Embarking on the job hunt, you've likely encountered the necessity of an associate attorney cover letter. Crafting this document can be daunting, especially considering its purpose extends beyond echoing your resume. Your cover letter should weave a compelling narrative around your crowning professional achievement, eschewing clichés while maintaining a formal tone. Remember, brevity is key—aim for a single page that showcases the best of your legal prowess to potential employers.
- Step your best foot forward in the associate attorney cover letter introduction;
- Be inspired by other professionals' certified cover letters;
- Structure your associate attorney cover letter to feature what matters most;
- Close off your associate attorney cover letter to make a memorable impression on recruiters.
But where to start writing? Upload your resume into Enhancv's AI, which will prepare your associate attorney cover letter (all you need to do is personalize it, and you'll be good to go).
If the associate attorney isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Associate Attorney cover letter example
Taylor Foster
Austin, Texas
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Customization to the company: The letter addresses specific values and standards of the firm, showing that the applicant has researched the company and is aware of what they stand for.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The applicant provides a concrete example of how they have added value in their previous role, including the precise impact they had on reducing financial exposure by 45%.
- Relevant Experience: It clearly identifies relevant experience in insurance defense litigation, which is likely a key requirement for the role in question.
- Call to Action: The letter finishes with an invitation for a meeting, indicating the applicant's proactive approach and interest in discussing the potential of working together.
What should your associate attorney cover letter look like - formatting and organizing your information
Have you ever wondered what are the must-have sections you need to include in your associate attorney cover letter? Our builder sets those up for you with:
- Header - dedicated to your contact information, the role you're applying for, and the date (don't forget to include your name);
- Greeting and opening paragraph - to create a personalized and memorable experience for recruiters;
- Body paragraph - emphasizing your skill set and knowledge that aligns with the role and helps you to stand out;
- Closing paragraph - leaving a great impression and ending with an optional signature.
Use a cover letter template to discover the best formatting for your associate attorney cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.
Ensure that both your resume and associate attorney cover letter are in the same font. Stand apart from the crowd by using modern, yet simple fonts, like Chivo and Rubik, instead of the overused Arial and Times New Roman.
Did you know that the Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your associate attorney cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.
The top sections on a associate attorney cover letter
- Header: The header includes your contact information and date, ensuring the recruiter can easily identify and get in touch with you.
- Opening Greeting: Tailoring the greeting with the recruiter's name, if possible, shows attention to detail and a personalized approach, essential for a legal professional.
- Introduction: Introduce yourself with a concise statement of who you are, the position you are applying for, and why you are interested in this particular law firm, demonstrating your targeted commitment.
- Body of the Letter: Detail your legal experience, highlight relevant skills, and showcase specific achievements or cases pertinent to the associate attorney role, proving your capability and readiness for the position.
- Closing Section: End with a strong closing statement, reiterating your interest and suggesting the next steps, such as an interview, while thanking the recruiter for their time, reflecting professionalism and courtesy.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
Strong legal research and writing skills: Recruiters look for candidates who can effectively conduct legal research and draft compelling legal documents, as this is a foundational aspect of an associate attorney's role.
Attention to detail: The ability to meticulously review and analyze complex legal documents is crucial to avoid errors that could have significant legal implications.
Effective communication skills: Being articulate both in writing and speaking is essential for client interactions, court appearances, and collaboration with legal teams.
Experience in relevant law areas: Prior experience in practice areas relevant to the firm's focus is highly valued as it indicates the candidate can contribute immediately with minimal training.
Strong academic credentials: A strong academic record from a reputable law school often correlates with the analytical and intellectual capabilities required for the role.
Professional ethics and integrity: Upholding the legal profession's ethical standards is non-negotiable, as trustworthiness is a cornerstone of legal practice.
Kick off your associate attorney cover letter: the salutation or greeting
When writing your associate attorney cover letter, remember that you're not writing for some complex AI or robot, but for actual human beings.
And recruiters, while on the lookout to understand your experience, would enjoy seeing a cover letter that is tailored to the role and addresses them. Personally.
So, if you haven't done so, invest some time in finding out who's the hiring manager for the role you're applying to. A good place to start would be LinkedIn and the corporate website.
Alternatively, you could also get in touch with the company to find out more information about the role and the name of the recruiter.
If you haven't met the hiring manager, yet, your associate attorney cover letter salutation should be on a last-name basis (e.g. "Dear Mr. Donaldson" or "Dear Ms. Estephan").
A good old, "Dear HR Professional" (or something along those lines) could work as your last resort if you're struggling to find out the recruiter's name.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
- Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
- Dear [Hiring Committee],
- Dear [Firm Name] Team,
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Department Name] Team,
Your associate attorney cover letter intro: showing your interest in the role
On to the actual content of your associate attorney cover letter and the introductory paragraph.
The intro should be no more than two sentences long and presents you in the best light possible.
Use your associate attorney cover letter introduction to prove exactly what interests you in the role or organization. Is it the:
- Company culture;
- Growth opportunities;
- Projects and awards the team worked on/won in the past year;
- Specific technologies the department uses.
When writing your associate attorney cover letter intro, be precise and sound enthusiastic about the role.
Your introduction should hint to recruiters that you're excited about the opportunity and that you possess an array of soft skills, e.g. motivation, determination, work ethic, etc.
What comes next: your associate attorney cover letter middle paragraphs
In the next three to six paragraphs (or the body of your associate attorney cover letter) you have to prove your unique value.
Most candidates tend to mess up at this stage. They tend to just copy-paste information from their resume.
That's one big no-no.
Remember that when writing your associate attorney cover letter, it has to be personalized. And, your ultimate aim is to catch the recruiter's eye.
So, look back on key job requirements and write down a list that includes the ones you cover.
Next, select just one key achievement from your professional (or personal) history that meets those advert keywords.
Narrate a story around how you've grown your skill set and knowledge. Also, aim to show the unique understanding or soft skills you bring about, thanks to your past success.
Thinking about the closing paragraph of your associate attorney cover letter
Before your signature, you have extra space to close off your associate attorney cover letter.
Use it to either make a promise or look to the future.
Remind recruiters how invaluable of a candidate you are by showing what you plan to achieve in the role.
Also, note your availability for a potential next meeting (in person or over the telephone).
By showing recruiters that you're thinking about the future, you'd come off as both interested in the opportunity and responsible.
What could you write about in your associate attorney cover letter when you have no experience
Candidates with zero professional experience often struggle to write their associate attorney cover letter.
You may lack experience, but your application could still be impressive when you focus on your strengths.
Consider your most relevant talents (and/or one achievement) that align with the role and help you stand out.
Perhaps you spent every summer volunteering at your local dog pound - think of the job-relevant skills this experience taught you.
Sharing your tangible career goals is another good strategy to stand out.
Key takeaways
Creating your associate attorney cover letter should be a personalized experience for the role and the recruiter, where you:
- Format your cover letter using the same ATS-friendly font (e.g. Railway) as you did for your resume;
- Greet recruiters, using their name, and follow up with two sentences to introduce yourself, your interest in the role, and to stand out;
- Map out one key success from your career (or life) that has taught you job-crucial skills;
- Substitute your lack of experience with an achievement from your internships, degrees, or volunteering gigs;
- End with a promise for your potential or your availability for an interview.
