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5 Attorney Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide in 2024

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

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

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

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

Attorney   Cover Letter Example

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Copy this text for your Attorney cover letter!

123 Fictional Lane Everett, WA (123) 456-7890

January 23, 2023

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

Dear Ms. Adams:

I am impressed by Reed McClure’s commitment to practical knowledge and exceptional service as demonstrated by the extensive awards your attorneys have won. It is clear your team excels in a multitude of practices and has provided quality legal services to your community for quite some time. I would be honored to join your firm to independently manage civil litigation cases and provide attentive legal assistance to clients.

For the last three years, I have prepared, researched, and settled over 40 medical malpractice cases regarding surgical errors as an attorney for Thomas J. Henry Law. While there, my focus revolved around intense investigation and testing to determine validity of evidence. Using this method, I tried and won two jury trials for local medical providers, resulting in full compensation for both clients.

During my time as an insurance attorney with Cross Insurance Agency, I drew up legal documents, clarified misunderstandings, and reviewed all legal documentation before completion. During my two years with the company, I caught roughly 200 false claims. Many were exaggerations of losses owned to the policyholder, but several were completely fictitious incidents. Through careful claim investigations, we successfully mediated 93 percent of cases internally without going to trial.

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

Nastasiya Vlasenko

Enclosures: Resume Job application Writing sample

Why this cover letter works

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

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Lateral Attorney Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Lateral Attorney cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Columbus, OH 43201 (123) 456-7890

November 26, 2023

Evelyn Martinez Bricker & Eckler 123 Fictional Lane Columbus, OH 43201

Dear Ms. Martinez:

I wholeheartedly concur that every legal case has its unique rhythm and story, much like a well-orchestrated symphony, and I share Bricker & Eckler commitment to delivering exceptional service to every client. Given my knack for untangling complex legal issues, I’m suited for the lateral attorney role, well-equipped with experience in drafting legal documents, trial preparation, and client counseling.

While operating in a senior role at Stavroff Law Firm, my fascination with the intricacy of legal document drafting grew. I drafted 750+ intricate contracts and legal instruments, effectively outlining the rights, obligations, and remedies of parties. This key role drastically increased client satisfaction.

Moving on to my tenure at the legal department of OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, my focus was on trial preparation. Here, I fine-tuned my skills, extracting crucial information from the mounds of documentary evidence obtained through discovery. I prepared an impressive 374 trial-ready cases for the firm, contributing to a 32% increase in our victory ratio.

Earlier in my career at Frost Brown Todd, it was the responsibility of client counseling that deepened my passion for law. Aided by legal tech software like Clio and MyCase, my interactions fostered more solid relationships with our clientele. There was a noticeable 22% acceleration in case resolution times, enhancing the overall client satisfaction and trust.

Believing that each legal case affects real lives, not just abstract principles and statutes excites me about the prospect of working at Bricker & Eckler. Much like a conductor brings every instrument together for a powerful finale, my goal is to orchestrate successful case outcomes. I’d be thrilled to discuss how I can contribute to your renowned team. Thank you for considering my application.

Ava Johansson

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

Associate Attorney Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Associate Attorney cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Charlotte, NC 28201 (123) 456-7890

Henry Robinson Alston & Bird 123 Fictional Lane Charlotte, NC 28201

Dear Mr. Robinson:

As I reflected on the journey of a close friend, who, after a challenging legal dispute, finally secured justice thanks to exemplary legal representation, I was prompted to explore opportunities at Alston & Bird. With advanced legal analysis skills, articulate communication, and a solid sense of empathy, I’m ready to enhance your team’s solid legal track record and contribute to excellent legal outcomes for your clients.

At Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, I exercised my legal writing and drafting proficiency to compose 217 cogent documents ranging from pleadings to briefs. That proved instrumental in facilitating successful case outcomes, ultimately increasing the firm’s success rate by 27%.

During my tenure at Morgan Law, another Charlotte-based firm, my adeptness in legal analytics allowed me to excel in stratagem and risk assessment. Using legal research tools like LexisNexis and Westlaw, I pinpointed case-winning legal authorities and devised assertive legal arguments that bolstered the firm’s victory ratio by an impressive 34%.

Early in my career at Hunton Andrews Kurth, I argued passionately on behalf of clients in appellate courts. Here, I contributed to a 17% rise in overturned judgments thanks to clear articulation and crafting persuasive legal arguments.

As an associate attorney, I’m deeply committed to skilfully navigating the legal playing field. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skill set can further elevate Alston & Bird’s esteemed legal team. Thank you for considering my application.

Jayden Patel

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

Senior Attorney Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Senior Attorney cover letter!

Valente Ferreira [email protected] Indianapolis, IN 123-456-7890

Andrea Lutz, Director of Advancement Conservation Law Center, Inc. 116 South Indiana Bloomington, IN 47408

Dear Ms. Lutz:

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

During my time as an associate general counsel at the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS), I provided legal assistance for all documentation and initiatives, including presentations and chapter events. Most of my time was spent communicating with INPS partners and external parties to grow trust and build strong relationships. By my second year, we had increased our external funding from partners by 38 percent and grown our community reach by 20 percent.

As a senior associate with Pincus & Associates, PC, I mentored summer and junior associates throughout their onboarding process. After the initial training period, I realized many mentees struggled with repeat issues, such as voir dire and preparing witnesses. To combat this, I created video lectures and PowerPoint slides to help them build their litigation skills. After two months of video training, the new hires completed double the number of tasks, and their client satisfaction scores rose by 18 percent.

I am ready to conserve Indiana’s native flora and fauna by contributing my legal expertise to societies such as the Conservation Law Center. I would be honored to supervise your legal team, lead cases, and build relationships with your partners. I deeply respect your efforts toward saving our environment, and I look forward to meeting with you in the future.

Valente Ferreira

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

Trademark Attorney Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Trademark Attorney cover letter!

