close alignment with the values of Trees 4 Life Canada. I’m dedicated to service and passionately believe saving the trees is one of the best ways we can save the world. I studied agriculture in college and have since dedicated my professional life to collaboration with tree nonprofits. If you’re seeking a manager in the near future, I’d love to be considered for the role. With my experience and alignment with your values, I’d surely be a great fit. Please feel free to send me an email at jordanlovestrees@example.com. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Jordan

Letters of intent are standard documents, so you don’t need to worry about reinventing the wheel each time you send one. Use this template as a resource to ensure your letter includes all the important parts.

[Your name]

[Your contact information]

[Recipient’s Name]

[Recipient’s contact information]

Dear [Recipient or To Whom It May Concern] ,

My name is [Your Name] , [title/relevant information about yourself] , and I heard about your organization through [how you know the organization] . I’m reaching out to connect. I would love to chat if your team plans on expanding.

I have skills in [skills] that I believe would be a great fit for your organization. Your values of [company values] are in close alignment with my strengths, and I believe I could make a great contribution.

I believe that my [abilities/skills/interests] would benefit your company, and I’d love to talk more about any potential opportunities that arise with [name of organization] . If interested, please reach out by [phone/email] to schedule a time to meet with me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter, and I hope to talk with you further in the future.

Of course, you’ll want to edit the template for tone and specifics related to yourself and the organization you’re contacting.

Finding Success With a Great Letter of Intent

Sending a letter of intent can be vulnerable, but it’s a great way to make new connections and set yourself up for employment success.

Refer to these strategies, samples, and templates to make sure your LOI is going to be the most effective letter possible. Emphasize your alignment with the organization, and you’re sure to see success!

Apply for a job, keep track of important information, and prepare for an interview with the help of this free job seekers kit.

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What the National Association of Realtors' settlement means for consumers and real estate brokers

A groundbreaking $418 million settlement announced Friday by the powerful National Association of Realtors is set to usher in the most sweeping reforms the American real estate market has seen in a century. It could dramatically drive down homebuyers’ costs — and push some real estate brokers out of business.

Here’s a look at how we got here and what to expect in the months ahead.

NAR already lost a big case

For decades, the NAR has required home sale listing brokers to provide an offer of compensation to a buyer’s agent up front. That usually comes out to about 6%, split between a seller’s broker and a buyer’s agent.

But that model has come under intensifying scrutiny from critics who have likened it to a cartel . Late last year, a jury in a Kansas City federal court found the longstanding practice to be a form of collusion that artificially inflated real estate fees, awarding a massive $1. 7 8 billion judgment against NAR .

What changes now for homebuyers and sellers

If the settlement announced Friday is approved by a federal court, the standard 6% commission goes away. Sellers would no longer have to make a compensation proposal to prospective buyers and their agents. Critics have said the encouraged brokers to push their clients toward more expensive properties.

Another new rule would see homebuyers having to sign an explicit deal with a broker before they start working with one — something experts say would lead many homebuyers to forgo using brokers entirely.

The new rules would kick in within months of approval, currently expected around mid-July.

What about the next few months?

Everyone involved in the market should expect “a certain amount of uncertainty for the coming months,” said Marty Green, principal at mortgage law firm Polunsky Beitel Green.

“The industry will be in transition as everyone digests the settlements and market forces begin working,” he predicted. “We will begin to see some creative buyer’s agent arrangements that may have been harder to get traction on before.”

Home buyers and their agents will need to decide on a commission and put it in writing. Sellers, likewise, will need to work carefully with their listing agents as the new rules come into effect.

U.S. consumers might save in the long run ...

The changes could mean buyers will save on commissions, eventually bringing U.S. fees more in line with the much lower transaction costs seen in other residential property markets around the world.

Some commissions could even be cut in half, Jaret Seiberg, housing policy analyst for TD Cowen Washington Research Group, told clients in a note Friday.

