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Lawyer cover letter example
Related cover letter examples
Cover letter template for a lawyer
Format your lawyer cover letter
How to write a cover letter for a lawyer
Add a matching resume
Key takeaways
Resources to help prepare for your interview

Being a lawyer is enough of a challenge. From providing invaluable guidance to clients to upholding justice to drafting legal documents, a legal career requires a strong blend of analytical skills, a deep understanding of legal principles and a commitment to ethical practice.

With such a demanding career, the last thing you need is to struggle with your job application documents as well. Your cover letter doesn’t have to be a challenge.

Building a convincing cover letter is easy with the help of our lawyer cover letter examples and step-by-step guide.

Our guide offers:

Sample cover letters specifically designed for positions in the legal field.
Customizable cover letter templates that emphasize your legal analysis, advocacy and case management skills.
Expert advice to help you tailor your cover letter to appeal to hiring managers and legal recruiters.
Effective strategies to distinguish your cover letter and convey your legal acumen.

Need help getting started? Our Cover Letter Builder is here for you! This tool simplifies the writing process with prewritten phrases specific to legal roles, allowing you to seamlessly integrate them into an elegant template. With tips, generated content suggestions and formatting guidance, you can complete and submit your cover letter with ease and confidence.

Lawyer cover letter example

Sample lawyer cover letter

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What makes this a great sample cover letter for a lawyer?

Addresses the recipient by name
Addressing your cover letter directly to the legal department hiring manager or firm senior partner is a great way to show that you’ve done your research.
Numerical data
Using numbers helps give employers a sense of the real-world value you bring to the role and demonstrates that you understand how to achieve results.
Neat style
A neat and professional cover letter style makes your document feel professional while allowing you to stand out from the crowd.

Cover letter template for a lawyer

Looking for a different cover letter? Check out our library of cover letter examples for more inspiration:

Angelina Watson
12345 Sixth St.
Oakland, CA 94102
example@email.com
(555) 555-5555

June 4, 2024

Thomas Wynette
Partner
Carter & Goldstein LLP
111 Sample Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94103

Dear Mr. Wynette,

I am writing to express my interest in the senior attorney position at Carter & Goldstein LLP, as advertised. With nine years of substantial experience in litigation and commercial law, I am eager to bring my expertise in complex case management and proven negotiation skills to your esteemed firm.

During my tenure at Davidson & Associates, I successfully managed over 150 cases, demonstrating a consistent track record of favorable outcomes. I have achieved a 95% success rate in trial cases, underscoring my proficiency in developing compelling arguments and a deep understanding of legal strategies. My dedication to the legal field is further evidenced by my role in negotiating contracts that have secured upward of $30 million in business ventures for our clients.

My recent accomplishments include leading a team that secured a landmark $5 million settlement in a high-profile commercial litigation case, reflecting my capability to handle significant legal challenges and my commitment to achieving client goals. Furthermore, I have increased client retention by 40% through meticulous attention to client needs and fostering trustful relationships.

I am particularly drawn to Carter & Goldstein LLP because of its reputation for fostering professional development and its commitment to social justice issues, areas I am passionately involved with. I am keen to bring my background in these areas into the collaborative environment that Carter & Goldstein LLP is known for.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and am eager to bring my skills in legal analysis, team leadership and strategic planning to Carter & Goldstein LLP. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your firm’s continued success and growth.

Thank you for considering my application. I hope to bring my hands-on experience and positive results to your team at Carter & Goldstein LLP. I am looking forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Angelina Watson

Format your lawyer cover letter

It’s crucial to present your cover letter with impeccable formatting and accuracy to ensure it leaves a lasting impression on law firm recruiters. A well-organized letter not only reflects your professionalism but also makes it easier for recruiters to quickly grasp your qualifications and legal expertise, boosting your chances of making it to the interview stage.

Here are some formatting tips to help you craft a standout cover letter for a legal position:

Font style and size: Opt for clean, professional fonts like Times New Roman or Georgia. For the best readability, keep your font size between 10-12 points.
Spacing: Maintain clear readability by using consistent spacing throughout your cover letter, ideally with line spacing set between 1.15 and 1.5.
Margins and alignment: Align your text to the left to keep your document tidy and use 1-inch margins to frame your content neatly, ensuring your qualifications are displayed clearly.

Choose a lawyer cover letter template

Create your cover letter

Your cover letter is often the first impression you make on potential employers, so selecting a cover letter template that meets industry standards while reflecting your professional demeanor is key. For a legal role, opt for a template that is elegant and understated, avoiding overly elaborate designs that could detract from the seriousness of your application.

Explore our range of cover letter templates tailored for legal professions, and choose one that best showcases your professional personality and solid judgment. To present your application package as cohesive and thorough, choose a resume template that matches your cover letter.

How to write a cover letter for a lawyer

As a legal professional well-versed in the importance of thorough preparation, understanding that 83% of hiring managers value cover letters as a crucial part of the hiring process should inspire you to get to work on building a strong cover letter.

Your cover letter provides the opportunity to add context to the detailed achievements listed on your resume, showcase your skills and explain why you are the perfect candidate for the attorney role.

Here are a few steps to help you create a cover letter that narrates your legal journey and presents your unique capabilities.