123 Fictional Lane Cumberland, RI (123) 456-7890

Becky Lukacs, Senior Talent Acquisition Hasbro 1027 Newport Avenue Pawtucket, RI 02862

Dear Ms. Lukacs:

When I heard you needed a trademark and copyright attorney, I started my application right away. Hasbro played a huge part in my childhood and still binds my family and friends together every time we play Monopoly or Betrayal. I believe gaming and entertainment have deeper impacts on our culture than many realize, and it’s my vision to help Hasbro create and protect its trademarks, so future generations can continue to enjoy quality entertainment.

As an associate attorney with KPMG, my team and I worked to provide quality service to over 90 clients. I managed legal risks by proactively identifying legal issues and suggesting revisions to resolve disagreements, prevent non-compliance, and drive future action. By the end of my time there, I had annually exceeded our sales targets by 19 percent and added 7 new clients through referrals.

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

Establishing unity through trademark creation and protection has been a hallmark throughout my career, and I endeavor to do the same at Hasbro. I’m inspired by Hasbro’s ability to promote creativity, empathy, and ethical action across the globe, and I’m eager for the chance to protect and maintain your assets as your trademark and copyright attorney. Thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours respectfully,

Stella Drake

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

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

Need a Matching Resume for Your Attorney Cover Letter?

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

Attorney Resume

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Beat the Competition with Your Best Attorney Cover Letter

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

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

Tip 1: Due diligence is a must

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

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

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

Tip 2: Detail a couple of major accomplishments

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

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

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

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

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

Tip 3: Nail down a winning tone & persuasive message

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Format an Attorney Cover Letter

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

Attorney cover letter header and greeting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attorney cover letter introduction

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

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

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

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

Attorney cover letter body

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

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

Attorney cover letter closing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Respectfully,

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

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

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

Your Dream Attorney Role Awaits…Almost

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

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

Senior Attorney Resume

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

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

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

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

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How to Write a Legal Cover Letter for Law Firms (that Gets you Noticed)

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Whether you’re just starting your legal journey or are an experienced legal professional seeking a new role, there’s no way around it: demand for legal positions is high, and the job outlook for lawyers in the US grows at a faster-than-average pace . Pair this industry growth with movement from lawyers already working in the industry (the 2022 Legal Trends Report found that in the 12 months before April 2022, nearly one in five lawyers left the law firm they were working for, and nine percent planned to leave their firm in the next six months), and it’s clear that many lawyers will find themselves needing to stand out in a competitive job market. 

However, despite the high demand for legal positions, people still need legal expertise—and law firms need capable legal professionals to fill open roles.

Whether you’re a law student, recent graduate, or experienced legal professional, this post will help you with your legal cover letter writing. We’ve started by providing sample cover letters for legal positions below and will then guide you through the essentials of writing a compelling cover letter for law firms. 

Legal cover letter examples

If you’re feeling overwhelmed when drafting a cover letter for law firms, don’t worry. Seeing a legal cover letter example can give you the confidence to write your own. Below, we’ve compiled some sample cover letters for legal positions, covering different backgrounds and levels of experience.

• 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 applying to a Big Law firm, Boston University. 
• Cover letter example for an IP lawyer with 11 years experience, Monster .
• Cover letter example for a litigation attorney with 12 years experience, My Perfect Resume .
• Cover letter examples for applying for private sector roles, Yale Law School .
• Cover letter example for seeking a summer judicial internship, University of Georgia School of Law .

Berkeley Law also provides an excellent guide for legal cover letters. 

You can start by using one of these examples as inspiration when structuring your cover letter and what you may want to highlight. You can also take insights from these sample cover letters for lawyers—insights you can apply to your own cover letter when following our tips below.

How to draft a cover letter for a law firm

It’s one thing to review examples of legal cover letters, but how to write one? By following the standard etiquette and structure—and then personalizing it—you can draft an effective cover letter. First, let’s review some legal cover letter best practices.

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Even after reviewing some legal cover letter examples, the dos and don’ts of legal cover letter writing aren’t always easy to spot. You may ask yourself: what should a legal cover letter include for a law firm? While the content of your cover letter will differ between employers, these points of etiquette should not.

• Don’t skip it. The first—and potentially most important—element of legal cover letter etiquette is just writing one. While job sites and hiring portals may state “Cover Letter Optional,” disregard this, it is always best to send a cover letter.
• Be concise. The hiring manager is likely receiving dozens, or maybe even hundreds, of cover letters a day. Respect an employer’s time by getting straight to the point. Long legal cover letters may also indicate an inability to achieve quick and succinct results.
• Match their tone. Write as if you’ve already been hired for the role. It’s subtle, but an employer will appreciate this personal touch.
• Prioritize the employer. Don’t include unnecessary details about your life that won’t impact how you’ll perform the job.
• Don’t recycle legal cover letters. Be original. It’s time-consuming work, but it’ll show your potential employer your dedication.
• Triple-check it. Spelling and grammatical errors should be avoided at all costs. Given the highly competitive nature of the legal job market, you don’t want to be passed up over a simple error.

Addressing cover letters for lawyers

To whom it may concern: Always take the time to find the correct contact. When writing cover letters for law firms, it’s a common misstep to dedicate so much time and attention to the body of the letter that you overlook the basics—like who and how you’re addressing the letter. 

Here are some best practices for addressing your legal cover letter:

• Know who you’re speaking to. Do your research and be specific. Address your cover letter to the person responsible for hiring at the firm you’re contacting, like the senior partner or hiring manager. If you don’t have this information, the law firm’s website might come in handy, or you can contact the law firm’s human resources department for guidance. 
• Be careful with salutations. The salutation is a place to convey respect and showcase that you’ve taken the time to personalize the letter. Mistakes in the salutation are a sign that you’ll miss details, which won’t bode well for your chances of impressing your potential employer. If you’re certain of the recipient’s preferred gender-identifying language, you can write the salutation as “Dear Ms.” or “Dear Mr.”; however, if you aren’t certain (and don’t make assumptions) or you don’t want to use gender-identifying language, drop the “Ms.” or “Mr.” and write out the person’s full first and last name.
• Double-check your spelling. People will always notice if you spell their name wrong, and there are multiple ways to spell even common names. Ensure you start on the right foot by getting the basics right.