The new rules “should lead to commissions falling 25% to 50%, which we view as benefiting online real estate brokers,” Seiberg wrote, but he warned it’s too early to declare “the end of local real estate agents given their local expertise and reputation in neighborhoods. It is why we do not see this following the travel agency model in which online eclipsed local offices.”

... but buyers could face more confusion

Holden Lewis, a home and mortgage expert at NerdWallet, warned of a “potential negative trade-off”: “Buyer-seller negotiations will become more complex, and buyers with plenty of cash might navigate the process more easily than buyers who don’t have a lot of savings,” he said. Seiberg flagged a similar concern in his note, saying it could particularly affect first-time buyers with limited means to pay for an agent.

Brokers and agents have come out against the settlement, saying it will make the home-buying process more byzantine for consumers and discounts the important role agents play in helping them navigate it.

“I’m a full-service real estate agent, so when I go to list my client’s house, I align their goals with my goal, and that goal is selling for the highest amount possible,” said Roy Remick, a realtor based in Northern Virginia, who said he often pays thousands of dollars of his own for services like staging homes to aid the sale process.

“This is ultimately someone saying, ‘You guys make too much money,’ which I don’t think is right for someone to dictate,” he said.

Buyers’ agents will be left “flying blind” since they won’t know how much they’ll end up making from a given home, Remick warned. “We’ll have to make a bunch of phone calls, because now we don’t know what [the commission] is because we can’t see it in the MLS. But we’ve already got an agreement with buyer how much they’ll be able to compensate us.”

Christine Romans is the senior business correspondent at NBC News.

Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.

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Press Release

Sec adopts rules to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures for investors.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2024-31

Washington D.C., March 6, 2024 —

The Securities and Exchange Commission today adopted rules to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures by public companies and in public offerings. The final rules reflect the Commission’s efforts to respond to investors’ demand for more consistent, comparable, and reliable information about the financial effects of climate-related risks on a registrant’s operations and how it manages those risks while balancing concerns about mitigating the associated costs of the rules.

“Our federal securities laws lay out a basic bargain. Investors get to decide which risks they want to take so long as companies raising money from the public make what President Franklin Roosevelt called ‘complete and truthful disclosure,’” said SEC Chair Gary Gensler. “Over the last 90 years, the SEC has updated, from time to time, the disclosure requirements underlying that basic bargain and, when necessary, provided guidance with respect to those disclosure requirements.”

Chair Gensler added, “These final rules build on past requirements by mandating material climate risk disclosures by public companies and in public offerings. The rules will provide investors with consistent, comparable, and decision-useful information, and issuers with clear reporting requirements. Further, they will provide specificity on what companies must disclose, which will produce more useful information than what investors see today. They will also require that climate risk disclosures be included in a company’s SEC filings, such as annual reports and registration statements rather than on company websites, which will help make them more reliable.”

Specifically, the final rules will require a registrant to disclose:

Climate-related risks that have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the registrant’s business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition;
The actual and potential material impacts of any identified climate-related risks on the registrant’s strategy, business model, and outlook;
If, as part of its strategy, a registrant has undertaken activities to mitigate or adapt to a material climate-related risk, a quantitative and qualitative description of material expenditures incurred and material impacts on financial estimates and assumptions that directly result from such mitigation or adaptation activities;
Specified disclosures regarding a registrant’s activities, if any, to mitigate or adapt to a material climate-related risk including the use, if any, of transition plans, scenario analysis, or internal carbon prices;
Any oversight by the board of directors of climate-related risks and any role by management in assessing and managing the registrant’s material climate-related risks;
Any processes the registrant has for identifying, assessing, and managing material climate-related risks and, if the registrant is managing those risks, whether and how any such processes are integrated into the registrant’s overall risk management system or processes;
Information about a registrant’s climate-related targets or goals, if any, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the registrant’s business, results of operations, or financial condition. Disclosures would include material expenditures and material impacts on financial estimates and assumptions as a direct result of the target or goal or actions taken to make progress toward meeting such target or goal;
For large accelerated filers (LAFs) and accelerated filers (AFs) that are not otherwise exempted, information about material Scope 1 emissions and/or Scope 2 emissions;
For those required to disclose Scope 1 and/or Scope 2 emissions, an assurance report at the limited assurance level, which, for an LAF, following an additional transition period, will be at the reasonable assurance level;
The capitalized costs, expenditures expensed, charges, and losses incurred as a result of severe weather events and other natural conditions, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, drought, wildfires, extreme temperatures, and sea level rise, subject to applicable one percent and de minimis disclosure thresholds, disclosed in a note to the financial statements;
The capitalized costs, expenditures expensed, and losses related to carbon offsets and renewable energy credits or certificates (RECs) if used as a material component of a registrant’s plans to achieve its disclosed climate-related targets or goals, disclosed in a note to the financial statements; and
If the estimates and assumptions a registrant uses to produce the financial statements were materially impacted by risks and uncertainties associated with severe weather events and other natural conditions or any disclosed climate-related targets or transition plans, a qualitative description of how the development of such estimates and assumptions was impacted, disclosed in a note to the financial statements.

