11 Professional Lawyer Cover Letter Examples for 2024

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Your lawyer cover letter must immediately highlight your expertise in the field. Give concrete examples of your legal successes right from the start. Ensure you showcase your communication skills in writing. Your lawyer cover letter is the first demonstration of your persuasive abilities.

All cover letter examples in this guide

As you dive into the competitive world of law, your lawyer cover letter could be the key to unlocking the doors of your dream job. Writing this crucial document can be daunting, especially when you've learned you need more than a stellar resume to stand out. The secret? Weave a narrative around your proudest legal triumph, and avoid the resume echo. Remember to ditch the clichés for genuine professionalism and keep it succinct at just one page. Let's unlock the formula for a cover letter that lands you the gavel.

Introducing our lawyer cover letter writing advice, which will show you how to ace the initial profile assessment. Make sure to stick around to find:

  • Some inspiration from other professionals' job-winning cover letters;
  • The best structure and format for your lawyer cover letter;
  • Insights on how to write about your best achievement to stand out;
  • A creative twist on your lawyer cover letter intro.

Upload your lawyer resume to Enhancv's AI, which will quickly scan and prepare a job-winning cover letter for you.

Lawyer cover letter example

JAMES JOHNSON

Houston, TX

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@enhancv.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

Navigating the complex terrain of criminal defense requires not just legal acumen but a dedication to justice. Following a rigorous search, your firm's commitment to client advocacy and legal excellence is apparent, resonating deeply with my professional ethos.

At Baker Botts LLP, amidst managing a demanding caseload of 30 cases, I spearheaded a mentorship program that sharpened the skills of our junior associates. This resulted in striking a 95% success rate in court outcomes and a commendable 40% increase in client satisfaction. Notably, the initiative improved associate productivity by 25%, demonstrating a direct correlation between internal mentorship and external success.

I am eager to bring this level of commitment and tangible results to your esteemed team. My approach to law, rooted in both tradition and innovation, positions me to contribute significantly to your firm's continued success. I look forward to discussing how my experiences and achievements align with the needs of your organization.

Sincerely,

JAMES JOHNSON

Senior Lawyer
What makes this cover letter good:


  • Highlighting specific quantifiable achievements such as a "95% success rate in court outcomes" and "40% increase in client satisfaction" provides concrete evidence of past success and capability in the criminal defense arena.
  • Emphasis on leadership and mentoring with the creation of a "mentorship program" showcases management skills and a dedication to improving the team's overall performance, suggesting the candidate will bring added value beyond their individual caseload.
  • The mention of balancing "tradition and innovation" implies an adherence to the best practices of law while also being open to new approaches, which can be relevant and appealing in the dynamic field of law where continuous learning and adaptability are crucial.

What should your lawyer 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 lawyer 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 lawyer cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.

Ensure that both your resume and lawyer 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 lawyer cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.

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The top sections on a lawyer cover letter

  • Header: Includes the applicant’s contact information, the date, and the addressee's details, providing a professional appearance and ensuring that the letter reaches the correct individual.
  • Introduction: A concise statement that clearly articulates the applicant’s interest in the firm and the specific legal position, grabbing the recruiter’s attention and outlining the lawyer's suitability for the job.
  • Experience and Skills Section: A focused overview of the lawyer's relevant legal experience, notable cases, and specialized skills that demonstrate their competency and fit for the role.
  • Career Achievements: Highlighting significant legal accomplishments or high-profile cases managed by the applicant, emphasizing their capability to handle the responsibilities of the position effectively.
  • Closing and Call-to-Action: Politely wrapping up the letter with a reiteration of the applicant's interest and a request for an interview, indicating a proactive and eager approach to joining the legal team.
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Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

  • Strong analytical and research skills: Lawyers need to be able to analyze complex legal concepts and case law to build strong arguments and strategies.

  • Attention to detail: Precision is vital in legal documents and contracts, as small oversights can have significant legal implications.

  • Persuasive communication: Effectively arguing cases in court and negotiating settlements require persuasive oral and written communication skills.

  • Ethical integrity: Lawyers must adhere to strict ethical standards and confidentiality, maintaining trust and professionalism in all legal matters.

  • Resilience under pressure: The legal field often involves high-stakes situations and tight deadlines, making stress management and resilience valuable traits.

  • Relevant legal experience: Previous work in a particular area of law (e.g., intellectual property, criminal defense, corporate law) is highly desirable, indicating the candidate can handle job-specific responsibilities.

The lawyer cover letter salutation: how to address hiring managers

After covering the format of your lawyer cover letter, let's look at the salutation.