Introductory paragraph

In your cover letter’s opening paragraph, you have two main goals:

• Introduce who you are.
• Explain why you’d be a good fit for this particular firm. 

In the first paragraph, include details about:

• Who you are. Are you currently a law student? Are you an associate at a law firm?
• Who you know. Mention any referrals or mutual acquaintances right away.
• Why you’d be a great fit for the firm. Include specific reasons—you’re looking for a way to create connections with the senior partner or hiring manager.

Main cover letter body

The body section of your cover letter is your chance to shine—and to concisely summarize exactly how you meet the requirements in the job description. 

In one or two paragraphs, give a high-level overview of your legal education and experience to show:

• Why you want to work for this firm. Elaborate on what makes you genuinely excited about the firm—whether it is an area of interest you’ve specialized in, the firm’s reputation or mission, or past experiences that will make you a uniquely good fit.
• Why this firm should hire you. Make clear connections between your qualifications and aspects of the role you’re applying for. If there is a job posting, look closely for key attributes that the firm is looking for, and then detail how you meet those expectations. 

Highlighting your qualifications

Above all else, ensure your legal cover letter highlights your skills. Relevant qualifications for a law firm cover letter include: 

• Past legal work experience or positions.
• Community service roles.
• Academic or research specializations.
• Publications.
• Relevant awards you’ve received.
• Your personal background.

For example, consider a job posting that describes their ideal candidate as someone with personal injury litigation experience, excellent communication skills, and who works well both independently and as a part of a team in a fast-paced office environment.

If you were applying for this role, your cover letter’s body paragraphs might detail your past personal injury litigation experience and specific examples of how you’ve successfully communicated within a team and in a fast-paced environment.

Remember: Be specific, but keep in mind that this is not the place to restate your resume —if you can grab the hiring manager’s attention here, they will read your resume for those details. Your cover letter is where you can entice the reader to move on to your resume by providing context and highlighting how your experience lines up with what’s needed for the role.

For tips on writing a standout lawyer resume, read our blog post here.

Concluding paragraph

Finally, your concluding paragraph is where you’ll succinctly wrap the cover letter up, close the loop, and leave a positive impression. In your closing paragraph, be sure to:

• Say thank you. Gratitude can make a difference, so always thank the reader for their consideration.
• Assert your next steps. It’s fine to clearly outline how and when you will follow up on your application, rather than waiting indefinitely for an answer. And, if you say that you’ll follow up at a specific time, be sure to do it—and hold yourself to your word.
• Provide relevant contact details. Let the reader know how to reach you by phone or email, if these details are not already outlined in your letter’s header.

Tips for using your legal cover letter to stand out

The legal industry is rapidly evolving, and job hunters need to set themselves apart to get hired (unless, of course, you decide to start your own law firm ). 

If you’re applying for a job as a lawyer, whether it’s a traditional position or a legal work-from-home job , here are five tips to make sure your cover letter lands at the top of the pile.

1. Make it personal

Perhaps the most important tip for writing cover letters for lawyers is to make it personal. 

Many of your competitors have similar education and professional experience, so being generic is a fast track to being forgotten. 

Use a personalized cover letter to showcase the unique reasons why you’re the best candidate. Show that you know the person you’re writing to, and highlight any connections. If that isn’t possible, you can always write about the firm to show that you’ve done your research. 

2. Prioritize the positive 

When writing a lawyer cover letter, focus on what you have to offer. Regardless of why you’re looking for a new job, you bring a unique mix of attributes to the table. Highlight these attributes, whether they’re your: 

• Other legal careers
• Relevant work experience 

If you’re a law student or recent graduate, you may not have a long legal career to highlight. However, you can still note strengths like technology skills that make you an asset.

To a hiring law firm, being tech-competent and familiar with certain cloud-based tools like Clio could be an advantage that sets you apart from other candidates.

For example, more and more law firms are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help them run their practices more efficiently, with the 2023 Legal Trends Report finding that nearly one in five legal professionals are using some form of AI in their practices already. With this in mind, lawyers up-to-date with AI technology may stand out for hiring law firms.  

3. Get to the point

Legal cover letters are not the place to be long-winded, and droning on will almost certainly have the opposite effect of what you’re going for. Keep cover letters for attorneys short, to the point, and persuasive—the trick is to be memorable and limit yourself to one page. Because you want to make a lasting impression on a single page, it’s also a good idea to check your cover letter’s sentence structure. Do you start all of your sentences the same way? Are they all the same length? Ensure there’s some variety so your reader stays engaged.

4. Set the right tone

Tone matters. While what you say in a cover letter for lawyers is obviously important, it also matters how you say it. 

No matter what type of legal job you’re applying for, you always want to convey a professional tone. However, depending on the law firm you’re applying to, using a personal tone may work to your advantage. Tailor your tone to match the law firm you’re applying to. 

If you’re writing a Big Law cover letter, for example, you’ll want to err on the side of being more formal. For a smaller local law firm? Check their website and match the tone to demonstrate your familiarity with their firm. 

5. Proofread

There is zero room for typos or grammatical errors in cover letters for lawyers. With so much competition for legal jobs, don’t give hiring managers a reason to eliminate you. Take the time to carefully proofread your cover letter yourself, and consider enlisting someone else to proofread your cover letters as well.

Final thoughts on how to write a legal cover letter for a law firm

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

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

While finding a new legal job in a competitive market isn’t exactly easy, staying resilient and adaptive will lead you to success. By crafting a great cover letter, you’re more likely to be noticed in this—and any—job market. 

And, no matter what job you’re applying for, knowing technology can help set you apart—both when job hunting and once you’re working at your new firm. If you’re a law student and want a head start, you may be able to get free Clio access via Clio’s Academic Access Program (CAAP) at your law school. Learn more about CAAP here .

Do law firms read cover letters?

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

We published this blog post in June 2020. Last updated: June 13, 2024 .