Before adopting the final rules, the Commission considered more than 24,000 comment letters, including more than 4,500 unique letters, submitted in response to the rules’ proposing release issued in March 2022.

The adopting release is published on SEC.gov and will be published in the Federal Register. The final rules will become effective 60 days following publication of the adopting release in the Federal Register, and compliance dates for the rules will be phased in for all registrants, with the compliance date dependent on the registrant’s filer status.

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Top legal, criminal justice minds slam proposed youth bail reforms in letter to NSW Premier Chris Minns

NSW Premier Chris Minns speaks to media during a press conference in Sydney

Planned legal changes making it harder for some young people to get bail have been slammed in an open letter to NSW Premier Chris Minns signed by some of Australia's top legal and criminal justice experts.

The letter's authors accuse Mr Minns of ignoring "years of evidence" about how to reduce youth crime, whilst failing to uphold his Closing the Gap commitments to reduce the number of First Nations children in custody.

The letter is signed by 60 organisations, including the Sydney Institute of Criminology, the UTS Law Faculty (Criminal Justice), the UNSW Centre for Criminology Law and Justice, and the Aboriginal Legal Service.

a person wearing an Aboriginal Legal Service tshirt

Amnesty International, Save the Children and the Human Rights Law Centre are also signatories to the letter, which states the premier's bail changes will "make crime worse in regional communities, not better".

"Your new policy to increase youth incarceration is a betrayal of your Closing the Gap commitments," they tell the premier.

"Throwing more children in jail will lead to horrific outcomes for communities, families and those children, compounding abuse and trauma."

Karly Warner, CEO of the Aboriginal Legal Service, said the letter signalled the start of a campaign against the changes which "is not going away".

"As I said to the government before the premier's announcement, 'If you do this, you'll be starting a war,'" Ms Warner said.

Another critical letter, signed by more than 500 individuals including lawyers and academics, has also been sent to the premier.

Karly Warner Chief Executive Officer from the Aboriginal Legal Service standing outdoors next to a tree looking at the camera

Ms Warner said that the longer a young person spends in custody, the more likely they are to reoffend.

"This often leads them to a pipeline of adult incarceration … that ultimately only gets worse and worse."

Leading silk adds to criticism

One of the country's leading barristers, Arthur Moses SC, has separately criticised the bail changes.

Mr Moses, a former president of the NSW Bar Association and the Law Council of Australia, said the changes would affect some of the most vulnerable children in society.

"I often wonder whether politicians who rush in laws concerning youth justice have visited a juvenile detention centre and spent time with children listening to them, rather than demonising them," he told the ABC.

"Many have been abused or neglected during their short lives. Many have cognitive impairments. They need help and the support of society.

"The bail changes will make it harder for children to get bail than adults, and result in an increase of children in custody. That is a fact.

"It is regrettable that the NSW Parliament literally tripped over themselves to rush in these bail laws within days because of adverse publicity with no proper consideration."