Step 1

Review the job description for the lawyer position

Beginning with a tailored cover letter for each specific role is essential. Personalizing your letter not only displays your interest in the position but also shows how your expertise aligns with the firm’s needs. Unlike a resume, a cover letter should directly address the role’s requirements, adding a personal touch that reflects your attention to detail.

Customizing your cover letter can help you navigate any applicant tracking systems (ATS) that law firms might use to screen candidates. These systems scan for keywords relevant to the job description, so including specific terms can make your cover letter more ATS-friendly and ensure it reaches a hiring manager.

Step 2

Include your contact information in the header

Ensure your contact details are easy to find at the top of your cover letter. You should include the following information so that interviewers can easily reach out to you for further discussion:

Your name.
City and state.
Phone number.
Email address.
Relevant links to your professional portfolio or LinkedIn profile, if applicable.

Pro tip

Make sure your email address is professional and matches the one on your resume.

Step 3

Address the hiring manager by name

Personalize your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly. If the job listing lacks contact details, a bit of research into the firm can often reveal the appropriate person to address. This effort shows your initiative and interest in the position.

If finding the specific name proves too difficult, using “Dear Hiring Manager” is a suitable alternative.

Step 4

Introduce yourself in the first paragraph

Kick off your cover letter with a strong introduction that highlights some of your key qualifications right from the start. Regardless of your career stage, your opening paragraph should engage the employer, highlight your legal expertise and quickly demonstrate your value.

Example opening paragraph for a junior attorney:

I am thrilled to apply for the attorney position at [firm name], as advertised in [source]. With a solid foundation in [specific area of law] and a commitment to excellence, I am eager to bring my skills to your esteemed team.

Example opening paragraph for an experienced attorney:

I am writing to express my interest in the attorney position at [firm name]. With over [number] years of experience in [specific areas of law], including notable successes in [specific cases or achievements], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your legal team.

Pro tip

Keep your introduction brief and focused, summarizing your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role in just a few sentences.

Step 5

Explain why you’re the best candidate for the role

The body of your cover letter is your chance to dive into the aspects of your career that you’re most proud of and that align best with the expectations of the role.

Focus on:

Specifying relevant experience: Detail your legal experiences, including specific cases or negotiations that highlight your capabilities. Emphasize your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Highlighting your skill set: Discuss your hard and soft skills, such as litigation expertise, meticulous attention to detail and exceptional interpersonal abilities. Provide examples where you’ve successfully used these skills.
Addressing unique qualifications: Mention any specialized certifications, continuing legal education or unique experiences that set you apart, like expertise in a niche area of law or technology proficiency in legal software.

Example body paragraphs for an attorney cover letter:

During my tenure at [firm name], I led a litigation team in a high-profile commercial lawsuit, which resulted in a favorable settlement that saved our client millions. My approach to combining thorough legal analysis with strategic negotiation tactics was pivotal in this outcome.

In another role at [firm name], I was instrumental in developing compliance strategies that reduced legal risks and enhanced the firm’s reputation for integrity. My efforts resulted in a 35% increase in client trust scores on annual client feedback surveys.

Step 6

Write your cover letter closing

The conclusion of your cover letter should reiterate why you’re the best choice for the role while avoiding repeating information from the body of your letter. Conclude with a paragraph that:

Reinforces your enthusiasm for the position.
Highlights your readiness to handle the responsibilities of the role.
Invites further discussion in an interview.
Thanks the reader for considering your application.

Example closing:

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my legal expertise and proactive approach to [firm name]. I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team’s success and look forward to discussing how my background, skills and enthusiasm align with your firm’s goals. Thank you for considering my application.

Step 7

Sign off professionally

End with a polite signoff like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.

Add a matching resume

Create your resume

A cover letter should act as a complement to a well-written resume. If you don’t have a lawyer resume prepared, it’s time to build one! Just like writing a cover letter, building a strong resume is easier when you have plenty of handy resume examples to inspire you.

Not sure where to start on your resume? You’re not alone! Our AI Resume Builder tool has your back with professional formatting help, text suggestions based on your work history and stylish ATS-friendly templates.

Key takeaways

Explore lawyer cover letter examples

Start by reviewing some attorney cover letter examples to gather insights. Observing how other legal professionals compose their cover letters can inform and refine your own approach.
Highlight essential skills for a lawyer

Focus on key skills necessary for a successful legal career, such as legal research, analysis and case management. It’s equally important to highlight soft skills, including critical thinking, effective communication and attention to detail.
Choose an appropriate lawyer cover letter template

Select a cover letter template that mirrors your professional demeanor. If you’re uncertain about which style to use, opting for a straightforward, clean template is a safe choice.
Keep your introductory paragraph concise

Begin your letter by immediately capturing the reader’s interest. Introduce yourself and quickly express your passion for the legal field and your enthusiasm for the specific attorney position.
Compose detailed body paragraphs

In the body of your cover letter, share specific examples of your legal experiences. Discuss your roles in notable cases, your contribution to team successes and measurable outcomes that demonstrate your effectiveness as a lawyer.
Ensure appropriate formatting

Your cover letter should reflect the meticulous attention to detail that you bring to your professional work. Use traditional fonts, maintain consistent margins and spacing and thoroughly proofread your letter to eliminate any errors.

Resources to help prepare for your interview

Last Updated: June 06, 2024

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.