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Cover Letters

E. common cover letter mistakes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The mistakes most commonly found in student cover letters are:

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

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

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

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Cover Letter Template (PDF)

General tips and formatting suggestions to create a strong cover letter https://writingcenter.catalyst.harvard.edu/files/catalystwcc/files/writing… See also: Cover Letter , Grow Professionally , Representing Yourself

Cover Letter Advice

Cover letter tips.

Like your resume, a cover letter is a sample of your written work and should be brief (preferably one page), persuasive, well-reasoned, and grammatically perfect. Before crafting your cover letters, review the following tips and consult the sample cover letters .

A good cover letter

• Tells the employer who you are and what you are seeking;
• Shows that you know about the particular employer and the kind of work the employer does (i.e., civil or criminal work, direct client service, “impact” cases, antitrust litigation);
• Demonstrates your writing skills;
• Demonstrates your commitment to the work of that particular employer;
• Conveys that you have something to contribute to the employer;
• Shows that you and that employer are a good “fit;” and
• Tells the employer how to get in touch with you by email, telephone, and mail.

Hiring attorneys and recruiting administrators use cover letters to

• Eliminate applicants whose letters contain misspellings (especially of the employer name and the name of the contact person) or other errors;
• Eliminate applicants whose letters show a lack of research, knowledge about, or interest in the employer’s work;
• Eliminate applicants who are unable to exhibit the value they will bring to the employer; and
• See if there are geographic ties or other information to explain the applicant’s interest in that city or employer.

Cover Letter Format

Your current address should be aligned with the center of the page or the left margin. Under your address you should include a telephone number where you can most easily be reached (i.e., your cell phone) and email address. The date is included under that contact information.

Determine to whom you should address the cover letter. If you are applying to law firms, address your letter to the recruiting director, unless you have reason to do otherwise—for example, if you have been instructed to address the letter to a particular attorney at the firm. For NALP member firms, use www.nalpdirectory.com to obtain that contact information. For other firms and public interest employers, you can refer to their websites, or contact the office to determine to whom your materials should be directed. The name of the person to whom the letter is addressed, his or her title, the employer’s name, and address follow the date and are aligned with the left margin. If writing to an attorney, include Esq. after the person’s name. The greeting appears two lines below the employer’s address and should be “Dear Mr.,” “Dear Ms.,” “Dear Mx.,” “Dear [First Name] [LastName],” or “Dear Judge.” When possible, avoid addressing your letter generally, such as Dear Sir or Madam, or “To Whom It May Concern”; instead take the time to find the contact person and address the letter to that individual.

The body of the cover letter ought to be single-spaced with a line between each paragraph. The closing of the letter (“Sincerely” and your signature) should be two lines below the last line of the letter and either in the center of the page or aligned with the left margin, consistent with how you set up the top of your letter.

Cover Letter Body

Although there are many ways to write a cover letter, the following general format has worked well for candidates in the past.

• In the first paragraph of your cover letter, explain why you are sending your application to the employer: “I am an experienced attorney admitted in New York and am seeking a position with the Trusts and Estates practice group at your organization.” Mention your education background very briefly. In addition, if you have been referred by a mutual contact, you should mention that contact in the first paragraph.
• Use the second paragraph to explain your interest in the employer, including your interest in the employer’s geographic location, reputation, specialty area, or public service.
• In the third paragraph, stress why this employer should hire you. Try not to reiterate what is already included on your resume. Elaborate on the qualifications and experience you have that make you an exceptional attorney. As a lateral candidate it is particularly important to show the value you will bring to the organization.
• The final paragraph should thank the employer for taking the time to review your application and inform the employer of how you can be reached to set up an interview. You may wish to state that you will contact the employer in a couple of weeks to follow up and then actually do so. This is especially true with public interest employers who are often understaffed and will appreciate your extra effort.

For additional general cover letter advice from CDO, consult this page . You are welcome to schedule an appointment with a  CDO counselor to review and discuss your cover letter draft.

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Post-Doctoral and Graduate Corporate Governance Fellowships

The Program on Corporate Governance at Harvard Law School (HLS) is pleased to announce that it is seeking applications from highly qualified candidates who are interested in working with the Program as Post-Doctoral or Doctoral Corporate Governance Fellows.

Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and the start date is flexible and can be negotiated based on applicant and Program needs. Appointments are commonly for one year, but the appointment period can be extended for additional one-year period/s contingent on business and funding.

Candidates should have a law degree from a law school in the United States or abroad. Candidates still pursuing a doctoral degree are eligible so long as they will have completed their program’s coursework requirements by the time they begin their fellowship period.

During the term of their appointment, Fellows will be in residence at HLS and will be required to work on research and other activities of the Program, depending on their skills, interests, and Program needs. The position includes a competitive fellowship salary and Harvard University benefits. Fellows will also be able to spend time on their own projects.

Applicants should have an interest in corporate governance and in academic or policy research in this field. Former Fellows of the Program currently teach in many leading law schools in the U.S. and abroad (e.g., Scott Hirst (BU), Robert Jackson (NYU), Marcel Kahan (NYU), Kobi Kastiel (Tel-Aviv), Yaron Nili (Duke), Roberto Tallarita (Harvard) and Holger Spamann (Harvard)).

Interested candidates should submit a CV, a writing sample, and a cover letter to the coordinator of the Program, at [email protected] . The cover letter should describe the candidate’s experience, reasons for seeking the position, career plans, and the period during which they would like to work with the Program.

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Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

14 junior lawyer cover letters.

Approved by real hiring managers, these Junior Lawyer cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2024. A hiring manager explains why.

Table of contents

• Junior Lawyer
• Senior Associate Lawyer
• Legal Research Assistant
• Entry-Level Attorney
• Legal Associate
• Corporate Law Clerk
• Associate Lawyer
• Alternative introductions for your cover letter
• Junior Lawyer resume examples

Junior Lawyer Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works in 2024, highlighting academic and practical experience.