Arthur Moses, barrister for Ben Roberts-Smith, leaves the Federal Court in Sydney

Mr Moses, a national patron of the Justice Reform Initiative, said taxpayers' money would be better spent on support services than locking young people up.

"It has been said that we as a society should be judged by how we treat our most vulnerable, who are in prisons. We should be judged harshly based on these changes," he said.

Government under pressure

The government's proposed bail changes, announced last week, came in response to growing community fears over youth crime, especially in regional areas like Moree.

The premier cited statistics showing break-and-enter offences in Moree were 840 per cent higher than the state average, while motor vehicle theft was 680 per cent higher.

Some residents told the ABC they believed young people felt emboldened to reoffend because it was too easy to get out on bail.

The Minns government's changes will require a magistrate to have a "high degree of confidence" a young person won't commit a further serious indictable offence before granting bail.

The proposed bail laws will apply to people aged between 14 and 17 who are charged with certain break-and-enter and car theft offences whilst already on bail for the same types of offences.

The premier last week admitted the policy would put more Indigenous young people behind bars.

"I'm being honest, I think it will lead to increased incarceration," he said.

"Our hope is, in the long run, with intervention and support, that changes."

Ms Warner said NSW risked heading down a similar track to Queensland, which suspended its human rights act as part of its crackdown on youth crime.

"They're choosing to let fear dictate their government policy," she said.

Queensland Labor now risks losing votes on both sides of the argument — in the suburbs to the LNP, which advocates for an even tougher stance, and in the inner city to the Greens, who oppose a hardline approach.

While the NSW legislation is likely to win parliamentary approval, Ms Warner said the issue was not put to bed.

"This is the beginning, not the end of the pain for the government," she said.

Diversion programs 'not enough'

While announcing its tougher bail laws, the government also promised a range of projects it said would help keep young people out of trouble.

They include longer opening hours for community centres, pools and sports facilities in Moree, to give young people more activities.

sails cover a pool in the city of moree in new south wales

An $8.5 million bail accommodation service will also be established in the town, which the premier said would be a "half-way" option between bail and custody so that magistrates have more choices.

Youth Justice Minister Jihad Dib said the government would continue to support diversion programs to keep young people out of the criminal justice program.

"We need to make sure we have community safety as a priority, while at the same time giving young people an opportunity to redeem themselves," he said.

About half of the $26 million package is focused on Moree, but the bail changes will apply statewide.

"What is the government doing?" Ms Warner said.

"New South Wales needs more youth engagement and support right across the state, because that stops crime from happening."

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Trump campaign pleads for one million donations as cash crunch looms

Former U.S. President Trump holds a watch party event to mark the Super Tuesday primary elections at his Mar-a-Lago property

Get weekly news and analysis on the U.S. elections and how it matters to the world with the newsletter On the Campaign Trail. Sign up here.

Reporting by Nathan Layne in Wilton, Connecticut, Tim Reid in Washington and Jack Queen in New York Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Bill Berkrot

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Bulgarian FM Gabriel says no agreement on new government

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel, of the centre-right GERB party, said on Sunday no agreement had been reached on forming a new government with the We Continue the Change (PP) party.

Traders chat during early hours after opening of the Bahrain stock market, in Manama

What's next for oversight of San Diego sheriff? As he steps away, departing watchdog says 'there's still no transparency'

The resignation letter from San Diego County's top civilian oversight official was short and to the point.

Paul Parker's last day as Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board executive officer would be March 22, he wrote almost two weeks ago. He thanked all the right people, offered a nod to openness in government and wished the county his best.

"I encourage you to continue the progress we have worked so hard to achieve," Parker said in his three-paragraph letter.

"This can only be done through continued emphasis on transparency, complete independence and faith and trust in the next executive officer."

But in an interview last week, Parker spoke candidly about his deep-rooted frustrations across the San Diego County bureaucracy — from his volunteer board to the county Board of Supervisors and to Sheriff Kelly Martinez.

"I think I was maybe too strong for this board," he said. "I was maybe too proactive."