Back in the day, the cordial "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", might have worked out fine.

But, nowadays, your cover letter should approach hiring managers on a more personal basis.

So, what to do about your cover letter salutation?

If you've messaged the recruiters and are on a first name basis or a more formal one, use the hiring manager's name in the greeting (e.g. "Dear Sophie," "Dear Ms. Givens", or "Dear Mr. Everett,").

Always aim to make the effort to find out the name of the hiring manager, who'd be assessing your application. Search on LinkedIn, double-check the advert on the corporate website, or message the brand on social media to find out more about the role.

If you can't find the hiring manager's name (and still want to sound professional), use "Dear HR Team,", "Dear Hiring Manager,", or the likes.

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List of salutations you can use

  • Dear [Name of the Hiring Manager or Partner],
  • Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name],
  • Dear Hiring Committee,
  • Esteemed Members of the [Name of the Firm/Department],
  • Dear Members of the Selection Committee,
  • Dear [Name of the Department] Team,

Using your lawyer cover letter intro to show your dedication

We know just how difficult it is to start writing your lawyer cover letter introduction.

There are so many great qualities you have as a professional, which one should you choose?

How about writing up to two sentences about your passion and commitment to the work you do or are set to do?

Try to describe exactly what you enjoy about the potential role.

A positive attitude from the get-go will help you stand out as a motivated lawyer professional.

Intro Paragraph
I am deeply impressed by the pioneering legal strategies your firm has employed in landmark intellectual property cases, reflecting a level of innovative thinking that aligns perfectly with my professional approach and expertise. Joining such a forward-thinking team presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the dynamic, precedent-setting work that has become your firm’s hallmark.
RIGHT

How to write an achievement-focused lawyer cover letter body

We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your lawyer cover letter - the body.

In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.

What better way to do this than by storytelling?

And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.

Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.

Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.

Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.

The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.

Body Paragraph
In a landmark case for a non-profit organization, I spearheaded a legal team that overturned a discriminatory housing ordinance. Leveraging strategic litigation and stakeholder engagement, we achieved a unanimous verdict, positively impacting 500+ families. This underscores my adeptness at civil rights law and negotiation, key assets for the Equal Justice Initiative.
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Ending your lawyer cover letter: a closing paragraph with a promise

If you're thinking of finishing your lawyer cover letter with a "Sincerely yours" or "Thanks for the consideration," you need to read on.

End the final paragraph of your lawyer cover letter with a twist:

  • a promise - of how you'd grow as a professional, part of the company, or improve organizational metrics;
  • a call to action - prompt interviewers with some follow-up actions if they are interested in your profile.

A personalized ending would surely help you to stand out by being a memorable candidate.

Closing Paragraph
I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your firm’s needs and to learn more about the position during an interview.
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Keep this in mind when writing your zero experience lawyer cover letter

Even though you may not have any professional experience, your lawyer cover letter should focus on your value.

As a candidate for the particular role, what sort of skills do you bring about? Perhaps you're an apt leader and communicator, or have the ability to analyze situations from different perspectives.

Select one key achievement from your life, outside work, and narrate a story that sells your abilities in the best light.

If you really can't think of any relevant success, you could also paint the picture of how you see your professional future developing in the next five years, as part of the company.

Key takeaways

We hope this lawyer cover letter writing guide has shown you how to:

  • Format your lawyer cover letter with the mandatory sections (e.g. header, greeting, intro, body, and closing) and select the right font (P.S. It should be the same as the one you've used for your resume);
  • Substitute your lack of professional experience with your most noteworthy achievement, outside of work, or your dreams and passions;
  • Ensure recruiters have a more personalized experience by tailoring your cover letter not just to the role, but to them (e.g. writing their first/last name in the salutation, etc.);
  • Introducing your biggest achievement and the skills it has taught you in your lawyer cover letter body;
  • Write no more than two sentences in your lawyer cover letter introduction to set the right tone from the get-go.