This cover letter does an excellent job of showcasing the candidate's academic achievements and practical legal experience, which are both critical for a Junior Lawyer role. A strong academic record and relevant internships are often major selling points for recent law school graduates, so be sure to highlight these accomplishments in your cover letter.

Providing Specific Examples

By providing specific examples of the candidate's accomplishments during their internships, this cover letter effectively demonstrates their ability to handle real-world legal matters. When applying to legal positions, it's important to showcase your hands-on experience and how it has prepared you for the challenges of the role you're seeking.

Relate to the Company's Values

When you show that you understand and appreciate the company's values, you're creating a connection. Here, your mention of Allen & Overy's commitment to innovation makes it clear that you're not just interested in 'any' law firm, but specifically them. You're not just looking for a job, but more a place where you can align your own values. This kind of connection is something hiring managers love to see.

Highlight Your Achievements with Specifics

Sharing specific accomplishments, such as your victory in the RW Moot Court competition, helps to paint a vivid picture of your capabilities. Rather than just stating you're good at legal research or communication, you're giving a concrete example that demonstrates these skills in action. It provides a snapshot of how you perform under real-life conditions.

Showcase Your Multifaceted Skills

By pointing to both your litigation skills and ability to lead under pressure, you're showing that you're multifaceted and can handle a variety of tasks. It's an effective way to showcase your broad skillset and how you can add more value to the team.

Articulate Your Career Goals

Stating that working on high-profile international cases is a career goal does more than just show you're ambitious. It helps the hiring manager understand your professional trajectory and how that aligns with the role you're applying for. It also shows that you've thought about how the company can provide opportunities for your growth and development.

Showcase Key Experiences

Sharing your past experience, like interning at a law firm and being part of a significant case, is extremely helpful. It not only shows that you have practical experience, but also that you've been in serious, real-world situations and handled them successfully.

Demonstrate Initiative

Highlighting your proactive steps, like spearheading a research initiative, shows that you're not just a passive observer. You're someone who takes charge and is capable of leading when needed. Employers appreciate this kind of drive and initiative.

Highlight Relevant Skills

Emphasizing the skills you've gained, particularly those directly related to the job you're applying for, helps establish you as a strong candidate. Don't just list your skills; explain how they'll benefit the team you're hoping to join.

Express Genuine Interest

Sharing your excitement for the opportunity to work at a particular firm shows your genuine interest. It reveals a personal connection and demonstrates that you're not just looking for any job, but this job at this company.

End with a Strong Close

It's always nice to end your cover letter with a gracious sign-off. It's a polite way to show your appreciation for their time and consideration, and it leaves them with a positive last impression of you.

Show your enthusiasm for the junior lawyer role

Expressing excitement about the job and recognition of the firm's strengths creates a personal link and shows you've done your homework.

Highlight key achievements in law school

Mentioning a win in a prestigious moot court competition demonstrates your practical skills and competitive spirit, making you a standout candidate.

Detail experiences that build relevant skills

Discussing specific roles that improved your analytical abilities and attention to detail proves you're ready to handle the responsibilities of a junior lawyer.

Connect your interests to the firm's specialties

Drawing a line between your past work and the firm’s focus areas shows alignment in interests and suggests you'll be passionate about your projects.

Express gratitude and eagerness to contribute

A simple thank you note paired with an expression of eagerness to join the team shows humility and readiness for collaboration.

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Demonstrate admiration and relevant background

Expressing admiration for the firm alongside your prestigious education background sets a positive tone. It immediately creates a connection with the firm’s values.

Showcase your legal achievements

Talking about your involvement in resolving a complex case demonstrates your practical experience and problem-solving skills. It's impactful to mention specific achievements.

Explain why the firm attracts you

Stating specific reasons you’re drawn to the firm, like their case profile and professional development opportunities, shows you’ve done your homework. It personalizes your application.

Invite further discussion

Offering to discuss how your skills align with the firm’s needs is a proactive approach. It opens the door for further communication.

Match your values with the employer's

By highlighting the alignment of your career goals with Kirkland & Ellis' values, you demonstrate you're not just looking for any job, but a place where you can belong and grow.

Detail your relevant experience

Mentioning specific skills developed during law school, like legal research, writing, and analysis, shows you have the foundational knowledge needed for a junior lawyer role.

Showcase your real-world legal experience

Talking about your internship experience, especially in a demanding environment, proves you're ready to handle the pressures of litigation work.

Emphasize teamwork in finding legal solutions

Stressing the importance of collaboration in developing legal strategies shows you're a team player who values diverse perspectives.

Express eagerness to contribute

Ending your cover letter by looking forward to discussing your role in the firm's mission highlights your proactive attitude and passion for law.

Senior Associate Lawyer Cover Letter Example

Communicate your career aspirations.

Your interest in DLA Piper's diverse client base suggests you're looking for a dynamic and challenging work environment. This tells me you're eager to grow, adapt, and that you're not afraid of facing new challenges. It's a subtle way to convey your enthusiasm and adaptability.

Quantify Your Success

Securing a landmark win in a $10M patent dispute is a hard-hitting achievement. By quantifying your success, you're offering a measurable proof of your capabilities. It provides a clear, tangible indication of your contribution and the level of responsibility you can handle.

Highlight Your Impact on Business Metrics

Increasing client retention rates by 30% is a strong achievement that speaks to both your legal expertise and client management skills. It's a clear indicator that you're not just a great lawyer, but also someone who knows how to nurture client relationships and contribute to the firm's success.

Express Your Desire for Growth

Your keenness to expand your experience across sectors and jurisdictions shows a drive for personal and professional growth. It demonstrates your willingness to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges - qualities that are highly sought after in senior roles.

Legal Research Assistant Cover Letter Example

Passion for the job.

Communicating your enthusiasm for the job, especially if it's something you love doing even in your free time, makes you stand out. It tells me that you're not just looking for a paycheck, but you genuinely love what you do.

Highlight Problem-Solving Skills

You've shown that you're not just a problem observer, you're a problem solver. Coming up with a proprietary research methodology that improved efficiency? That's demonstrating ingenuity and resourcefulness, qualities that are highly valued in a research assistant.