Parker said the current civilian-oversight model is not structured in a way that lets the review board monitor the Sheriff's and Probation departments effectively. He said the Board of Supervisors should grant it auditing authority and mandate access to internal department records.

Review board staff should be able to interview deputies and probation officers and visit facilities as needed, Parker said, and policy recommendations issued by the board should not be ignored or optional.

"CLERB is advisory, and that's the issue," he said. "I feel like I'm banging my head against the wall, and the county doesn't seem to want to do anything to have true oversight."

Parker, who returned to lead the oversight body in 2020 after a previous stint between 2017 and 2018, has been at the forefront of an effort to fundamentally remake the review board's role and to expand its authority to include the jails' medical staff.

The healthcare workers in San Diego County jails are not under the oversight panel's jurisdiction, even though the doctors and nurses are frequently involved in treatment decisions and practices that lead to deaths in custody.

Under both Martinez and her predecessor, former sheriff Bill Gore, the jail system has recorded one of the highest death rates in California. Four people have died in sheriff's custody so far this year; 33 others died over the prior two years.

Parker also has repeatedly pressed Martinez to scan sheriff's deputies on their way into county jails to prevent drug smuggling and overdoses. The sheriff has insisted the checks are not needed, despite similar recommendations from the state auditor and county grand jury .

Department records show more than 500 people have overdosed in local jails since 2021, including at least 15 this year.

"They have balked at the (proposed) scanning of employees," Parker said. "And I have no idea why you would not do that."

CLERB chair Eileen Delaney declined to comment on Parker's resignation, or his views on what he considered the board's lackluster support for his proposed reforms. She said the review board is committed to law enforcement oversight.

"We are continuing to move forward with our request to the Board of Supervisors for the expansion of medical oversight," Delaney said. "We are also working to begin detention facility inspections."

The CLERB chair said she hopes to have a successor in place within two or three months.

Vice chair MaryAnne Pintar said she was sorry to see Parker leave but pledged to keep moving his reform agenda forward.

"His departure is a big disappointment, and his unique skill set will be hard to replace," Pintar said by email. "However, CLERB's work, and our purpose, is too important for us to let it falter because of this setback."

None of the five elected county supervisors would discuss Parker's unexpected resignation or say whether they support an inspector general model for civilian oversight in San Diego County going forward.

Board Chair Nora Vargas and Supervisors Jim Desmond and Monica Montgomery Steppe did not respond to requests for comment.

Supervisor Joel Anderson said in a statement that he was "unavailable to comment at this time."

Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer would not address Parker's resignation or his plan for an inspector general. But she said the board already added to some of CLERB's jurisdiction and she looks forward to considering other changes.

"I am aware CLERB is working on recommendations for increased authority and I am interested in closely reviewing them," Lawson-Remer said.

Sheriff Martinez, meanwhile, said she was surprised Parker doubted her commitment to transparency, or to civilian oversight at large.

"I am unclear as to why he would make statements that he believes I am not supportive of working with my communities, transparency, accountability and improvements to our facilities or processes," she said. "The sheriff has given unprecedented access to the CLERB regarding in-custody death incidents."

The Sheriff's Department continues to withhold internal records related to death investigations and other critical incidents that are investigated internally.

The county also is fighting in court to keep a host of sheriff's documents and other evidence sealed from the public, including videotape showing deputies and medical workers failing to respond during the last minutes before a woman named Elisa Serna died in her jail cell in 2019.

Martinez told voters during her campaign for sheriff in 2022 that she would release the department's so-called Critical Incident Review Board records, but she changed course after being sworn in early last year.

Parker remains skeptical of the sheriff's claims.

"We've given her a chance," he said. "People are still dying; there's still no transparency."

'Set up to fail'

The citizens' oversight board was created in the early 1990s, at a time when the Board of Supervisors was at odds with the elected sheriff and the department was confronting a spate of lawsuits and misconduct allegations.

The board relied on subpoena power and in-person interviews to investigate complaints against sheriff's deputies and probation officers, then issue public findings and policy recommendations designed to prevent future law enforcement missteps.