Lawyer cover letter examples

Explore additional lawyer cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

By Role

Corporate Lawyer

When applying for an entry-level Corporate Lawyer position, it's essential to emphasize your legal knowledge and experience from internships or clerkships. Focus on detailing your understanding of corporate law, including any experience with mergers and acquisitions or compliance issues. If you've passed the bar exam, note this achievement. Use specific examples to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, particularly in legal research and document drafting, using a 'situation-action-outcome' structure. Highlight any legal software proficiency to showcase your readiness for the technical aspects of the job.
View Corporate Lawyer Cover Letter

Criminal Lawyer

When targeting a position as a Criminal Lawyer, stress your legal knowledge and case management competencies. Emphasize courtroom experience, if any, including internships or mock trial participation. Important skills to highlight include strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to construct persuasive arguments. If you have taken specialized courses like 'Criminal Law Procedures' or have interned at a law firm, detail these experiences. Using the 'challenge-action-result' framework, showcase instances where your legal acumen directly contributed to a successful case outcome.
View Criminal Lawyer Cover Letter

Employment Lawyer

When seeking an Employment Lawyer position, stress your familiarity with employment law, including any internships at law firms or experiences with labor disputes. Mention your advocacy skills and proficiency in drafting legal documents. If you've taken specialized courses such as 'Employment Law Practices' or 'Dispute Resolution', be sure to include them. Demonstrate how you've applied your legal knowledge effectively in past scenarios using a 'context-action-result' framework, to show clear outcomes like resolved cases or successful negotiations.
View Employment Lawyer Cover Letter

Immigration Lawyer

When drafting your cover letter for an Immigration Lawyer position, emphasize your legal experience, particularly in immigration law. Stress your proficiency in legal research, along with any successful case results you've achieved. Highlight your knowledge of immigration policy and your sensitivity to cultural matters. Detail your language skills if applicable. Illustrate your dedication through continuing legal education credits or participation in seminars on immigration law. Use a 'situation-action-outcome' framework to show how your interventions have positively impacted your clients' cases.
View Immigration Lawyer Cover Letter

Litigation Lawyer

Aspiring to be a Litigation Lawyer, it is crucial to underscore any previous legal internships or moot court experiences. Exceptional analytical and research skills are essential. If you’ve participated in legal workshops or hold degrees such as 'Juris Doctor', emphasize these, stating timelines to demonstrate dedication. Offer instances where your legal acumen has positively influenced cases, using a 'situation-task-outcome' format to convey how your expertise can be a formidable asset to a law firm.
View Litigation Lawyer Cover Letter

M&A Lawyer

When seeking a position as an M&A Lawyer, it's essential to spotlight your legal qualifications and experience with mergers and acquisitions. Outline your expertise in due diligence, contract negotiation, and compliance. Highlight your ability to manage complex transactions and your intricate understanding of corporate law. If you've been part of significant M&A cases, detail your role and the impact of the result. Use a 'situation-task-action-result' framework to succinctly showcase your direct contribution to M&A successes.
View M&A Lawyer Cover Letter

Patent Lawyer

When targeting a position as a Patent Lawyer, it's essential to showcase your knowledge of intellectual property law. Highlight your Juris Doctor degree, admission to the state bar, and specifically your USPTO registration number, if applicable. Detail your experience with patent drafting, prosecution, and litigation. Discuss instances where you've successfully protected a client's inventions or navigated complex IP disputes, using a 'challenge-action-outcome' narrative. Mention any technical background, if you have one, as it aligns with understanding patentable technology.
View Patent Lawyer Cover Letter

Personal Injury Lawyer

For a Personal Injury Lawyer position, stress your case management experience and knowledge of tort law. Showcase your negotiation skills and ability to settle cases effectively. Mention any legal internships or clinics you've participated in, specifying their duration to demonstrate hands-on experience. Include instances where your advocacy led to successful client outcomes, applying a 'challenge-strategy-outcome' format to underscore your legal prowess and the positive impact you've made on clients' lives. Highlight your commitment to ethical practice and client representation.
View Personal Injury Lawyer Cover Letter

Real Estate Lawyer

When seeking a position as a Real Estate Lawyer, underscore your expertise in property law and any experience with real estate transactions. You should detail your understanding of contract law, zoning, and land use policies. If you have interned at a law firm or volunteered in legal aid clinics focusing on real estate, mention this involvement and its duration. Illustrate how your legal proficiency successfully navigated clients through complex property deals, using a 'situation-tactics-outcome' framework to demonstrate tangible success cases.
View Real Estate Lawyer Cover Letter

Trial Lawyer

When applying for a Trial Lawyer position, showcase your courtroom experience and knowledge of legal procedures. Detail your analytical and research skills, as well as your ability to build compelling arguments. If you participated in mock trials or interned at law firms, highlight these experiences. Discuss your successful case results using a 'situation-strategy-outcome' framework, and if you've specialized in a type of law, emphasize your expertise and relevant successes to illustrate your readiness for the role.
View Trial Lawyer Cover Letter
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Volen Vulkov
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He applies his deep knowledge and experience to write about a career change, development, and how to stand out in the job application process.
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