Communicate Your Passion

Reinforcing that the role is not just a job, but a continuation of your passion, again underlines your interest and commitment. It shows me that you're likely to be a dedicated and committed employee, not just a clock watcher.

Offer A Unique Contribution

When you express your keenness to bring your unique skills and work ethic to a firm, it hints at the value you can add. It makes me curious to see what you could do and eager to give you a chance to prove it.

Express Appreciation and Eagerness

Thanking the hiring team for considering your application and expressing your eagerness to contribute and learn from the industry's best shows your humility and eagerness. It leaves a good final impression and just might tip the scales in your favor.

Entry-Level Attorney Cover Letter Example

Demonstrate knowledge of the entry-level attorney’s sector.

Showing awareness of the firm's reputation and its sector of expertise reflects that your interest is informed and genuine.

Share impactful experiences

Talking about providing legal assistance to low-income clients showcases your ability to handle real-world issues with empathy, a crucial trait for any attorney.

Express passion for the firm's work

Conveying excitement about the opportunity to join the firm's team and contribute to its projects shows you're not just looking for any job, but the right job.

Communicate your readiness to make an impact

Stating your eagerness to bring skills, passion, and dedication to the firm underlines your proactive attitude and commitment to contributing from day one.

Close with professionalism

Signing off your letter with a respectful closing salutation leaves a lasting positive impression, highlighting your professional demeanor.

Legal Associate Cover Letter Example

Show your commitment to corporate law.

Mentioning your education and what draws you to the firm highlights your dedication and understanding of the field. It's a good start to show you're a strong fit.

Highlight leading roles and skills

Leading a law review not only shows your ability in legal writing and research but also in leadership. Mentioning this early on shows you're capable of handling responsibility.

Express your specific legal interests

Pointing out your interest in corporate transactions gives a clear idea of your career focus. It helps to know you have a passion for what the firm specializes in.

Convey eagerness to contribute and learn

Ending on a note of enthusiasm to both contribute and grow with the firm is a strong close. It shows a balance of confidence and humility.

Keep the closing professional

A simple and professional sign-off maintains the overall tone of your cover letter. It’s a small but important detail.

Show your passion for the corporate law clerk role

Starting your cover letter by expressing a strong interest in the position helps set a positive tone. It tells me you're not just looking for any job, but you're eager to work in this specific field.

Detail your relevant experience in corporate law

When you mention your hands-on experience with startups and the legal challenges you've helped navigate, it demonstrates your ability to apply your academic knowledge in real-world scenarios. This is exactly what firms look for.

Highlight your admiration for the firm

Explaining why you're excited about joining a particular firm shows you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in what makes that firm unique. It's a subtle way of complimenting the firm while showcasing your enthusiasm.

Express your eagerness to contribute

Ending with a statement that emphasizes your desire to discuss your fit with the firm's needs shows initiative and openness. It's a polite way of requesting an interview without sounding demanding.

Show your passion for legal work

Telling your story about how you decided to focus on securities law shows you're not just looking for any job – you're looking for this job. It makes you more memorable.

Highlight your practical legal experience

When you talk about working with real clients on serious issues, it proves you're not just theory-based. You've been in the field, making a difference, which is exactly what firms need.

Demonstrate your legal achievements

Detailing your involvement in a major case and its positive outcome shows that you're not just part of the team, but a valuable asset who contributes to success. This sort of proof is gold for hiring managers.

Connect with the firm's values and reputation

Expressing why you're drawn to the firm’s excellence and service commitment shows you’ve done your homework and see yourself fitting in. It's a subtle way of saying, "I belong here."

Closing with an offer to discuss your potential contributions demonstrates proactivity and a readiness to be part of their mission. This attitude is often seen as a sign of a highly motivated candidate.

Corporate Law Clerk Cover Letter Example

Communicate your enthusiasm for the corporate law clerk position.

By stating your excitement and specific interest in corporate law right at the start, you immediately catch my attention. It shows you're not just casting a wide net but have a clear focus on where you want to grow.

Showcase your ability to handle complex legal tasks

Discussing a specific project where your research directly impacted a client's strategy illustrates your practical skills and ability to contribute meaningfully. It's evidence of your capability to handle the responsibilities of a corporate law clerk.

Express your admiration for the firm's excellence

Identifying and acknowledging the firm's strengths and your desire to be a part of it tells me you value quality and aspire to high standards. This alignment in values is crucial for a successful fit.

Indicate your willingness to discuss your fit for the role

Inviting further discussion about how you can meet the firm's needs is a proactive and humble way to close your cover letter. It shows you're considerate of the firm's goals and eager to contribute.

Associate Lawyer Cover Letter Example

Highlight your attraction to the firm's strengths.

Expressing admiration for DLA Piper's global presence and quality of service shows you've done your homework and are specifically interested in what makes them stand out.

Point out unique academic experiences

Discussing your involvement in a significant study demonstrates not just your interest in corporate law but also your ability to engage with complex legal topics.

Illustrate your practical legal skills

Mentioning your internship roles and the skills you developed there, such as drafting and reviewing contracts, showcases your readiness for the practical aspects of being an associate lawyer.

State your readiness to add value

Your excitement to bring your skills and knowledge to the firm underlines your confidence in your ability to contribute positively.

Closing with an invitation to discuss how you can support the firm's mission and clients shows initiative and a genuine interest in becoming part of the team.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

Cover Letters For Jobs Similar To Junior Lawyer Roles

• Corporate Lawyer Cover Letter Guide
• Employment Lawyer Cover Letter Guide
• Immigration Lawyer Cover Letter Guide
• Junior Lawyer Cover Letter Guide
• Lawyer Cover Letter Guide
• Real Estate Lawyer Cover Letter Guide

Other Legal Cover Letters

• Attorney Cover Letter Guide
• Contract Specialist Cover Letter Guide
• Underwriter Cover Letter Guide

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

1L Guide to Summer Jobs

Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising

You are beginning a process of exploration, reflection, and decision-making that may last your entire career. But right now, concretely, you will be focusing on your 1L summer job search.