"San Diego voters selected a strong, independent civilian oversight of the Sheriff's and Probation departments, principally because of the brutality in county jails and lethal force in areas patrolled by the Sheriff's Department," said Sue Quinn, who spent decades working for CLERB and since retiring has become an expert in civilian oversight.

"For five years it was in place — only to be deliberately set up to fail by the sheriff and Board of Supervisors," she said.

By the late 1990s, after Bill Kolender had taken over as county sheriff, supervisors began cutting the oversight panel's budget, Quinn said. The review board also started accepting written instead of in-person testimony from deputies, copies of statements they provided to internal affairs investigators and in some cases no answers to their questions at all, she added.

Quinn said the board all but gave up its subpoena power and stopped discussing cases and findings in public.

When Parker arrived in 2017, one of his first steps was to dismiss 22 death investigations because they were more than a year old.

He lobbied for a bigger budget and bigger staff, and he found a powerful ally in Nathan Fletcher, a Democrat elected supervisor in 2018.

Parker accepted a senior position with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office late that year. But he returned in 2020, the year Democrats took control of the Board of Supervisors and it began committing more resources to the oversight board.

"Part of the effort to improve conditions in our jails should include expanding the scope of CLERB for all employees or contractors of the Sheriff's Department, including medical personnel," Fletcher said in 2021. The review board budget and staffing doubled under his tenure as board chair.

Fletcher resigned last spring after being accused of sexual assault and harassment. The resulting vacancy on the Board of Supervisors led to numerous delays in San Diego County governance, including nominations to the civilian oversight board.

A longtime San Diego City Council member, Montgomery Steppe was elected to the vacant seat late last year. She has yet to nominate anyone to the two CLERB vacancies she is responsible for filling.

Asked about the delay, Montgomery-Steppe blamed the Jan. 22 flood, but she said in a statement that civilian oversight is important.

"The community must be confident that the board will serve as a bridge between the community and law enforcement, promoting trust and collaboration in the pursuit of safe and just policing practices," Montgomery Steppe said.

She declined to answer follow-up questions.

Audit authority essential

According to the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement , a nationally recognized nonprofit known as NACOLE, any board charged with reviewing police or sheriff's practices must have specific elements in order to be effective.

The NACOLE mission is "to create a community of support for independent, civilian oversight entities that seek to make local law enforcement agencies transparent, accountable and responsible to the communities they serve," the group's bylaws state.

The civilian oversight nonprofit says review agencies must be independent and have clearly defined jurisdiction and authorities. They also require unfettered access to records and facilities — something the San Diego County review board has never received.

NACOLE says effective agencies also must have adequate funding and operational resources, access to law enforcement executives and internal-affairs staff, community buy-in, protection from retaliation and a commitment to public reporting.

Andrea St. Julian, a local attorney who also co-chairs an advocacy group called San Diegans for Justice , said effective community oversight of law enforcement requires access to internal records.

She also said police and sheriff's departments can benefit from the perspectives brought forward by outside community leaders.

"Auditing and monitoring are essential to assist law enforcement in understanding how to reshape policies so as to prevent wrongdoing in the future and build a closer and more effective relationship with the community," St. Julian said.

Pintar, the CLERB vice chair who is expected to take over as chair in July , said she hopes to include NACOLE in crafting a job description for the new executive officer and also conduct a national search for Parker's successor.

"Families are counting on us, lives depend on it, and the taxpayers deserve the transparency and oversight we bring, because there is a steep price to pay when things go wrong," she said. "We will absolutely continue to pursue the reforms we've proposed."

Three times last year, and again in a letter to the Board of Supervisors last month, CLERB proposed changes to the administrative code that would allow it to scrutinize jail medical staff.

Supervisors have yet to act on the request.

The county review board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, the first in almost four years without Parker at the helm.

The citizens' panel is expected to name chief deputy Nawras Hakak the interim executive officer.

This story originally appeared in San Diego Union-Tribune .

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How to Write a Cover Letter for Law Firms (with Examples)
Cover letter examples for summer associates and interns, Columbia Law School.; Cover letter examples for 1L - 3L students, Harvard Law School.; Cover letter examples for 1L - 3L students, Yale Law School.; Cover letter example for applying to an immigration law firm by a recent graduate with previous paralegal experience.; Cover letter example for big law cover letter, Boston University.
Lawyer Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates & Tips for 2024)
Content. Top ↑ Lawyer Cover Letter Example 5 Steps for the Perfect Law Cover Letter #1. Put Contact Information in the Header #2. Address the Hiring Manager #3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement #4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details #5. Wrap It Up and Sign It 3 Essential Law Cover Letter Tips #1.
Cover Letter Tips For Lawyers At Every Stage
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 ...
Best Law Cover Letter Examples
The average salary for a lawyer in the United States in 2021 was $127,990, but different types of workers in the legal field can expect different compensation. For example: Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators: $49,410 per year. Court reporters and simultaneous captioners: $60,380 per year. Judges and hearing officers: $128,710 per year.
Attorney Cover Letter Example (W/ Templates & Tips for 2024)
Content. Top ↑ Attorney Cover Letter Example 5 Steps for the Perfect Attorney Cover Letter #1. Put Contact Information in the Header #2. Address the Hiring Manager #3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement #4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details #5. Wrap It Up and Sign It 3 Essential Attorney Cover Letter Tips #1.
Law Firm Cover Letter: Sample and Writing Guide
Here's how to write a cover letter for law firm jobs: 1. Use the proper law firm cover letter formatting and layout. Cover letter font: Select a professional font (Cambria, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana). Margins: one inch on both sides and the top and bottom. Cover letter line spacing: 1.15. Cover letter outline: 4 paragraphs.
How to Write the Perfect Law Cover Letter
Think of this question as the theme for the opening paragraph of your law cover letter: in it, you will need to set out who you are, the role you are applying for, a very brief summary of your experience and a concise line or two on why these experiences have directed you to this field. It should be clear to the reader the kind of lawyer you ...
Write a Strong Legal Cover Letter for Lawyers (With Examples)
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.
How To Write a Law Firm Cover Letter With 4 Steps
Here are four steps to write a law firm cover letter: 1. Develop a header and greeting. The first step for writing your cover letter is to develop a header and a greeting. List your first and last name, location, phone number and email address. After this section, add the current date. Then, list the recipient's information, including their ...
2024 Law Cover Letter Example (+Free Tools & Guidance)
Here's what a law professional should include in a cover letter: 1. Contact Information: At the top of the cover letter, include your name, address, phone number, and email address. If it's an email cover letter, this information can be included at the end. 2. Salutation: Address the hiring manager or recruiter directly if possible.
Cover Letter Advice & Samples
Address Block and Salutation. Address the cover letter to an actual person. Research websites or call employer to determine recipient's name. If you cannot find the name of a hiring contact, address your letter to the head of the unit, department, or office. While this is the least-preferred option, you may address your letter to "Dear ...
5 Attorney Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide in 2024
5 Attorney Cover Letter. Samples & Writing Guide in 2024. Stephen Greet January 6, 2024. 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 ...
Lawyer Cover Letter Examples & Expert Tips · Resume.io
Best format for a lawyer cover letter. In most cases, a cover letter should be one page, a maximum of 400 words, structured as follows: Header. Greeting. Introduction. Body. Conclusion. Signature. Below is a lawyer cover letter example that you can customize for the position and hiring organization.
Legal Cover Letter—Samples & Tips [also for No Experience]
Leave even spaces between sections and paragraphs. Inserting a 1-inch margin on all sides will make your legal cover letter appear neat and composed. One page is the best cover letter length for these jobs. Once you have all the settings ironed out, you're probably wondering what to include in your cover letter . 2.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Law Firm
Over the course of this article, we have looked at how to write a cover letter for a law firm. Specifically, we have covered what a legal cover letter is and what its purpose is, a general structure for writing a law cover letter, and some top tips and tricks for writing a good legal cover letter. Our summary. Our advice can be summarised as ...