How do I find a summer public interest job?

You can start by checking out our  Summer Job Search FAQs , which cover topics such as resume and cover letter writing, preparing for interviews, and negotiating offers and monitoring our  1L Summer Jobs Feed  for the most recent summer jobs we receive. In addition, we have created this guide specifically for the 1L summer job search.

Key summer job search goals:

• Try out an area of the law (civil rights, environmental, antitrust, etc.), type of employer (government agency, nonprofit, union, etc.), or legal skill (litigation, policy, transactional, client-based work, etc.) that might be of interest to you professionally; i.e., begin to answer the question: “what kind of law practice is the right fit for me?”
• Begin to demonstrate a commitment to public service generally, and perhaps to a particular field of interest or type of practice specifically.
• Build your connections to organizations and practitioners working in fields that may be of interest to you.
• Build marketable skills (e.g., client interviewing, drafting skills, etc.).

Step One: Reflection and Planning

(beginning in Fall and continuing throughout the year)

• Why did I come to law school?
• What have my prior work experiences, internships, and extracurriculars told me about how I like to work, the kind of day-to-day work that plays to my strengths, and the work environments I most enjoy?
• What issue areas, practice settings, or work types are most interesting to me? Why?
• How important is geography this summer? What cities or states are of greatest interest?
• OPIA’s self-assessment.
• The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
• Our  Practice Setting Webcasts  (hear what lawyers say about their day-to-day jobs and what they most and least enjoy about their work).
• Wasserstein Fellow meetings . The Wasserstein Public Interest Fellows Program brings outstanding public interest attorneys to Harvard Law School to counsel students about public service. 2-3 Day Wasserstein Fellows are on campus for a few days during the fall semester and J-term to meet with HLS students one-on-one. Schedule a meeting with a Wasserstein Fellow to ask about their current work, how they chose that work, or how they might compare prior professional experiences to their current one.
• Our career guides.
• Our 1L E-Advising series on exploring public interest resources at HLS .
• Informational interviews with practicing public interest attorneys (if you don’t know any, OPIA is happy to provide you with contact information for lawyers willing to talk to current students).
• Familiarize yourself with SPIF amounts.
• Use the  SPIF budget interactive tool .
• Determine cost of summer living in cities of interest.
• Make a note in your personal calendar re: the SPIF deadline (you DON’T have to wait until you have a summer job lined up in order to apply).
• Appointments for 1Ls are available after October 15 – watch for an e-mail from OPIA indicating sign ups are open. We encourage students to try to make their first appointment during the fall semester, even if they don’t apply for jobs until later in the year.
• Discuss the results of your self-reflection, including any sticking points.
• Brainstorm about the summer options that might best align with your goals and interests.
• Develop a personal job search plan.
• Begin to explore your longer term employment goals.
• Discuss courses, clinics, and extracurricular activities that might also allow you to pursue your interests.
• Prepare for your advising appointment.
• Learn further guidelines on 1L advising.

Step Two: Identifying Potential Employers

(can begin in Fall)

• Develop a list of public interest organizations to apply to that meet your summer goals/interests. Ideally, narrow down your list to no more than 2 issue areas or types of work, to give your search some focus.
• There are a plethora of resources you can use to find public interest organizations that may be of interest to you: our  job search boards and databases list ; the  Helios organizations database ;  OPIA advisers ;  OPIA career guides ; student-to-student job fair (usually occurring in mid-October);  Who Worked Where  lists;  PSJD ;  faculty ; your own network if you have one.
• The number of applications you submit will vary depending on the type of work you are pursuing, the competitiveness of the organizations you’re interested in, your background, and the cities you are targeting. Most students apply to around 10 organizations, but that number may be lower or higher for an individual student.
• Make sure the organizations to which you wish to apply are  SPIF-eligible .
• Remember to make another appointment with an OPIA adviser if you need more guidance or help finding organizations that may be a good fit for you.
• Does the organization have a job posting? Read our weekly email jobs bulletins and check out these job databases.
• Does it have application instructions on its website?
• Many students participate in the  Massachusetts Law School Consortium (MLSC)  (note that  MA USAO  hires exclusively through MLSC) or in the  Spring Interview Program (SIP)  (note that only a handful of public interest employers participate in this program).
• If none of the above, you can still apply to the organization by sending a resume and cover letter directly to the designated intern coordinator or to the legal director (don’t assume an organization without a posting or intern page won’t take an intern!).
• National nonprofits (ACLU, NAACP, CCR, Earthjustice, etc.).
• Federal agencies, particularly the U.S. Department of Justice, or DOJ (including many U.S. Attorney’s Offices, or USAOs), and defense/national security oriented agencies.
• Legal aid organizations and public defenders in popular cities (Bronx Defenders, DC Legal Aid, etc.).
• That said, plan to start applying for summer jobs at the time that’s right for you! There are great employers that hire throughout January and February; a smaller number of employers will also hire in March.
• The international search tends to begin later; it is common to see applications in the winter months (but there are a few exceptions for certain international courts/organizations).
• If you are applying for federal government jobs that require a security clearance (DOJ, USAOs, national security agencies, etc.), review  OPIA guidance on security clearances and check for any potential issues (particularly drug use). Consult with an OPIA adviser as necessary.
• If you are applying to DOJ (including USAOs), you must have lived within the U.S. for at least 3 of the last 5 years (though the years need not be sequential).

Step Three: Preparing Materials

(October through January) and Applying (as of November 15)

• Check out OPIA’s  preparing materials guidance on tackling resumes, cover letters, writing samples, references, and more. You can also find  resume samples  and  cover letter samples , as well a  resume workshop  and  cover letter workshop  video prepared by OPIA and OCS.
• The  Summer Job Search FAQs  also have plenty of tips and tricks for creating a stand-out public interest application.
• Polish your  online presence .
• Submit your resume and cover letter for review by an OPIA adviser  (note there is a 10-14 business day turn around; do not wait until Thanksgiving to send us your materials if you hope to submit applications early in December).
• Check to see if any of your applications require that you submit other materials (for example, a  transcript ), and if so, prepare those materials.
• Check for typos (again).
• You may begin to submit applications as of November 15.
• Make sure you follow all application instructions where relevant, including instructions (such as bidding deadlines) for participating in specific job fairs.
• If you have not heard anything from employers you have applied to after two or three weeks, follow up with them to see if they need any additional materials.