Attorney Cover Letter Example and Template for 2024
Here are some steps you can follow to write an attorney cover letter: 1. Format your letter. The first step to writing a good attorney cover letter is to format it properly. It's essential to maintain consistent formatting throughout, as your cover letter can reflect your professional image. Select a word processing program you're familiar with ...
1+ Law Cover Letter Examples (with In-Depth Guidance)
The best way to start a Law cover letter is by addressing the hiring manager directly, if their name is known. This personalizes your letter and shows you've done your research. Begin with a strong opening sentence that captures their attention, such as stating a mutual connection or highlighting a significant achievement relevant to the ...
Cover Letters
1. Cover letters for unsolicited applications come in three main types: Personal Letter. These are the most effective cover letters and are sent to people you have met or with whom you have a mutual acquaintance. These letters should all start with the sentence: "_______ recommended that I contact you.". As this type of letter is most ...
How to write winning covering letters for law firms
The best law cover letter examples have a clear structure, such as: 1. The introduction to your cover letter Introduce yourself, explain what stage you are at in your degree course (including the university you're attending), state that you are applying for a training contract and where you read about the law firm. ...
PDF SAMANTHA PIERCE
[email protected] . December 1, 2010 . Miriam A. Nunberg . Staff Attorney . U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights . 32 Old Slip, 26th Fl. New York, NY 10005-2500 . Dear Ms. Nunberg: I am a first-year student at Harvard Law School and am writing to apply for a volunteer summer
How to write a cover letter for law
It's important that you're honest, as any lies could easily be detected by a recruiter. 4. Ending your cover letter. Briefly detail any practical issues (when you're available for interview, for instance). Finally, mention that you've attached your CV and that you look forward to hearing back from the firm.
Best Law Student Cover Letter Samples (Email Examples)
I appreciate what you do to ensure justice for gender violence victims, including the famous Mercy Kelly lawsuit of 2017. I look forward to sharpening my skills as a future attorney at your firm. Please feel free to contact mevia (912) 434 7777 or email at albertjenk@ anglesuni.edu. Thank you for your time.
The 11 Best Cover Letter Examples of 2024
1. The professional cover letter. In this great cover letter example, the applicant landed an IT project management job by proving they had the required project management skills and experience while providing highlights from their career: Include hard numbers in your cover letter to impress the employer.
etseq.law.harvard.edu
etseq.law.harvard.edu
What is a Letter of Intent? How to Write One for a Job [+ Examples]
Letter of Intent vs. Cover Letter. There are a few key differences between a cover letter and a letter of intent, including: Context. While a cover letter responds to a specific job listing, a letter of intent targets an organization more generally. It may or may not have a specific job opening at the time that the LOI is sent in. Focus.
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Tips to Stand Out

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

Attorney Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Attorney Cover Letter

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

3 Essential Attorney Cover Letter Tips

#1. Match Your Resume

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

#2. Mention Qualifications

#3. Be Formal

Key Takeaways

How to Write the Perfect Law Cover Letter

What Should I Write in my Law Cover Letter?

1. Why this area of practice?

2. Why this firm/chambers?

3. Why you would be a good fit?

What to Avoid in a Law Cover Letter

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Why a Strong Cover Letter Matters

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Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Conclusion

Tips for Lawyers to Make Their Cover Letter Stand Out

Sample Legal Cover Letters

Final Thoughts

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Cover Letter Construction

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Paragraph Three

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5 Attorney Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide in 2024

Attorney Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works

Lateral Attorney Cover Letter Example

Associate Attorney Cover Letter Example

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Need a Matching Resume for Your Attorney Cover Letter?

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Beat the Competition with Your Best Attorney Cover Letter

Tip 1: Due diligence is a must

Tip 2: Detail a couple of major accomplishments

Tip 3: Nail down a winning tone & persuasive message

Build Your Attorney Cover Letter with Our Handy Outline

How to start an attorney cover letter

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