Remember to review and, if necessary, clean up your  online presence . Employers may do an online search of you, and your online presence should be professional. Make sure you review your social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), email signatures, and voicemail. Also make sure your LinkedIn profile is professional and up-to-date.

Step Four: Interviewing and Managing Offers

(beginning in November and continuing through March)

• Remember to respond to all employer emails and phone calls within 24 hours.
• Err on the side of formality. Use last names and don’t start an email with “hi” or “hey” or no greeting at all.
• Not hearing back from employers after two weeks or so? Follow our  guidelines for following up on applications .
• Some employers may require in-person interviews; most will be ok with a video or phone interview.
• Review our information on p rofessional attire in our Professionalism Guide . If you are in need of a professional outfit for an interview, check out the  HLS Clerkship and Professional Attire Expense Policy .
• Practice is key! Participate in the OPIA/OCS mock interview program and/or make an appointment with an advisor. You should also watch our  OPIA/OCS interviewing video  and practice with a family member or a friend.
• Why law school?
• Why this type of work?
• Why this organization?
• Be prepared to talk about anything on your resume (including SPOs and extracurriculars), highlighting key skills and learning experiences.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your writing sample.
• Have two or three questions prepared for each interviewer (don’t ask anything that can be Googled!).
• If you don’t have a strong “public interest” resume, talk to an OPIA advisor about experiences you can highlight and ways to convey your interest in an authentic manner.
• Send  thank-you notes  (usually an email within 24 hours after your interview).
• Read our  FAQs , guidance , and  e-advising post  on responding to, accepting, and declining offers.
• If you receive an offer, acknowledge it by phone (if offer was by phone) or email (if offer was by email) within 24 hours.
• If you need more time to decide on an offer, you may politely request a reasonable extension.  Learn more about what is “reasonable.”
• Do not accept an offer and then later withdraw.  You should be aware that the legal community is much smaller than you may think, and reneging on a job offer can have negative consequences for your career.
• If you are in a position to have multiple offers at the same time, or if you have an offer and haven’t heard from your top choice, visit our virtual office hours to discuss how to handle these situations.
• Office hours are also great for discussing whether to accept or reject a specific offer.
• Keep these dates in mind as you plan your summer.

If you have not gotten any offers and are starting to panic, don’t! Make an appointment with an OPIA adviser to talk about your options and come up with a game plan.

Step Five: Funding, Visas, and Housing

(beginning in January and continuing through April)

• Check the status of your SPIF application and address any follow ups as needed.
• Check out options for  supplemental funding  beyond SPIF, and be sure to apply if you qualify.  PSJD also has a guide  on public interest job searching with additional funding resources and information.
• If you are an international student and will be working in the United States, talk to the Harvard International Office about  CPT requirements .
• Explore housing options in the area and secure a place to live for the duration of your internship. Employers may be able to help with this, especially if they have taken on summer interns in the past.
• If you’re looking for an apartment to sublet for a few months, one way to start your search is by looking for Facebook housing/subletting groups for the area where you will be living. If there is a university in the town or city where you will be living, that is a good place to start. For example, if you will be in NYC, try searching for Columbia or NYU summer sublet Facebook groups.

Step Six: Making the Most of Your Summer

 (beginning in Spring and continuing through Summer)

• After accepting your offer, ask your employer whether there are any steps you can take to prepare for your summer internship. Also, feel free to check out the  Who Worked Where lists  and reach out to other HLS students who have worked in your office to ask them for any advice.
• Remember that your summer position is relatively brief and you should try to keep your number of absences to zero. However, there may be instances where an absence is necessary (attending a family wedding, for example); to avoid any surprises, speak with your primary summer contact well in advance of any possible absence. Avoid being presumptuous or unreasonable when making an absence request.
• Be on time. Check with your contact about what time to arrive on your first day; after that, look around and see when attorneys generally arrive in the morning and follow their lead. Also, observe what time the attorneys tend to leave the office. While you do not need to be the last one out the door, you should not always be the first one, either.
• Be sure to check out our  tips on workplace attire, email etiquette, interacting with coworkers, and workplace conduct.  Don’t assume that all public interest work atmospheres are the same; read the room and err on the side of formality.
• Maintain a friendly and enthusiastic attitude throughout the summer.
• Be detail-oriented. Bring a notepad with you everywhere you go and take notes when receiving assignments. Always submit your best work, and remain positive and open-minded when it comes to feedback and constructive criticism.
• Say thank you – including to support staff, your supervisor(s), and any formal intern coordinators who might be part of your summer experience.
• Be social at work. Take your supervisor(s) to lunch. Grab coffee with other attorneys in your organization whose work interests you. Attend any trainings or brown bag information sessions offered to summer interns. If your office hosts happy hours, barbecues, or even a weekly softball game, go! Let your summer colleagues get to know you, and pick their brains about the legal market in your city, organizations doing similar work, and contacts you should be reaching out to.
• Go to events. State and local bar associations, national affinity organizations, and even law schools offer both substantive and networking-driven summer programming. For example, check out the calendars of the  Federal Bar Association ,  DC Bar Association ,  Washington Council of Lawyers ,  New York City Bar Association , and  San Francisco Bar Association . (Note that student membership may be required to attend an event.)
• Ask OPIA for networking contacts in your field(s) of interest! We are happy to connect you with attorneys practicing in your summer city or elsewhere.
• Student Practice Organizations (SPOs).
• Clinics  (in-house and independent, with opportunities during the fall, winter “J term,” and spring).
• Pro bono  and volunteer work.
• Research work.
• Shadowing a practicing attorney for 1-2 days.

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